Cervical Stenosis and Mental Health

Living with cervical stenosis can affect your mood, mainly through pain and the way it changes daily life. Long-lasting (chronic) pain and depression are closely linked: pain can lead to depression, and depression can make pain feel worse. Fear of pain, poor sleep and having to give up activities can all add to anxiety and stress. The good news is that these effects can be treated, and treating them can also make pain easier to manage.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the US, any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (UK: 999).

Can cervical stenosis cause anxiety or depression?

Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. It causes physical symptoms such as neck pain, numbness or tingling that travels down the arms into the hands, and weakness in the hands or arms. The link with anxiety and depression comes mostly from living with these symptoms, especially long-lasting pain. Chronic pain can:

• disturb sleep
• make work harder and bring money worries
• limit time with friends and family, leading to isolation
• lower self-esteem

Depression is very common in people with chronic pain. A personal or family history of depression makes it more likely. Even mild depression can make it harder to manage pain and stay active.

The pain and mood cycle

Pain and mood feed into each other. Pain and fear of pain can lead people to avoid physical and social activities. Over time, that avoidance weakens muscles and relationships and can lead to more pain. Frustration, stress and low mood can then make the pain feel worse again. Doctors call this a vicious cycle.

Can stress make cervical stenosis worse?

Stress doesn't cause cervical stenosis. The most common causes are age-related changes in the spine, such as thickened ligaments, bone spurs and bulging disks, along with arthritis. Some people are also born with a narrow spinal canal.

Stress can, however, make symptoms harder to live with. It raises muscle tension, heart rate and breathing rate, and can cause tiredness, sleep problems and changes in appetite. Your thoughts and feelings also shape how strongly you feel pain.

Signs of depression to look out for

Talk to a doctor if you notice:

• ongoing sadness, anger, hopelessness or feeling worthless
• less energy, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• sleeping much more or less than usual
• big changes in appetite or weight
• trouble concentrating
• thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm (get help straight away)

What helps

Talk therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for chronic pain. A therapist can help you reduce fear of pain, replace unhelpful thoughts, adapt to changes in daily life, and keep up relationships and activities you enjoy. Talk therapy can help both pain and depression.

Medicines

Some antidepressants can relieve both pain and depression. Your doctor can tell you whether one might suit you alongside your other treatment.

Staying active

Physical activity and exercise can help both pain and mood. With cervical stenosis, ask your doctor or physical therapist which movements are safe for your neck. See non-surgical treatments and daily management tips.

Stress reduction

Meditation, relaxation techniques, journaling and learning coping skills may help.

Pain rehabilitation programs

These programs bring together medical and mental health care in one team.

A combination of these approaches often works best.

When cervical stenosis needs urgent attention

Some physical symptoms need prompt care. Get medical help right away if you develop new problems controlling your bladder or bowels, or quickly worsening weakness, clumsiness or trouble walking. See severe cervical stenosis for more.

When to get help for your mood

Talk to your doctor if you think you may be depressed or are finding it hard to cope with your emotions. It's best to ask for help early. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the US. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the ER.