About Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain can result after damage or injury to the nerves or tissue that disrupts the transfer of information between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body such as skin and muscles. The impact may include a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury, resulting in sensations of pain. The pain is usually described as a burning sensation and affected areas are often highly sensitive to normal touch. Other symptoms of neuropathic pain may also include a sensation of pins and needles, difficulty correctly sensing temperatures and general numbness. Neuropathic pain tends to be chronic, persistent pain that does not resolve quickly. The intensity of the pain may wax and wane throughout the day and can be quite disruptive to a person’s well being and quality of life. Common causes of neuropathic pain include diabetes, viral infections, alcoholism, cancer and nerve pressure or damage from surgery or trauma.