Neuropathic pain is a chronic disorder characterized by peripheral nerve damage. The peripheral nerves are present on the exterior of your central nervous system. Pain disorders can range in severity from mild soreness to intense burning or sharp pain. The best neuropathic pain management plan involves determining the root cause and taking appropriate action. Here is more information about pain management services for neuropathic pain:
Diagnosing Neuropathic Pain
A diagnosis should be the first step before seeking neuropathic pain management services. The process begins with an in-depth physical and mental assessment. Your doctor will review your medical history to identify potential neuropathic pain causes. Nerve testing and examinations can be performed to link nerve damage to existing pain or discomfort. Blood tests can be done to check for vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues and to eliminate other potential illnesses if neuropathic pain is diagnosed.
Neuropathic Pain Symptoms
Various symptoms can be linked to neuropathic pain. They include random pain and discomfort arising without stimulus. You may experience shooting or stinging pain, numbness, or prickling sensations. Patients may also experience induced or stimulated pain. It includes pain originating from normal, non-abrasive stimuli like cold or gently rubbing the skin. You may also have painful, uncomfortable feelings, whether stimulated or not. Sleep and psychological issues due to discomfort and interrupted sleep are also common.
Pain Management Services for Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathy, or neuropathic pain, has no cure. It can only be managed through different treatment plans. Pain management comes in different treatment plans that may include:
1. Medications
Your pain management doctors may incorporate medications in your treatment plans. The medicines can ease the pain and improve peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other over-the-counter drugs can be recommended to ease discomfort. Seek your doctor’s approval before using them. Doctors can recommend anti-seizure medications like gabapentin to manage nerve pain. Some medications may lead to unwanted side effects like drowsiness.
Topical creams like lidocaine can also be recommended for skin application. Antidepressants can improve neurotransmitters in the nervous system that minimize neurological pain signals. A pain management specialist can prescribe tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and nortriptyline to improve nerve pain.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you recover from nerve damage or improve neuropathic pain symptoms. Providers can use balance and coordination activities to improve balance and prevent falls. They can prescribe bracing to protect damaged nerves and manage the pain. Physical therapists can recommend nerve gliding activities and nourishment changes to improve nerve healing and pain symptoms.
3. Scrambler Therapy
This approach uses electric signals to transmit “non-pain” messages to nerve fibers. The messages substitute pain signals, and the nerve fibers provide pain. The aim is to rewire the brain to believe there’s no pain.
4. Surgeries
Trapped nerves may cause neuropathic pain. Surgeries can help relink damaged nerves and release pain from pressure on nerves. They can help separate injured or unhealthy nerves to prevent the brain from receiving impulses from them and vice versa.
Seek Neuropathic Pain Management Services
Neuropathic pain can be distressing, and early detection and care can help manage symptoms. Pain management services for neuropathic pain can help ease pain and discomfort. Your doctor can recommend the above treatment depending on the severity of the pain and the type of neuropathy. Book an appointment with a reputable clinic today to learn how to manage and treat your pain.
