What is neuropathic pain?

This story was originally titled "Neuropathic Pain" in the November 2009 issue of Canadian Living magazine. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain that comes from an injury or disease that affects the nervous system (nerves, the spinal cord and brain). It's caused by misfiring nerve fibres that cause pain, swelling and aching. Here's what  you need to know.

1. A burning sensation, combined with shooting pain, is the most common way neuropathic pain is described. However, the type of pain experienced can be very different from person to person, says Dr. Cory Toth, an assistant professor of neurosciences at the University of Calgary who specializes in neuropathic pain. Here are some other pain descriptions and symptoms: tingling; numbness; pins and needles; sensitivity to touch or cold; a crushing sensation; deep, aching pain; swelling; temperature changes; skin discoloration; shock-like sensations.

2. With neuropathic pain, the mechanics that normally tell you to jerk your hand away from a hot stove may not work. Why? Nerves normally carry messages from parts of your body to your brain through your spinal cord. Your brain responds by sending a message back down your spinal cord, telling your body how to react. If a nerve fibre is damaged, it may not effectively communicate how something feels throughout your body.

3. There are two main types of neuropathic pain. Peripheral neuropathic pain is caused by injury or a condition that has damaged the nerve fibres – such as diabetes, shingles, chicken pox, HIV infection or AIDS – or occurs after surgery or amputation. Central neuropathic pain is caused by a wound, injury or disease to the central nervous system, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or cancer of the brain or spinal cord.


Page 1 of 2 -- On page 2, learn why diagnosing neuropathic pain is often so difficult.