Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage, irritation or dysfunction within the nervous system. Unlike pain caused by a typical injury, neuropathic pain can create burning, shooting, electric or stabbing sensations even when there is no obvious source of tissue damage.
When Nerves Send the Wrong Signals
The somatosensory nervous system helps the body detect touch, temperature, pressure and pain. When nerves within this system become damaged or dysfunctional, normal signals may be altered and interpreted by the brain as pain.
More Than Ordinary Pain
Neuropathic pain is often described differently from muscle or joint pain. Patients may experience electric shocks, burning, tingling or painful sensitivity to sensations that normally would not hurt, such as light pressure or contact with clothing.
Common Neuropathic Pain Sensations
Nerve pain can feel dramatically different from person to person and may occur continuously or in sudden episodes.
Sudden pain that travels along the path of a nerve.
Persistent heat or burning sensations without an external cause.
Brief shock-like or jolting sensations that may occur unexpectedly.
Pins-and-needles sensations or reduced feeling in the affected area.
Recognizing Neuropathic Pain
Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected and the underlying condition responsible for the nerve damage.
Common Symptoms May Include:
What Can Cause Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain can develop whenever disease, injury or treatment damages or alters the way nerves transmit signals.
Diabetes
Persistently elevated blood sugar can damage peripheral nerves, particularly those in the feet and legs, resulting in diabetic neuropathy.
Injury or Surgery
Trauma, surgical procedures and nerve compression can damage peripheral nerves and lead to persistent nerve-related pain.
Medical Conditions
Multiple sclerosis, certain infections, thyroid disorders and other medical conditions can affect the nervous system and contribute to neuropathic pain.
Cancer Treatment
Certain chemotherapy treatments can damage peripheral nerves, sometimes resulting in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Nerve Pain Can Have Many Origins
Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Amputation
Some patients experience phantom limb pain after an amputation, with painful sensations perceived in the missing limb.
Nerve Compression
Herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other conditions can compress nerve roots and produce radiating neuropathic pain.
Infections
Certain infections can directly or indirectly damage nerves and result in persistent nerve pain.
Alcohol-Related Neuropathy
Long-term heavy alcohol use may contribute to peripheral nerve damage through toxic and nutritional effects.
How Neuropathic Pain Is Diagnosed
Because nerve pain can have many possible causes, diagnosis often combines a detailed symptom history with neurological examination and targeted testing.
Your provider will review medical conditions, medications, previous surgery, injuries and the pattern of your symptoms.
Sensation, strength, reflexes, coordination and responses to touch or temperature may be evaluated.
Laboratory tests may help identify diabetes, nutritional deficiencies or other conditions associated with neuropathy.
Nerve conduction studies or electromyography may be used when appropriate to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
Managing Neuropathic Pain
Treatment is individualized based on the cause, location and severity of the nerve pain. In many cases, combining several approaches provides the best opportunity for symptom relief.
Medication
Certain anticonvulsants, antidepressants, topical medications and other therapies may be used to help control nerve-related pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may help preserve mobility, improve strength and function and address physical limitations associated with chronic nerve pain.
Nerve Stimulation
Electrical nerve stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques may be considered in selected patients with persistent neuropathic pain.
Supportive Therapies
Relaxation techniques, massage and other complementary approaches may be incorporated into a comprehensive pain management program when appropriate.
Effective Treatment Starts With Finding the Source.
Neuropathic pain can be challenging because the problem involves the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory information. Rather than simply treating the sensation of pain, a thorough evaluation can help determine whether diabetes, nerve compression, injury, medication, disease or another condition is contributing to the symptoms. Treatment can then be tailored to the individual patient's needs.
Experiencing Burning, Shooting or Electric Nerve Pain?
Schedule a consultation to determine what may be causing your symptoms and discuss options for managing neuropathic pain.