by What is it?
Neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain, is caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. This includes parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Unlike nerve pain, nociceptive pain signals come from actual or potential tissue damage and stimulate pain receptors. Nerve pain, on the other hand, is caused by problems with the nervous system itself.
Causes of Nerve Pain
There are several potential causes of nerve pain:
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage nerves over time. This is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage from diabetes often causes numbness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet.
Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. In some cases, the pain from shingles may continue long after the rash is gone. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia.
Trauma or Injury
Physical damage or trauma to the nerves from an injury, accident, or surgery can sometimes lead to nerve pain. Spinal cord injuries, amputations, and damaged nerves from fractures all carry a risk of long-term Neuropathic Pain.
Chemotherapy
Neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer are a common cause of painful peripheral neuropathy. The chemo drugs may damage nerve fibers, especially in the hands and feet.
HIV/AIDS
Some antiviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS as well as the virus itself can cause nerve damage resulting in nerve pain.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues may also cause nerve damage and pain.
Alcoholism
Long-term heavy drinking is a risk factor for developing neuropathy. The exact cause is unknown but alcohol toxicity may damage nerve cells and fibers.
Other Medical Conditions
Neuropathic pain can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver disease, genetics, strokes or other neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Symptoms of Nerve Pain
The characteristics of nerve pain vary depending on which nerves are affected and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
– Burning pain – A deep, searing sensation, like a hot poker touching the skin.
– Shooting or stabbing pain – Sharp, lightning-like pains that occur suddenly then disappear quickly.
– Pins and needles sensation – Prickling, tingling numbness like tiny pins or needles sticking the skin.
– Cold sensitivity – Inability to tolerate cold temperatures due to abnormal nerve sensitization.
– Electric shock-like pain – Brief waves of intense electricity-like shocks.
– Restlessness – Incessant need to move or change position due to discomfort.
– Abnormal sensations – Touching non-painful areas may elicit pain response.
– Sleep disturbances – Pain interferes with restful sleep patterns.
Nerve pain is often described as superficial or deep. It may be episodic or constant. Symptoms tend to worsen at night or with activity. Both small and large nerve fibers may be affected, impacting sensations of pain, temperature, and touch. The pain usually starts in the hands, feet or areas of nerve compression.
Treatment Options for Neuropathic pain
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. As the underlying cause cannot always be reversed, nerve pain management takes a multi-modal approach.
Medications
– Antidepressants like amitriptyline, duloxetine or venlafaxine which may work by increasing pain-blocking neurotransmitters.
– Anticonvulsants like gabapentin, pregabalin or carbamazepine used to stabilize nerve cell membranes and block sodium channels.
– Lidocaine patches apply numbing medication directly to the skin.
– Capsaicin cream contains chili pepper extract to deplete substance P, a transmitter of pain signals.
– Steroids like prednisone prescribed for nerve inflammation and swelling.
Physical Therapies
– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses mild electric currents.
– Acupuncture inserts thin needles to stimulate acupressure points.
– Massage and physical therapy helps reduce muscle tension.
– Cold or heat therapy applies cold or warmth with ice packs or heating pads.
Other Options
– Botox injections relax strained muscles.
– Nerve blocks inject numbing medication near affected nerves.
– Surgery like nerve decompression is sometimes used for trapped nerves.
– Cognitive behavioral therapy coaching helps manage pain and improve coping skills.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
