If you’re depressed, chances are your depression may be worsening your phantom limb pain and/or back pain. (Phantom pain is described as “pain in the limb that is no longer present.”) The loss of a limb can be a potentially disabling condition—coupled with depression, this can be a devastating situation that limits daily function. A recent study done by P. Ephraim, S. Wegener, E. MacKenzie, T. Dillingham, and L. Pezzin examined amputation-related pain and how pain affects daily activities.

They also explored how depression and factors such as age, occupation, marital status, sex, race, income, education, region of the country, location of amputation, length of time since amputation, and prosthetic use affected wellbeing.

Depression was found to play an active role in how intense the experience of pain is among amputees and, furthermore, it was noted that it can severely affect functionality. The results were clear: depression plays a significant role in the intensity of pain for amputees, as well as in how distressing that pain is.

While further study is merited, consult your physician if you think you may be depressed.  It could not only be a step toward better mental health—it could also help with your physical discomfort as well.

For further information: “Phantom pain, residual limb pain, and back pain in amputees: Results of a national survey,” P. Ephraim, MPH; S. Wegener, PhD;  E. MacKenzie, PhD; T. Dillingham, MD; L. Pezzin, PhD., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 86, no. 10, October 2005.