Neuropathic / Nerve Related Pain

Nerve-related / Neuropathic pain impacts people of all ages. It is caused by damage, injury or dysfunction of the nerves. According to the Work Wellness and Disability Prevention Institute, it occurs in about 7 – 10% of adults over age 30.

THE CAUSE

Nerve-related/ Neuropathic pain can result from diabetes, excessive alcohol use, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, shingles and many other disorders.  A common cause is a nerve entrapment such as in the back, neck or wrist. It can also occur after a stroke, after amputation of an arm or a leg and in people with cancer.

THE SYMPTOMS

This particular type of pain feels different from other types of pain caused, for example, a pulled muscle or a sprain. Nerve-related pain may feel like shooting, stabbing, an electric shock, burning, tingling, tight, numb, prickling, itching or a sensation of pins and needles. The pain may come and go, or it may remain constant.

Neuropathy

HOW WE CAN HELP

There are multiple medications target Neuropathic pain but they often provide limited relief. Generally opioids are not effective/ recommended for neuropathic pain.

At Cornell Pain Clinic, we offer treatments for peripheral neuropathy, post-laminectomy syndrome, neuropathic pain from a variety of conditions, complex developmental and acquired spinal conditions and complex regional pain syndromes—including reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Ask our pain specialist for pain management options available for your specific condition.

CONCLUSION:There are several treatment options available for patients suffering from severe neuropathic pain. Spinal cord stimulation, Ketamine infusion therapy are indicated for patients with severe neuropathic pain.