My mother has both chronic back pain and a problem with depression. We keep trying to get her to increase her activity thinking it would help both problems. How can we tell which one of these problems is keeping her so down?

According to experts, pain and depression often do go together. Which came first isn’t always clear. Some scientists think that people with a significant mood disorder such as depression are more likely to develop pain. And the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

Others suggest that anyone with chronic pain bad enough to keep them from doing their daily activities will lead to depression. Who wouldn’t be depressed when pain keeps you from doing even the smallest of daily tasks?

A recent study from the New York Psychiatric Institute is starting to put a dollar figure on the high cost of treating patients who are depressed. It turns out that medical costs are on average 2.33 times higher for patients with depression. This trend is especially true for patients who also have pain that interferes with daily activities.

You are on the right track with increased activity. Studies show physical activity and exercise are the keys to overcoming both depression and the wide-ranging effects of chronic pain. A membership in the local gym, YMCA, or other health facility may be the best answer. Regular exercise in a social setting can be extremely helpful in these situations.

If the pain is too much for land-based activities, then look for a program with pool therapy or a water-based exercise program.