You will most likely see an increase in function first and pain reduction may occur simultaneously, or in the weeks or months which follow with continued therapy on your own. Remember, you are ultimately involved with your own recovery and are more likely to improve if you take an active part. They may prove beneficial in the short term to relieve muscle spasm and help with your therapy but are not a long term solution. There is no substitute for physical therapy and proper muscle conditioning to prevent muscle spasm. I m not depressed.
Antidepressants are beneficial in treating specific pain syndromes.
This single medication has many qualities desirable to treat pain. They have effects as muscle relaxants, improve our ability to sleep at night, and modulate neurotransmitters which are involved in pain processing at low doses which are not used to treat clinical depression. At higher doses, they also help alleviate overlying depression, which is involved in intensifying an individuals suffering. Additionally, medications may have multiple sites of action for which your doctor is attempting to take advantage of in treating your pain. Referral to a Pain Psychologist means that your physician would like a more complete understanding of how your pain has affected your life and vise versa.