[vanessa22]

So, lets just start off with saying that I have a multitude of problems.. I have an eating disorder, I think I have OCD and a bit of ADHD. I also, know I have extreme back pain. Everyday, my back hurts. REAL bad, I cant even perform normal daily things without being in agony, sometimes its hard to even stand. I've been struggling with my eating disorder, and my doctor says ive been having signs of depression, and thinks I would benefit from an anti-depressant. I agree, I have been showing signs of depression.. but I don't believe DEPRESSION is the source, its just a result. I get depressed because I am in pain all the time. My adhd and ocd symptoms' are worse, because of my pain I believe. I can never just SIT DOWN and relax, because it hurts ..I can never get comfortable because there is usually always a stabbing pain somewhere no mater which way I sit. My depression of corse does not help me in my recovery from an eating disorder.. I believe my back pain would help with my depression.. So im thinking...take care of my back pain is a good first step. ? He told me that Cymbalta not only is for depression and anxiety (oh ya I have a bit of that too) it is also for pain. I am nervous and weary about being on ..PILLS. Drugs-anti-depressants. its a big deal to me. I would love for other peoples opinions... I am willing to give medication a try, if I know it will relieve my back pain.... depression

[Leed]

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

[Chrain]

These links might give you a little more info
Tricyclic Antidepressants for Pain Treatment
Antidepressants: Another weapon against chronic pain - MayoClinic.com.

Also remember pain can be depressing and depression magnifies pain. If you find yourself stuck in that cycle taking something to "break" it up might help

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Chrain

These links might give you a little more info
Tricyclic Antidepressants for Pain Treatment
Antidepressants: Another weapon against chronic pain - MayoClinic.com.

Also remember pain can be depressing and depression magnifies pain. If you find yourself stuck in that cycle taking something to "break" it up might help

I do not have pain, but I do take amitriptyline (Elavil) as a sleep medicine. It is an old tricyclic AD, but in low doses it works as a muscle relaxant and thus promotes sleep. It also helps prevent migraines, though not 100%. All in all, I cannot say enough good things about the medicine, which comes without side effects.

It is possible that its muscle relaxant effect would help you. Worth a try! It costs 10$ a month without insurance.

[vanessa22]

Originally Posted by Leed

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

Im gona seriously consider asking for an mri first before going on any thing..

[Sam2]

Anti-depressants are often perscribed as part of a drug regiment for people with chronic pain. Some of the new anti-depressants have the side effect of pain relief, but usually they are perscribed because chronic pain causes depression. Your Dr. is trying to keep that from making the problems worse.

I've been a patient at a local pain management clinic for years, and although my body can't tolerate the anti-depressants, several of the patients that go there are on anti-depressants as part of their treatment. Don't take it personally. I don't think your Dr. is ignoring your main problem, pain, he is just trying to avoid or treat as many secondary problems as possible to make life a little easier for you.

Sam2