Treatment for Pain-Related Anxiety
Physical and mental health are always connected. When you are suffering from chronic pain, it is not only a physical problem. Your brain must find ways to cope with the pain and the impacts on your life. For many patients living with chronic pain from arthritis, MS, fibromyalgia and other disorders, anxiety can become an associated pain related mood condition. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, we offer treatment for pain-related anxiety at our facility in San Leandro, CA.
Why Does Chronic Pain Cause Anxiety?
Chronic pain and mood disorders like anxiety are often experienced together. Not only can pain be felt more intensely by those with a mood disorder, but chronic pain conditions can lead to mood disorders like anxiety. Some of this is due to the psychological aspects – chronic pain can be emotionally and mentally frustrating, which can lead to mental health issues. However, there is more evidence that there are also biological or physical reasons that chronic pain sufferers may experience anxiety disorders.
The mechanisms in the brain and nervous system that react to chronic pain are similar to those that react to mood disorders. This intersection within the nervous system can lead to higher risk for anxiety disorders in those with chronic pain conditions. Pain-related anxiety disorders can include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- OCD
- Panic disorder
- PTSD
Realizing that your mood disorder may be connected to your chronic pain is the first step to finding the right treatment. At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, we offer treatment for both your chronic pain and the related anxiety disorder.
Relief for Pain and Anxiety
Our multidisciplinary approach to managing chronic pain and related anxiety sets us apart from many medical care facilities. We have a wide range of treatment modalities that we utilize at our clinics, with physicians and therapists from many disciplines working together to improve our patients’ physical, emotional and mental health. Treatment for pain-related anxiety may include multiple pain management therapies, as well as behavioral or psychotherapy and medication for anxiety.
If you have OCD, PTSD or other anxiety disorders that may be associated with your chronic pain, come see us at Allied Pain & Spine Institute. We offer well-rounded treatment plans to encompass pain and anxiety management. Contact our clinic in San Leandro, CA, to schedule your appointment.