Neuropathic Pain Uncovered: What Causes It & How to Manage It Effectively

Neuropathic Pain is a very common condition. A burning or shooting pain is a common indication of neuropathic pain. It might go on its own. It might be severe and persistent at times, or it can come and go. It usually arises due to a damaged nerve or a neural system failure. A change in nerve function at the injury site and in the surrounding tissues is the common cause of nerve damage.

Phantom limb syndrome is a form of neuropathic pain. This unusual syndrome arises when an arm or leg is amputated due to illness or accident, but the brain continues to receive pain signals from the nerves that once transported impulses from the missing limb. These nerves are now firing incorrectly, causing discomfort. Let’s learn more about causes and treatment options for neuropathic pain.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, can occur when your nervous system is damaged or malfunctions. All levels of your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves can cause pain if there is any damage. Your brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system. Nerves that travel to other parts of your body, such as your arms, legs, fingers, and toes, are known as peripheral nerves.

Neuropathic pain is caused by damaged nerve fibres that deliver incorrect signals to your body's pain centres. Both the location of nerve damage and certain regions of your central nervous system (central sensitisation) may exhibit changes in nerve function.

An alteration in one or more nerves or a disruption in their function is called neuropathy. Diabetes accounts for about 30% of cases of neuropathy, but hundreds of other illnesses, including shingles, HIV/AIDS, and alcohol use disorder, can also cause it.

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What are the Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain?

Nerve pain manifests differently in each person. Some people experience it as a sharp pain in the middle of the night. Others may experience burning, tingling, or a persistent prickling sensation throughout the day. Nerve pain that is beyond control can be difficult to tolerate. However, it is often managed successfully with medication. Symptoms of neuropathic pain may include one or more of the following:

• Spontaneous Pain
• Burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain
• Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation
• Allodynia (extreme sensitivity to touch or other stimulus)
• Hyperalgesia (hyper response to pain stimuli)
• Hypoalgesia (decreased pain response) 
• Dysesthesia (unpleasant painful sensations)
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

If your pain, numbness, or weakness is growing worse quickly, you should get immediate medical care. These signs may point to injury to the nerves. Other severe symptoms associated with neuropathic pain that needs immediate medical attention could be:

• Fast or erratic heart rate
• Difficulty in urinating
• Feeling lightheaded 
• Fainting

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What are the Causes of Neuropathic Pain?

Following are the causes that are responsible for triggering neuropathic pain can include:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Facial nerve conditions
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Shingles
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, vincristine).
• Radiation therapy
• Spinal nerve compression or inflammation
• Amputation that may cause phantom limb pain
• Trauma or surgeries with resulting nerve damage
• Tumors that put pressure on nerves

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How is Neuropathic Pain Diagnosed?

In addition to reviewing your medical history, your doctor will perform your complete physical examination. Your doctor will be able to identify common symptoms of neuropathic pain if they are aware of or suspect nerve damage. After that, they'll look for the root cause.

What is the Treatment Option for Neuropathic Pain?

Treatment for neuropathic pain is based on what helps for your particular symptoms and the underlying cause. These variables will be used by your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Neuropathic pain is usually managed with a combination of therapies. These therapies are:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
• Antiseizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Topical treatments
• Nerve blocks
• Physical therapy to relieve soreness, stiffness and discomfort
• Surgery to remove or repair the damaged nerve
• Psychological counseling

Your doctor might suggest brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, or peripheral nerve stimulation if these therapies are ineffective for neuropathic pain. You can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this kind of treatment with your neurologist.

Although neuropathic pain is typically not fatal, it can be challenging to treat. Combining rehabilitation with assistance for your mental, emotional, and social health will yield the best outcomes. With the assistance of a pain specialist and some of the previously listed techniques, the objective is to manage your pain and enhance your quality of life.

How to Prevent Neuropathic Pain?

It is not always possible to prevent neuropathic pain. However, there are a few steps you may take to lower your risk:

• Quit smoking
• Establish a consistent workout schedule that suits you
• Consume a lot of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Limit the consumption of amount of alcohol-containing beverages
• Take extra good care of your feet and keep a careful eye on your blood sugar if you have diabetes

Conclusion

Neuropathic pain can either be constant and severe or it might come and go. It can affect any part of your body and range in severity. Nerve pain can significantly lower your quality of life, even though it is typically not deleterious. If you experience persistent or severe nerve pain, consult your doctor. They can assist you in determining the cause and suggest the best course of action.