The term neurogenic pain stems from the peripheral or nervous system as a result of nervous terminal stimulation that is usually the result of disease or trauma. In simpler terms, Neurogenic pain is pain that occurs as a result of a nerve. There are different types of neurogenic pain, such as neuropathic, central, and deafferentation pain. Neurogenic pain is a form of neuropathic pain and occurs due to a diseased or injured nerve.
Neurogenic pain is pretty common, but there are many ways to manage and get through it. You may need medical help, but before you consult a specialist, you must know about neurogenic pain itself. Continue to read further below and learn more about this type of pain.
(Source)
What Is Neurogenic Pain?
As mentioned earlier, neurogenic pain occurs due to a damaged nerve, which may be the result of a disease or injury. The nerve could be the peripheral nerve or a median nerve compressed as in carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve roots can also contribute to neurogenic pain. These nerves appear on both sides of the spinal cord. Central nerves are present in the brain and spinal cord. If you don’t receive proper treatment, neuropathic pain can worsen within time. This is a very common type of pain that you must treat immediately. According to a study conducted in 2014, 10% of Americans experience neuropathic pain.
Causes of Neurogenic Pain
Injury
Injury is one of the main causes of neurogenic pain, especially injury in the joints, tissues, and muscles. Sometimes, the injury heals, but the damage it causes to the nervous system doesn’t go away. This is one of the reasons many people may experience pain years after an accident.
Disease
Diseases such as multiple myeloma, sclerosis, and cancers, can cause neurogenic pain. Diabetes is also one of the reasons behind this type of pain, and its symptoms can get worse. Cancer treatments also cause neuropathic pain as chemo and radiation have a strong impact on the nervous system, leading to intense pain signals.
Limb Loss
Limb loss can cause a type of neuropathic pain, also known as Phantom limb syndrome, which occurs due to amputation of the leg or arm. Despite the body part no longer being there, your brain still receives motion signals from them. This means your nerves send false signals to the brain.
Infection
Infections are one of the less likely reasons for neuropathic pain, but viruses such as chickenpox reactivation and postherpetic neuralgia may retrigger neuropathic pain.
More Causes
- Facial nerve issues
- Arthritis
- Deficiency in Vitamin B
- Thyroid
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Managing Neurogenic Pain
The only way to manage or treat your neurogenic pain is by identifying the reason behind it or the underlying disease that contributes to this type of pain. Mentioned below are a few treatment options for neurogenic pain. Before trying any of these, make sure to consult your doctor first.
Lifestyle Changes
At times we don’t realize it, but our day-to-day activities have a great impact on the physical pain we experience. To avoid or reduce neurogenic pain, avoid jobs that require you to sit for prolonged periods. You can also get in touch with a physical therapist and engage in physical activities such as stretching to reduce pain. These treatments help relieve symptoms of neuropathic pain.
Prescription Medication
Your doctor will prescribe you a few medicines after diagnosing you with neurogenic pain. These medicines consist of pain relievers like strong ointments to apply on the painful spots, lidocaine patches, and capsaicin patches.
Over-The-Counted Medicines
OTC medication, such as NSAIDs, is perfect for relieving neurogenic pain. NSAIDs, such as Motrin and Aleve, are good treatment options. However, they are bifacial to a certain degree only.
(Source)
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants help treat neuropathic pain as well. Anti-seizure medications also help, but many professionals think that this type of medication may hinder pain signals.
Multimodal Therapy
You can use multimodal therapy to manage your neurogenic pain. This type of therapy involves physical therapy, psychological treatment, medication, and surgical implants, all in one. This combination can prove helpful in addressing severe pain.
Other Treatments
- Antidepressants
- Nerve Blocks
- Implantable Device
Common Neurogenic Pain Symptoms
- Insomnia
- A “pins and needles” feeling
- Burning sensation
- Tingling and numbness
- Shooting pain
- Chronic sensations
- Emotional Instability
- Spontaneous Pains
The Takeaway: Consult An Experienced Physician
Neurogenic pain is something that everyone can experience depending on the causes mentioned above. This type of pain does worsen within time, which is why it is important to seek medical help at once.
For the best Neurogenic and chronic pain treatment, reach out to Dr. Matthew Grimm, the best in NYC.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.