Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or injury to the nerves that transfer information between the brain and spinal cord from the skin, muscles and other parts of the body. The impact of nerve damage is a change in nerve function both at the site of the injury and areas around it.
Neuropathic pain is often described as a shooting, tingling or burning pain and affected areas are often sensitive to the touch. It can go away on its own but is often chronic. Sometimes it is unrelenting and severe, and sometimes it comes and goes. Symptoms of neuropathic pain may also include excruciating pain, pins and needles, difficulty correctly sensing temperatures and numbness. Some people may find it hard to wear thick clothes as even slight pressure can aggravate the pain.
CAUSES OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN
Neuropathic pain may often not have an obvious cause. But some common causes could be:
- Alcoholism
- Amputation
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Facial nerve problems
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Multiple myeloma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve or spinal cord compression from herniated discs or from arthritis in the spine
- Shingles
- Spine surgery
- Syphilis
- Thyroid problems
- Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
NEUROPATHIC PAIN SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Shooting and burning pain
- Tingling and numbness
DIAGNOSING NEUROPATHIC PAIN
Your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. If he knows or suspects you have nerve injury, he will recognize typical neuropathic pain symptoms. Your doctor will then try to find the underlying cause of the neuropathy and trace the symptoms.
HOW DO YOU TREAT NEUROPATHIC PAIN
The primary goals of treatment for neuropathic pain are pain management and to minimize the negative side effects of the treatment(s). Individuals with chronic neuropathic pain may be referred to a pain clinic for advice and management on living with chronic pain.
Every person is different, pain is a very complex condition and each person is affected differently.
Your doctor will take your needs into consideration so as to suggest the most suitable treatment for you. There are various treatments available for neuropathic pain and often it is a ‘trial and error’ process to find the best option.
Regular painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (for example ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol) are usually not effective for neuropathic pain.
AN OUTLINE OF THE MOST COMMON TREATMENTS
- Anti-epileptics – These side effects may occur: drowsiness, dizziness and headaches
- Antidepressants – These side effects may occur: drowsiness and dry mouth
- Opioids – These side effects may occur: feeling ‘spaced out’, constipation, drowsiness, nausea
- Capsaicin Cream – Derived from chili peppers – These side effects may occur: Localized heat and redness
- Lidocaine patch – These side effects may occur: irritation and redness
- Injections/nerve blocks – These side effects may occur: numbness or tingling in the area injected, increased discomfort for a few days
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – These side effects may occur: allergic reaction/skin irritation from electrodes
- Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) – These side effects may occur: bruising and tenderness where the needle was inserted
- Acupuncture
OTHER THERAPIES
- Reflexology
- Meditation
- Homeopathy
- Aromatherapy
Also, changing your lifestyle may also be beneficial for pain management. Changes include following a healthy and balanced diet, doing exercise in agreement with your doctor, drinking lots of water and stay away from smoking and alcohol.
Sadly, neuropathic pain often responds poorly or not at all to standard pain treatments and occasionally may get worse instead of better over time. Some people may experience serious disabilities. However, a multidisciplinary approach which combines therapies may be a very effective way to provide relief from neuropathic pain.
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