My spine is in horrible shape and I've had 3 surgeries. Please take my word for it that Cymbalta does NOT help spinal pain.

I do take Cymbalta for depression and it works ok for that.

What you need is an MRI with and without contrast material to see what is wrong with your spine. You could have issues with the discs in your spine. X-rays will NOT show the discs because discs are soft tissue and X-rays show only bone. So PRESS your doctor for an MRI -- you're right in that chronic pain causes depression. Your doctor should know that. Once your pain is addressed, your depression will probably ease.

If he won't order an MRI, I'd go to a different doctor. He should know better. In fact, when you complained about the back, he should have ordered the MRi at that time. But give him a chance, and tell him you want the MRI.

I wish you the very best. And do us a favor? Let us know what happens, ok? We DO care what happens to you. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee