About Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is often caused by injury or disease of body tissue. Nerve fibers are damaged in some way, resulting in the wrong signals being sent to pain receptors in the brain. Treatment is available to help those who suffer from neuropathic pain live the most productive, least painful, life possible.

Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain:

Shooting pain

Numbness

Burning pain

Tingling

Reasons for and Conditions Associated with Neuropathic Pain:

Some medical conditions such as diabetes, shingles, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis affect nerves and lead to neuropathic pain. Surgery to the spine, amputation, and hip, leg and other back problems can also cause neuropathic nerve pain. Cancer patients who receive chemotherapy are susceptible to the condition along with anyone who abuses alcohol.

Treatment Options:

If neuropathic pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, the best treatment option is to gain control of the underlying problem. For instance, diabetics can lower their chances of developing neuropathic pain, and reduce the effects if they already have it, by keeping blood sugar levels regulated. MS and HIV sufferers should follow their doctor's advice, take medication as directed, and practice self-help techniques to reduce neuropathic pain. People with shingles should seek treatment quickly and do whatever it takes to overcome the condition to avoid damage to nerves.

Surgery patients, and those with hip, leg, and other back problems, and cancer patients should look for ways to ease pain through physical therapy and medication. Amputees should seek counseling to deal with the loss of a limb, along with physical therapy and medication to ease neuropathic pain.

Alcoholics can help themselves by joining a support group and overcoming their addiction.

If medication, physical therapy, and gaining control of underlying conditions do not help with neuropathic pain, more invasive measures may be taken. Pace maker type devices can be implanted that stimulate the nerves, causing the body to perform as it's supposed to, and lessen pain.

Gastroparesis is one condition that sometimes requires the use of implanted devices if the nerves in the stomach quit working. The device will stimulate the nerves in the stomach to allow food to move through the digestive system like normal. Maintaining good diabetic numbers will greatly reduce the chances of developing Gastroparesis.

Conclusion:

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that can worsen over time. Do whatever you can to improve underlying conditions, take medications as directed, and live a healthy lifestyle to prolong or stop progression that can lead to disability.

References:

MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/neuropathic_pain/article.htm