The Impact of Untreated Depression on Chronic Pain: Why Dual Treatment Matters

Chronic pain and depression often go hand in hand, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. When left untreated, depression can intensify physical pain, making it harder for individuals to manage their daily lives. At Thunder Pain and Wellness, we understand the complex relationship between mental health and chronic pain. We offer innovative treatments like SPRAVATO® (esketamine) and Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusion Therapy to help address both conditions simultaneously.
 

The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Depression

Chronic pain is more than just a physical experience—it affects mental well-being, often leading to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. Research has shown that individuals with persistent pain are more likely to develop depressive disorders, and conversely, those with depression tend to experience heightened pain sensitivity. This bidirectional relationship can make standard pain treatments less effective if underlying depression is not also addressed.
 

When depression goes untreated in patients with chronic pain, it can lead to:

• Increased pain perception and reduced pain tolerance

• Poor sleep quality, which exacerbates both pain and mood disorders

• Loss of motivation to engage in physical therapy or other pain management strategies

• Higher reliance on pain medications, increasing the risk of dependence

• A diminished quality of life, affecting personal relationships and daily activities
   

Why Dual Treatment Matters

Traditional pain management approaches, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, may not fully address the emotional and psychological toll of chronic pain. Treating depression alongside chronic pain can provide significant relief and improve overall outcomes.
 

At Thunder Pain and Wellness, we offer SPRAVATO® and Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusion Therapy, two groundbreaking treatments that have shown promising results in individuals struggling with both chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression.
 

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) for Depression and Pain Management

SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved nasal spray designed for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, SPRAVATO® works rapidly, often delivering improvements in mood within hours to days.
 

In addition to its benefits for depression, SPRAVATO® has been shown to have pain-modulating properties, making it a valuable option for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, including neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
 

Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine infusion therapy is a highly effective option for patients dealing chronic pain. At subanesthetic doses, ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system, helping to reduce pain perception and improve mood regulation. This therapy has been widely studied for its ability to:

• Provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms

• Alleviate neuropathic and inflammatory pain

• Reduce reliance on opioids and other pain medications

• Enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to heal and function more effectively
   

Finding Relief at Thunder Pain and Wellness

If you are struggling with chronic pain and depression, addressing both conditions together can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. We take a comprehensive approach to pain management, integrating advanced treatments like SPRAVATO® and Subanesthetic Ketamine Infusion Therapy to help patients regain control of their lives.
 

Don’t let the cycle of chronic pain and depression dictate your quality of life. Contact Thunder Pain and Wellness to learn more about our innovative treatments and how they can help you find relief. Visit our office in Reno, Nevada, or call (775) 254-7400 to schedule a consultation today.