What Is Neuropathic Pain?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a neural network outside the central nervous system (including the brain and spinal cord). Its main function is to carry signals of physical sensations from the peripheral nervous system to the brain. Neuropathic pain occurs when these nerves do not function properly because they are damaged.

The peripheral nervous system includes several different types of nerves that have a specific function. Some of these are:

• Sensory nerves that transmit sensory sensations such as pain and touch.
• The motor nerves that are responsible for managing muscle.
• Autonomic nerves that regulate automatic body functions such as blood pressure and bladder function.

Neuropathic pain can affect one nerve group or all three at the same time. In any case, when a patient suffers from neuropathic pain, normal nerve function is interrupted, so he or she may send pain signals occasionally or not send them at all when something really hurts the body.

Neuropathic pain can result from injury, systemic disease, infection, or hereditary disease.

Symptoms of neuropathic pain

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of neuropathy.

Sensory neuropathy

It may be associated with the following symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Hypersensitivity and sensation of needles or spikes in any area of ​​the body.
• Increased pain or inability to feel pain at all.
• Inability to detect temperature changes.
• Poor posture stability and postural sense.
• Burning or tingling pain that may worsen at night.

Sensory neuropathy can also cause foot ulcers, infections, and death.

Motor neuropathy

Motor neuropathy affects muscles. Its symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness that leads to instability and difficulty making small movements.
• Atrophy.
• Muscle seizures and cramps.
• Muscle paralysis.

If the autonomic nerves are also damaged, the patient may suffer from vegetative symptoms associated with sweating, pain tolerance, bowel or bladder function, and changes in blood pressure that may cause dizziness.

Causes of neuropathic pain

Although many types of neuropathy are idiopathic (their cause is unknown), many other diseases can trigger it. In fact, diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic neuropathic pain because high blood sugar levels damage nerves.

Other possible illnesses and injuries that cause neuropathic pain include:

• Chronic kidney disease.  If the kidneys are not working properly, the resulting balance of mineral and chemical components can cause neuropathic pain.
• Musculoskeletal injuries. Broken bones and tight plasters can put pressure on the nerves and damage them.
• Infections.  Shingles, HIV, Lyme disease and other similar infections can damage nerves.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome, a type of neuropathic pain triggered by a viral infection.
• Autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Here are some other possible causes of neuropathic pain:

• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Certain types of medication (such as chemotherapy and HIV medications).
• Lack of certain vitamins such as B12, B1, B6 and E.
• Use of toxic products such as insecticides and solvents.
• Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma and myeloma.
• Chronic liver disease.

Even a small artery disease can reduce the amount of blood reaching the nerves, causing damage to nerve tissue. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by neuromas, which are benign tumors that affect nerve tissues.

Treatment of neuropathic pain

The treatment of neuropathic pain depends on the symptoms and the underlying causes. Only some of these reasons are treatable. For example, in diabetes, maintaining blood sugar levels can be helpful, as can stopping smoking or drinking alcohol.

Medication for neuropathic pain involves the use of “neuropathic painkillers,” as painkillers are often ineffective.

Other symptoms associated with neuropathic pain may require individual treatment. For example, treating muscle weakness may include physiotherapy and mobility assistance.

Many people also benefit from transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS).  This drug-free treatment uses electrodes that are placed on the skin to transmit small amounts of electricity. The goal of this treatment is to prevent the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain due to the nerve current caused by the electrical charge.

However, it is worth mentioning that many patients have improved their condition through alternative approaches such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage.  Meditation and yoga also tend to be really helpful in relieving symptoms. Moderate and regular exercise can also help reduce the discomfort caused by this painful illness.