Chronic pain is common; an estimated 20% of primary care visits focus on this problem. With the increasing number or people experiencing chronic pain, finding relief for it has become utmost importance to the medical world. Managing chronic pain is one of the most challenging problems that both physicians and patients face. Extensive diagnostic assessment may shed little light on the etiology of the disorder, leaving both the physician and the patient in an uncomfortable position.

Pain and depression are closely intertwined, strongly hinting at a shared neurophysiology. The latest research has taken into account the usefulness of antidepressant to help ease chronic pain. Clinical evidence suggests that antidepressants exert their beneficial analgesic effect directly, apart from the physiologic mood improvement. This is due to the analgesic effect of antidepressant to the body that can help soothe the pain. Chronic pain management with TCAs can usually be achieved at much lower doses than those typically required for an antidepressant effect.

If proven, this can be a great help to people suffering from chronic pain. A psychological assessment is an important routine step in the development of a chronic pain care plan. Consulting and seeking advice from your doctor is the bets thing to do when dealing with chronic pain.