You’ve had neck and back pain for a while, and it just doesn’t seem to go away.

Everything you can think of to treat the pain doesn’t work. Medications, massage, even yoga just don’t seem to work.

Did it ever occur to you that the source of the pain could actually be in your mind?

Yes, in your mind.

It could be that what you are actually, in reality, experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms that manifest themselves as medical problems.

This is more common than you think. And the heartbreaking reality is that many of these issues are misdiagnosed, which means the treatment the sufferer receives won’t help with the actual problem.

Let’s consider how this masquerade happens a bit more in detail.

Common Anxiety or Depression Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms that on the surface would appear to be medically-related but can actually be connected to depression or anxiety.

For example:

  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches and pain
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach problems
  • Frequent urination

When you think about it, everyone from time-to-time has a headache, nausea, or any of the other symptoms mentioned above. One of the keys is that when these symptoms are due to depression and anxiety, they are persistent and not just the occasional headache.

When Anxiety and Depression Are the “Canary in the Coal Mine”

The old phrase “canary in the coal mine” refers to when something is a warning sign for a much bigger problem. So, sometimes, mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression symptoms, can actually be a warning for much more serious medical problems.

For example, research is finding that mental health symptoms can be connected to the onset of Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, these symptoms can show up years before the physical condition manifests itself.

Other examples include:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Heart attacks
  • Lung cancer
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Pancreatic cancer

The Link Between the Body and Mind

It may sound like this is coming from the left-field, but there really is a link between our mental health and physical health. The two do not operate independently from one another. Both influence the other.

However, we usually don’t realize that this is happening and wind up getting misdiagnosed.

Thus, as noted above, you could be trying to have your physical ailments heal, when in actuality the root source of the problem is in your mind. Or, on the flip side, mental health problems that you are experiencing, such as anxiety or depression, could, in reality, be the just the tip of the iceberg.

So, What Should You Do?

First, it’s important to keep in mind that just because you have some neck pain or have been feeling down for a day or two, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

Certainly, if you have had problems for more than a couple of weeks, you should see your medical practitioner. Ideally, one who is familiar with the link between both mental and physical health.

There are also some practical steps you can take, such as:

  • Identify and reduce/eliminate sources of stress in your life
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Exercise
  • Limit your intake of caffeine
  • Take a holiday from social media
  • Create more meaningful connections with friends and family

Getting Help from a Therapist

Of course, a therapist can’t diagnosed a physical problem. However, they can be helpful with identifying mental and emotional issues, such as anxiety or depression.

With a therapist, you can learn how to control your anxiety better, or even learn why you became depressed in the first place. Additionally, they can help you develop tools that you can use to keep these issues in check.

We are learning more and more every day about how our minds and bodies are interconnected. When we understand this dynamic it makes more sense how our mental health can both affect and be affected by our bodies, and vice versa.

If this sounds like you, make healthy lifestyle choices and get professional help to treat your anxiety or depression symptoms. Please, click HERE to learn more about my approach to depression and anxiety treatment.