Understanding Neuropathic Pain: Causes & Treatments

Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain condition caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. It is often described as a shooting or burning pain sensation.

Neuropathic Pain FAQ

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What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is nerve pain that can happen if your nervous system malfunctions or gets damaged. You can feel pain from any of the various levels of your nervous system, including your peripheral nerves, your spinal cord and your brain. Your central nervous system consists of your spinal cord and brain.

What causes neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain can arise from incorrect nerve signalling either within the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) or from incorrect signalling affecting the nerves outside the brain, the peripheral nerves. Pain is broadly divided into two types - nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain.

What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?

Symptoms can include burning or tingling sensations, feeling extra sensitive to touch or cold, or deep aching pain What causes neuropathic pain? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers and hand. Those feelings are caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist.

Can nerve damage cause neuropathic pain?

Damaged nerve fibers send the wrong signals to pain centers in your body, resulting in neuropathic pain. Nerve function may change at the site of nerve damage and in areas in your central nervous system (central sensitization). Neuropathy is a disturbance of function or a change in one or several nerves.