10/14/2025
Chronic pain and depression often exist together, and create a bidirectional relationship. Chronic pain can worsen depression, and depression can increase chronic pain. Depression and its effects on activity, sleep, and inflammation can amplify chronic pain, and create a self-reinforcing cycle. Researchers have determined that up to 40% of people who experience chronic pain also experience depression. Chronic pain isn’t merely a symptom. It impacts the brain, immune system, stress-response system, and the gut microbiome. The nervous system can adapt in ways that increase pain sensitivity and negative emotional states. Brain imaging and neuroplasticity researchers have determined that structural and functional changes can occur in areas that process pain and mood.
In addition, chronic pain can be a prolonged stressor that encourages the body to remain in Sympathetic Nervous System (“fight or flight”) mode. Over time, that persistent stress response can trigger dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body’s stress hormone system. At times, this can produce abnormal cortisol rhythms, in addition to a state of low-grade chronic stress. HPA-axis dysfunction and chronic stress increase inflammatory signaling in the brain.
A growing body of research points to immune activation and low-grade inflammation as a common biological thread between chronic pain and depression. Persistent pain can encourage the immune system to remain activated due to higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, which in turn, can create neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain). This process can affect the brain and alter mood, motivation, sleep, and cognition, all of which are common features of depression. Gut microbiome dysbiosis is an imbalance of the microorganisms that live within the gut, and dysbiosis can play a role in both chronic pain and depression.
Chronic pain changes the balance and signaling of key neurotransmitters involved in mood and reward. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are neurotransmitters which help to regulate mood, and play a role in pain modulation. Chronic pain is associated with altered serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine signaling through the Central Nervous System pathways which can either inhibit or promote pain signals. Some antidepressants can boost these neurotransmitters, and be beneficial when chronic pain exists. Changes in dopamine can reduce reward sensitivity and lead to a loss of pleasure known as anhedonia. The endocannabinoid system can also be affected. Shared neurotransmitters and biochemical pathways, especially those involving pain-modulating systems help to explain why depression is diagnosed so frequently in individuals who experience chronic pain.
When chronic pain and depression are combined, this may lead to:
• Hopelessness
• Low motivation
• Loss of pleasure
• Persistent sadness
• Anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Sleep problems
• Fatigue
• Catastrophizing (the exaggeration of negative events)
**If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider. Your life has value, and you are precious. Depression is treatable, and early intervention can improve outcomes. Even when long-standing depression has existed, there is hope for recovery and better tomorrows. Treatments often need to be combined and custom tailored using a holistic approach that includes medication(s), counseling, increasing activity slowly and gently, and positive nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Ray of Hope Chronic Pain Recovery Support provides an affordable, online 3-month nutrition, health, and lifestyle education program to help you reduce inflammation, and decrease your level of chronic pain. During this program, you will:
*Explore the known root causes of chronic pain amplification.
*Discover how to improve your energy by supporting your mitochondrial health, cellular health, and metabolic health.
*Receive science-based nutrition, health, and lifestyle information.
*Learn how to implement The Foundational Building Blocks of Health within your life.
*Gain strategies for your success!
*Be provided with the compassionate encouragement and personalized support you need to make positive changes.
SMALL GROUP AND PRIVATE CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE
We'd love to connect with you to provide the information, hope, and the compassionate support you need to reduce your level of chronic pain, and improve your quality of life. There is hope for better tomorrows!
Book your FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION to meet online, and ask questions at no charge. Click on the website link today!
https://chronicpainrecoverysupport.com/
Chronic Pain Recovery Support created to help you reduce your chronic pain level. Program is suitable for individuals with all levels of mobility, ability, or disability