One kind of persistent pain that results from injury or malfunctioning of the nervous system is called neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is frequently characterized as shooting, stabbing, or scorching. Other symptoms like tingling, numbness, or hypersensitivity to touch may coexist with it, and it may be continuous or sporadic.
Neuropathic pain has been linked to several common Indian ailments, including diabetes, infections, and severe injuries.
Due to cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge regarding neuropathic pain, and restricted access to healthcare, managing neuropathic pain in India can be difficult. Nonetheless, medical professionals in India are striving to enhance diagnostic, treatment, and neuropathic pain management techniques as patients become more aware of how critical it is to address neuropathic pain.
Causes Of Neuropathic Pain
Due to the high incidence of diabetes in the population, diabetic neuropathy is a common cause of neuropathic pain in India. Trigeminal neuralgia and postherpetic neuralgia are two additional causes of neuropathic pain that add to the nation’s overall neuropathic pain burden.
Numerous disorders affecting the neurological system might result in neuropathic pain. It happens when there is injury or malfunction to the nerves themselves, which results in aberrant pain signals. Among the frequent reasons for neuropathic pain are:
Diabetes
One form of nerve damage that can happen to diabetics is diabetic neuropathy. It is brought on by persistently high blood sugar, which can harm nerves.
Traumatic injuries
Accidental or fall-related injuries have the potential to harm nerves and result in neuropathic pain.
Autoimmune diseases
Disorders that cause inflammation and nerve injury include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Other illnesses
Several illnesses, including Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and shingles (herpes zoster), can result in neuropathic pain.
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
Depending on the underlying reason and the nerves involved, neuropathic pain can present itself in a variety of ways. Typical signs and symptoms include:
Pain That Burns Or Shoots
People who experience this kind of pain frequently describe it as scorching or electric shock-like. It may occur sometimes or continuously.
Numbness Or Tingling
A common symptom of neuropathic pain is tingling or numbness in the affected area, which can also be accompanied by pins and needles.
Sensitivity
Some individuals may become more sensitive to touch or changes in the surrounding temperature. Allodynia, or discomfort from even light touch or pressure, can occur.
Loss Of Coordination
Neuropathic pain can impair muscular tone and coordination, making it harder to move and maintain balance.
Muscle Weakness
Nerve damage can cause muscle weakness, which can make it challenging to maintain proper posture or carry out specific duties..
Pain Management Interventions
Nerve blocks
Local anaesthetics or steroids injected into the surrounding tissue can help block pain signals.
Spinal cord stimulation
This treatment entails implanting a gadget that stimulates the spinal cord with electrical impulses, which may lessen pain.
Treatment for Neuropathic Pain
The goals of neuropathic pain treatment are to lessen discomfort, enhance quality of life, and deal with any underlying causes. Medications, treatments, and lifestyle modifications are frequently used in its treatment. The following are some typical methods for managing neuropathic pain:
Medications:
- Antidepressants: Neuropathic pain can be relieved by selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, and tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.
- Anticonvulsants:Neuropathic pain is frequently treated with drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin.
- Topical treatments:To help with pain relief, creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin can be used topically.
- Over the counter pain killers like aspirin and ibuprofen
Therapeutic Treatments:
- Physical therapy: Pain can be lessened and function can be enhanced with exercises and methods to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Occupational therapy:Neural discomfort can be managed using strategies to adjust daily tasks and enhance ergonomics.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This treatment helps lessen pain by stimulating the nerves with tiny electrical impulses delivered by a device.
Lifestyle modifications:
- A balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals can help maintain the health of your nerves.
- Getting regular exercise helps lessen discomfort and increase circulation.
- Methods like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation can assist in lowering stress, which can exacerbate neuropathic pain.
Do’s and Don'ts for Neuropathic Pain
Many dos and don’ts when managing neuropathic pain can assist control symptoms and enhancing the quality of life:
- If the cause is diabetes, please keep a control of your blood sugar levels
- Take good care of your feet. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, or sores if you have diabetic neuropathy.
- Continue being active. Exercise regularly can aid with pain relief and circulation, such as walking or swimming.
- Continue living a healthy lifestyle. To promote general health, maintain hydration, eat a balanced diet, and get adequate sleep.
- Control your tension. Reduce stress, which exacerbates discomfort, by engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation.
- Don’t ignore symptoms. Get help right away if you start experiencing new or worsening ones.
- Consuming alcohol in excess can exacerbate discomfort and damage to the nerves.
- Smoking can exacerbate neuropathic pain and affect circulation.
Dr. Anushka Patel - Neuropathic Pain Management Specialists
Consulting with a pain management specialist has several advantages. When a patient experiences pain, it is common to focus attention just on the affected location; nevertheless, it is also important to comprehend the symptoms and underlying reasons, as well as the patient’s medical history, way of life, and sleeping and eating patterns. Dr Anushka’s experience and knowledge enable her to identify the root cause of the issue, and with a precise diagnosis, her prognosis is favourable. Dr. Anushka places a high value on the care given both during and after surgery or therapy, which makes her a highly sought-after specialist in pain management.
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