Many people who suffer from depression also find that they are suffering from joint pain as well; in fact, joint pain related to depression can be mistaken for arthritis if the sufferer hasn't come to terms with the fact that he or she is depressed.

It's not well understood why it is that those who are depressed suffer from arthritis like symptoms including the joint pain. Some researchers and doctors believe that it is because the pain indicators in the brain and spinal cord get twisted up and the body sends messages that it is physically hurting to mirror the emotional state of the person. Other people believe that the hormone imbalance which can cause depression in some people also contributes to joint pain. And there is the fact that when you are depressed, you don't want to do things like exercise, eat well, or take care of yourself, which will make your body feel tired and achy.

There is work being done to find the connection between joint pain and depression, but of course it doesn't go swiftly and many researchers have dissenting views on the matter. What most sufferers care about though is that while they are feeling emotionally sore and tired, they will also feel physically sore and tired which makes many sufferers feel even worse about themselves and there's a downward spiral.

If you think you are suffering from chronic pain and depression, it's important to see a doctor to find out what could be causing what. You could have arthritis which is making you feel emotionally drained and depressed or you could be depressed which is making you feel pained. Either way, it has been found that taking antidepressants helps both the depression and the joint pain, so make sure to stick with what your doctor prescribes. You should also try exercising gently and eating healthy foods; these things will reduce joint pain and make you feel better, which will help with the depression as well as the pain.

The link between depression and joint pain isn't clear yet, but for sufferers of depression, the results are there for all to see: pain, irritability, difficulty moving and even more depression because of it. It's important to seek help when you think you have joint pain and depression because a doctor can help you get back on your feet and hopefully get rid of your joint pain for you.