Neuropathic pain: Symptoms, causes, treatment
Pain is a natural signal from the body that something is wrong. It usually has a protective function—it warns us of injury or illness so that we can take timely action. But there is one type of pain that does not follow this logical pattern. It manifests itself as stabbing, burning, tingling, or numbness. It often affects the limbs and worsens in the cold months. This is called neuropathic pain. Read on to find out what it is, why it occurs, what the characteristic symptoms of neuropathic pain are, and what treatments we offer at PhysioArt.
What is peripheral and central neuropathic pain?
Central neuropathic pain occurs when the central nervous system is damaged. It involves the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for perceiving, transmitting, and processing all pain signals in the body. When these structures are damaged, normal communication between the brain and the rest of the body is disrupted. The brain misinterprets signals from the nervous system and begins to perceive pain without any real stimulus. In other words, with this type of pain, the very mechanism of pain perception is disrupted.
We refer to peripheral neuropathic pain when peripheral nerves are affected. These are all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. They are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the organs. However, when one of these nerves is damaged, it begins to send false signals, which the brain interprets as pain. Very often, peripheral neuropathic pain affects the upper and lower limbs of the body. This is why many patients report neuropathic pain in their feet.
What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is chronic pain. It can manifest itself differently in different patients, but there are several characteristic symptoms.
Most commonly it is a sudden pain that occurs without any apparent precursor or external irritant. It is often described as burning, piercing, shooting, or resembling an electric shock.
Many patients also experience tingling, numbness, or prickling, similar to the sensation of small needles on the skin.
Another symptom may be pain that occurs with non-painful stimuli or activities that are usually far from painful (e.g., touching the skin or wrapping oneself in a blanket).
Muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and involuntary muscle twitching may also indicate neuropathic pain.
Common causes of neuropathic pain
- Diabetes mellitus - Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms. Nearly 30% of cases of neuropathic pain are the result of diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage the nerves, especially in the limbs.
- Alcoholism - Alcohol abuse affects many organs and systems, including the brain, liver, kidneys, and heart. Damage to the nerves resulting from prolonged consumption of large amounts of alcohol is called alcoholic neuropathy.
- Stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease are disorders of the central nervous system that cause damage to the brain or spinal cord and can also manifest as neuropathic pain.
- Infections - Certain viral or bacterial infections, such as herpes zoster, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, HIV, Lyme disease, and diphtheria, can cause neuropathic pain.
- Injuries or tumors of the brain or spinal cord - Pressure or damage to nerve structures as a result of trauma or tumor growths can lead to constant, burning, or shooting neuropathic pain.
Do medications provide the best effect for neuropathic pain?
The decision whether medication is necessary for neuropathic pain is made by a neurology specialist. This article does not substitute consultation with a medical professional. Treatment should be tailored to the patient’s needs, with medication usually aimed at reducing pain signals and regulating nerve activity. The following are commonly prescribed:
- Antidepressants - These work on the chemical messengers in your brain that control how you feel pain.
- Anticonvulsants - Affect the way nerves send messages to the brain.
- Painkillers - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in milder cases.
- Local anesthetics - These are injected to temporarily block the transmission of pain impulses and relieve pain.
Treatment and therapies at PhysioArt, Sofia
PhysioArt is a well-established physiotherapy and rehabilitation center in Sofia. We are located at 21 Prof. Fridtjof Nansen Street (Toraks 2 Medical Center, 2nd floor). One of our mantras when it comes to the work we do, including treatment of neuropathic pain, is individual approach. Some of the therapies used in our practice are: – Manual therapy (manual physiotherapy)
- Deep tissue oscillation - Low-frequency vibrations affect the soft tissues in depth. The result is faster recovery and reduction of pain and swelling. The inclusion of this therapy in the treatment plan aims at stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, thus helping transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells. In addition, deep tissue oscillation helps to remove accumulated toxins.
- Electrophoresis - Using a mild electric current, medicinal products are introduced through the skin directly into the affected area. The medications act rapidly and precisely, without having to be taken orally and without putting strain on the body. The electric current unlocks the action of the administered medication, resulting in a strong effect with a lower dosage. This eliminates the side effects of oral medication.
- HighTone therapy - This is an innovative type of electrotherapy that uses high frequencies that penetrate deep into muscle and nerve structures. It acts at the cellular level, improving cellular metabolism, relieving pain, and improving detoxification of the body. The range of frequencies used is between 4096 and 32768 Hz. At PhysioArt, we utilize HiToP 2. The dual-channel version of the device allows us to treat several areas simultaneously.
Neuropathic pain can make everyday life difficult, but with the appropriate diagnosis and therapy, it is entirely possible to manage it. Contact us at +359 89 872 4175 and book an appointment to start your journey toward relief and a better quality life.