Discover the Surprising Difference Between Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain in 6 Common Questions Answered.
Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage, which can be caused by a spinal cord injury, a disease, or a disorder. It is characterized by chronic, intense pain, as well as unusual symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Neurogenic pain is caused by damage to the central nervous system, which can be caused by a stroke, a tumor, or a traumatic injury. It is characterized by pain that is felt in the peripheral nervous system, which is caused by damage to sensory receptors. Both types of pain require different treatments, and the causes and effects of each type of pain can vary.
Contents
- What Causes Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
- How Does Spinal Cord Injury Affect Nerve Damage Pain?
- What Are the Effects of Central Nervous System Dysfunction on Chronic Intense Pain?
- How Do Sensory Receptors Contribute to Unusual Symptoms in Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
- What Are the Different Treatments for Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
- Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
What Causes Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nerves, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, tumors, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, spinal cord injury, chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, genetic disorders, certain medications, and compression of nerves. Neurogenic pain is caused by dysfunction of the nervous system, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, genetic disorders, certain medications, and compression of nerves.
How Does Spinal Cord Injury Affect Nerve Damage Pain?
Spinal cord injury can cause a range of nerve damage pain, including motor and sensory deficits, autonomic dysreflexia, paralysis or paresis, loss of sensation, chronic neuropathic pain, spasticity and spasms, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, pressure sores/ulcers, muscle atrophy, painful muscle spasms, impaired balance and coordination, loss of reflexes, sensory changes, and psychological distress.
What Are the Effects of Central Nervous System Dysfunction on Chronic Intense Pain?
The effects of central nervous system dysfunction on chronic intense pain can include neuropathic pain, neurogenic pain, abnormal sensory processing, altered perception of pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia, autonomic dysregulation, impaired motor functioning, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety symptoms, impaired quality of life, increased risk for substance abuse, psychological stressors, and social isolation.
How Do Sensory Receptors Contribute to Unusual Symptoms in Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
Sensory receptors, such as nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors, play a major role in the development of unusual symptoms in neuropathic and neurogenic pain. Nociceptors are responsible for detecting and responding to painful stimuli, while mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors detect changes in pressure, temperature, and movement. When these receptors are activated, they can cause a range of unusual symptoms, such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, dysesthesia, paresthesia, and central and peripheral sensitization. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, are also involved in the development of these symptoms. In addition, nerve damage and inflammation can contribute to the development of these symptoms.
What Are the Different Treatments for Neuropathic and Neurogenic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is typically treated with medications, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical anesthetics. Other treatments for neuropathic pain include acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, intrathecal drug delivery systems, and surgery.
Neurogenic pain is usually treated with medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and opioids. Other treatments for neurogenic pain include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback techniques, exercise and stretching programs, heat or cold therapies, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, herbal remedies, and physical therapy.
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
- Mistake: Neuropathic and neurogenic pain are the same thing.
Explanation: Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nervous system, while neurogenic pain is caused by inflammation or irritation of a nerve. - Mistake: Neuropathic and neurogenic pain can be treated with the same medications.
Explanation: While some medications may help both types of pain, they are not necessarily interchangeable as different treatments may be more effective for each type of pain depending on its cause and severity.