Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disease, characterized by whole joint structural changes, and is considered a serious disease. Studies indicate that chronic pain results in a series of changes, specifically fatigue, and disability which results in depression. Individuals who experienced chronic pain and physical activity limitation are at increased risk of depression. Pain incites depression. Living with daily pain is physically and emotionally stressful. Chronic stress is known to change levels of brain and nervous system chemicals. These stress hormones and neurochemicals like cortisol, serotonin, and norepinephrine affect mood, thinking, and behaviour. Disrupting the body’s balance of these chemicals can bring on depression in some people. Depression can make the pain worse. Depression weakens a person’s ability to deal and cope with pain.
