What is Neuropathic Pain?: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition caused by damage or issues in the nervous system. Unlike pain from an injury or inflammation, this type of pain originates from the nerves themselves, leading to complex and often disabling symptoms. It affects trillions of people across the globe and can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing and finding relief. 

What is pain and How to Understand it

Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that affects both the body and emotions. Everyone experiences pain differently, even if the cause is the same. It’s a personal experience, and the best way to understand how much pain someone is in is to listen to their own description of it. Pain can range from mild to severe and may feel like a sharp sting, tingling, burning, aching, or even an electric shock.

Pain is one of the most important signals our body sends to protect us. It can warn us about harmful changes in the body, like an illness, or teach us to avoid danger, like not touching a hot stove. In this way, pain helps keep us safe.¹

Neuropathic Pain Causes

Neuropathic pain can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Alcohol use disorder²
• Diabetes²
• Facial nerve conditions²
• HIV/AIDS²
• Central nervous system disorders like stroke, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).²
• Complex regional pain syndrome²
• Shingles²

Neuropathic Pain Symptoms

The symptoms of neuropathic pain are diverse and may include:

• Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain.³
• Tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling.³
• Sudden pain that happens for no clear reason.³
• Pain that’s triggered by things that don’t usually hurt, like touching something, being in the cold, or brushing your hair.³
• A constant feeling of discomfort or something being off.³
• Trouble sleeping or resting.³
• Emotional issues caused by ongoing pain, lack of sleep, and trouble sharing how you feel.³

These symptoms can occur in a localized area or spread across larger regions, depending on the underlying cause.

Diagnosis - Neuropathic Pain 

Diagnosing neuropathic pain often involves:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination.
• Identifying any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or an injury.
• Tests like nerve conduction studies, MRI scans, or blood tests to determine the cause of nerve problems.⁴

Neuropathic Pain Treatment

1. Medications:

• Anticonvulsants (like gabapentin) to help manage nerve signals²
• Antidepressants (like tricyclics or SNRIs) for pain relief²
• Topical treatments (like lidocaine or capsaicin) for targeted pain²
• Opioids for severe cases (used cautiously)²

2. Physical Therapy:

• Exercises to improve movement, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles²

3. Psychological Therapy:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to manage emotional effects.²

4. Lifestyle Changes:

• Exercise: Low-impact activities (such as walking or swimming)²
• Diet: Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods²
• Stress management: Meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques²

5. Alternative Therapies:

• Acupuncture: To reduce pain²
• Massage therapy: To relieve tension and improve circulation²

6. Interventional Treatments:

• Spinal cord stimulation: Electrical impulses to block pain signals²
• Nerve blocks: Injections for temporary pain relief²

7. Complementary Therapies:

• Supplements (such as alpha-lipoic acid or vitamin B12), taken under medical guidance²

 How to treat neuropathy with home remedies?

• Vitamins and Minerals: Nutrients like vitamin B12 and alpha-lipoic acid support nerve repair, improve nerve function, and reduce inflammation linked to neuropathy.⁵
• Herbal Remedies: Natural herbs like turmeric, curcumin, black pepper and rosemary contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help reduce nerve damage and ease pain.⁵
• Essential Oils: Oils like eucalyptus and nutmeg provide soothing effects, improve circulation, and can help reduce nerve-related discomfort.⁵
• Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking can improve blood flow and help your nerves heal, which may reduce pain.⁵
• Warm Bath: Taking a warm bath can relax your body, improve blood circulation, and ease nerve pain.⁵
• Exercise: Gentle activities like walking or yoga can make your muscles stronger, help with pain, and improve movement.⁵
• Meditation: Focusing your mind through meditation can lower stress and help you cope better with pain.⁵
• Acupuncture: Using tiny needles at specific points on your body can help reduce pain and improve how you feel.⁵

Challenges Faced

• People with neuropathic pain often deal with other issues like anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. These problems can make their pain feel worse and make it harder to treat effectively.⁶
• Even with modern medicines, many people don’t get enough relief from their pain. Research shows that only about 30% of patients see a noticeable improvement with the treatments available today. This is partly because standard pain treatments often don’t tackle the specific challenges of neuropathic pain.⁷

Living with Neuropathic Pain

Managing neuropathic pain often requires a personalized approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Starting treatment early and exploring different options can make a big difference. Working closely with your doctor is essential to create an effective pain management plan.

If you or someone you know is dealing with neuropathic pain, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. With the right care and support, it’s possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

References

1.NIH. Pain [Internet]. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain#:~:text=While%20pain%20can%20influence%20a,health%20conditions%2C%20and%20pain%20overlap.

2.Cleveland Clinic. Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): What It Is, Causes & Symptoms [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2017 [cited 2024 Dec 3]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15833-neuropathic-pain

3.Holland K. What You Should Know About Neuropathic Pain [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2023 [cited 2024 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/neuropathic-pain#symptoms

4.I. Gilron. Neuropathic pain: a practical guide for the clinician. Canadian Medical Association Journal [Internet]. 2006 Aug 1 [cited 2024 Dec 3];175(3):265–75. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1513412/#:~:text=Neuropathic%20pain%20is%20a%20devastating,a%20considerable%20proportion%20of%20patients.

5.Anthony K. 7 Peripheral Neuropathy Natural Remedies [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2017 [cited 2024 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy-natural-treatments#herbal-remedies

6.Riccardo Torta, Ieraci V, Zizzi F. A Review of the Emotional Aspects of Neuropathic Pain: From Comorbidity to Co-Pathogenesis. Pain and Therapy [Internet]. 2017 Nov 24 [cited 2024 Dec 3];6(S1):11–7. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5701895/

7.Velzen M van, Dahan A, Marieke Niesters. Neuropathic Pain: Challenges and Opportunities. Frontiers in Pain Research [Internet]. 2020 Aug 7 [cited 2024 Dec 3];1. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8915755/