Chronic back pain and depression are two of the most common health problems encountered by doctors.

Depression is by far the most common emotion associated with chronic back pain; this type of depression goes beyond the usual sadness and can include a variety of symptoms including poor appetite or significant weight loss.

Sleep problems can also occur ranging from not enough sleep to too much sleep.
Feeling sluggish.
Loss of interest.
Decrease in sex drive.
Feeling of worthlessness or guilt.
Concentration problems.

In a recent study it was found that the rate of major depression increased in a linear fashion with greater pain severity. (Curries and Wang 2004)

Depression is much more common in-patients with chronic back problems than patients with acute short-term pain.

A person with chronic back pain usually suffers from any of these symptoms listed below:

• Difficulty sleeping due to pain.
• Social isolation as movement is restricted and painful meaning patients tend to spend more and more time at home alone.
• Financial difficulties can occur and an inability to move could result in time off work.
• Chronic back pain means that usually the patient is prescribed painkillers which may have side effects.
• A constant pain can cause memory or concentration difficulties.

Patients with chronic back pain report that they have limitations in family and social life. These restrictions include limitation on patients to do household chores, take care of children and also leisure activities.