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What is neuropathic pain?
Pain can either be nociceptive pain or neuropathic pain. Nociceptive pain is a result of actual or potential damage to the tissues or nerves. Nociceptive pain is when pain messages are sent from the nerves to the brain in response to damage such as a cut, burn or an injury.
Neuropathic pain is a complex, long term pain that is caused by problems with one or more nerves. Neuropathic pain differs from normal pain experienced (nociceptive) in that there is often no tissue damage. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves can be damaged, injured or dysfunction. Nerve dysfunction results in pain messages being wrongly sent from the nerves to the brain. Neuropathic pain is characterised by a burning, stabbing or shooting pain in the affected area.
Physiotherapy with Physio.co.uk employs a variety of treatment methods and activities that will help minimise symptoms, increase energy levels and improve general wellbeing which has been affected by neuropathic pain.
Above: Accupuncture can be effective in reducing painful symptomsWhat causes neuropathic pain?
There are a number of conditions that affect the nerves and therefore will result in neuropathic pain. These conditions include;
- Neuralgia (trigeminal or postherpetic)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor neurone disease
- Diabetes
- Amputation (phantom limb pain)
- Chemotherapy
- Alcoholism
- Infection (HIV / shingles etc)
- Trauma or surgery
What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is characterised by a number of presenting symptoms around the affected area including;
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Tingling (pins and needles)
- Numbness
- Dull aching pain
- Burning pain
- Sensitivity or tenderness
- Referred pain to other areas.
Above: Specialist MSK therapist performing deep tissue massage to relieve pain and stiffnessWhat physiotherapy treatment am I likely to receive to treat neuropathic pain?
If you are experiencing neuropathic pain, physiotherapy with Physio.co.uk can help reduce the symptoms that are associated with your condition. The main aims of physiotherapy will be to relieve symptoms, restore function and reduce the pain in the affected areas.Specialist physiotherapists at the clinic will provide you with a comprehensive assessment that will firstly reproduce the pain to determine the main cause and triggers of your neuropathic pain. Your assessment will consist of questions related to your everyday life and hobbies and will then go on to decide on personal goals and treatment to suit your needs. Your physiotherapist will develop a personal physiotherapy programme that will include activities aimed at minimising the problems you are living with. Your physiotherapy programme will include activities such as;
- Pain modalities
- Hydrotherapy
- Stress management
- Relaxation techniques
- Electrical stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Heat or ice (for pain relief)
- General stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent deconditioning
- Cardiovascular exercise to improve overall health and fitness levels
- Education on how to make lifestyle changes that may affect your condition – advice on diet, managing sleep and managing rest
- Functional activities to help problems associated with daily living
Above: Trigger point massage to relieve painful muscle spasmSummary
Neuropathic pain is a disturbance of the function of a nerve or a pathological change occurring in a nerve. The pain is initiated by damage or injury to the nerves of the nervous system. This nerve dysfunction results in pain messages being wrongly sent from the nerves to the brain. Neuropathic pain is characterised by a burning, stabbing or shooting pain in the affected area. There are a number of conditions that affect the nerves such as neuralgia (trigeminal or postherpetic), multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, infection (HIV / shingles etc), trauma or surgery. Physiotherapy is a valuable method that offers a variety of activities that aim to ease the discomfort that is associated with neuropathic pain. Specialist physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk will focus on reducing pain and improve everyday functions that may will have been affected by neuropathic pain. Call Physio.co.uk now on 0330 088 7800 for more information or to book an appointment please contact us. You can also book an appointment online today!
