Has your doctor ever mentioned "Neuropathic Pain" during an appointment? Do you know what it is? Neutopathic pain is something I live with too and I thought this information something to share. Now please understand that this information is not meant in any way to replace the conversation with your doctor but to encourage you to open the lines of communication.
Remember: Do not use this information to self diagnose but to educate yourself on what you may be living with and what you can do about it. There are options and treatment available...explore and try the various ones and see what works best for you. Education is key in any self-management health plan.
Neuropathic Pain Management
Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury.
Remember: Do not use this information to self diagnose but to educate yourself on what you may be living with and what you can do about it. There are options and treatment available...explore and try the various ones and see what works best for you. Education is key in any self-management health plan.
Neuropathic Pain Management
Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury.
One example of neuropathic pain is called phantom limb syndrome. This rare condition occurs when an arm or a leg has been removed because of illness or injury, but the brain still gets pain messages from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb. These nerves now misfire and cause pain.
Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain often seems to have no obvious cause; but, some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain symptoms may include:
Diagnosing Neuropathic Pain
To diagnose neuropathic pain, a doctor will conduct an interview and physical exam. He or she may ask questions about how you would describe your pain, when the pain occurs, or whether anything specific triggers the pain. The doctor may also request both blood and nerve tests.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain. Some people may require a stronger painkiller, such as those containing morphine. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs seem to work in some cases.
If another condition, such as diabetes, is involved, better management of that disorder may alleviate the pain. Effective management of the condition can also help prevent further nerve damage.
In cases that are difficult to treat, a pain specialist may use an invasive or implantable device to effectively manage the pain. Electrical stimulation of the nerves involved in neuropathic pain may significantly control the pain symptoms.
Other kinds of treatments can also help with neuropathic pain. Some of these include:
Unfortunately, neuropathic pain often responds poorly to standard pain treatments and occasionally may get worse instead of better over time. For some people, it can lead to serious disability. A multidisciplinary approach that combines therapies, however, can be a very effective way to provide relief from neuropathic pain.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH on August 01, 2013
© 2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain often seems to have no obvious cause; but, some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
- Alcoholism
- Amputation
- Back, leg, and hip problems
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Facial nerve problems
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Shingles
- Spine surgery
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain symptoms may include:
- Shooting and burning pain
- Tingling and numbness
Diagnosing Neuropathic Pain
To diagnose neuropathic pain, a doctor will conduct an interview and physical exam. He or she may ask questions about how you would describe your pain, when the pain occurs, or whether anything specific triggers the pain. The doctor may also request both blood and nerve tests.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Some neuropathic pain studies suggest the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or Motrin, may ease pain. Some people may require a stronger painkiller, such as those containing morphine. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs seem to work in some cases.
If another condition, such as diabetes, is involved, better management of that disorder may alleviate the pain. Effective management of the condition can also help prevent further nerve damage.
In cases that are difficult to treat, a pain specialist may use an invasive or implantable device to effectively manage the pain. Electrical stimulation of the nerves involved in neuropathic pain may significantly control the pain symptoms.
Other kinds of treatments can also help with neuropathic pain. Some of these include:
- Physical therapy
- Working with a counselor
- Relaxation therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
Unfortunately, neuropathic pain often responds poorly to standard pain treatments and occasionally may get worse instead of better over time. For some people, it can lead to serious disability. A multidisciplinary approach that combines therapies, however, can be a very effective way to provide relief from neuropathic pain.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH on August 01, 2013
© 2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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