Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is a type of non-nociceptive pain. It comes from within the nervous system itself. It is a complex, chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. Neuropathic pain is caused by a malfunction of the nervous system due to an injury or an illness. It can be a sharp, intense, shocking, or shooting pain. The pain can originate from the nerves between the tissues and the spinal cord (peripheral nervous system) and the nerves between the spinal cord and the brain (central nervous system, or CNS). The common symptoms include pain, burning, weakness and numbness.
The specific reason that pain develops with neuropathy isn’t known. Several theories have been proposed; one theory suggests that when nerve cells are unable to conduct sensory impulses or messages, spontaneous activity begins within the nerve cells that the brain interprets as pain. It often seems to have no obvious cause; but, some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
- Alcoholism
- Amputation
- Nutritional imbalance
- Back, leg, and hip problems
- Chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Facial nerve problems
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Shingles
- Spine surgery
People can decrease their risk of developing neuropathy by limiting their exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and environmental toxins, as well as maintaining good general health.
Medicines used to treat neuropathic pain
- Painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers
- Anti-epileptic medicines (anticonvulsants)
- Tricyclic antidepressant medicines
- Opiate painkillers
- Capsaicin cream
Physical treatments
- Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines.
Psychological treatments
- Stress management
- Counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy
- Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy
- Pain management programmes
Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.