Common condition
Neuropathic pain describes a type of pain that is caused by damage or injury to the nervous system. It can range from mild to severe and can be felt thorough out the entire body because nerves supply all organs, tissues, and cells of the body.
Damage to the nerve fibres in the central neurons or peripheral fibers causes overactivation of signals to the pain centres of the brain, leading to ongoing pain for the individual. Many people describe neuropathic pain as a burning sensation and the painful areas often feel sensitive to touch.
Neuropathic pain describes a type of pain that is caused by damage or injury to the nervous system. It can range from mild to severe and can be felt thorough out the entire body because nerves supply all organs, tissues, and cells of the body.
Damage to the nerve fibres in the central neurons or peripheral fibers causes overactivation of signals to the pain centres of the brain, leading to ongoing pain for the individual. Many people describe neuropathic pain as a burning sensation and the painful areas often feel sensitive to touch.
Causes of Neuropathic Pain
The most common cause of neuropathic pain is nerve pressure or nerve damage. Problems with the nerves can arise after:
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Infections
- Cancer and chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Diabetes
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Alcoholism
- Vascular malformations
- Metabolic conditions, such as diabetes.
- Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Amputations
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
Depending on the root cause of the pain, the symptoms can vary. However, there are some general symptoms that are common among most people with neuropathic pain, including:
- Spontaneous pain
- Numbness in the limbs
- Pins and needles in the hands and feet
- Difficulty detecting changes in temperature
- Insomnia
How is Neuropathic Pain Treated?
The main goals of neuropathic pain treatment are to identify and resolve the root cause of the pain, provide pain relief for the individual, and improve the individual’s quality of life.
Every person is different and the resulting treatment plans will vary depending on their individual needs and the cause of their neuropathic pain. Often, a multimodal treatment plan is the best option.
Medications and Creams
Medications that are commonly used as part of the treatment for neuropathic pain include [2]:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica®)
- Topiramate (Topamax®)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal®)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil®)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor®)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
Topical medications may also be prescribed by a doctor to relieve the symptoms of neuropathic pain, such as lidocaine and capsaicin. Alternatively, steroid and nerve block injections can be used to reduce pain signals.
Additional Treatment Options
Alongside pain-reducing medications, the following treatment methods may be offered to patients with neuropathic pain:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS)
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Homeopathy
- Gentle exercise
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol intake
- Weight management
If you’re suffering from neuropathic pain, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. They will work with other healthcare professionals to create a suitable treatment plan for you.
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