Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or dysfunction in one or more nerves, causing pain signals to be sent to the brain, resulting in the sensation of pain.
Around 7 in 100 people in the UK suffer from chronic neuropathic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain which lasts three or more months.
Neuropathic pain occurs as a result of damage to the nervous system or the nervous system not functioning correctly. Pain signals are sent to the pain centres in the brain which results in the sensation of pain, tingling, or numbness in the corresponding part of the body.
Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathic pain. However, there are multiple other causes of neuropathic pain including:
Conditions such as:
Surgical procedures or trauma such:
Treatment for other diseases or illnesses such as:
Additionally, one may experience neuropathic pain due to:
Neuralgia is when a nerve misfires and causes pain, but no actual injury or known damage has occurred.
Radiculopathy is the medical term for a pinched nerve in the spinal column which causes symptoms including, but not necessarily limited to, pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. The most common cause of this is sciatica, which is a painful condition which affects the sciatic nerve which runs along the back of the leg.
The pain sensations may be shooting, burning, stabbing or electric shock-like pain. People may also experience other sensations, including tingling, numbness or pins and needles.
Neuropathic pain can be spontaneous and occur without warning or reason (this is called idiopathic neuropathy).
Allodynia is when one experiences pain because of stimuli that would not ordinarily cause discomfort, such as cold air or something touching the skin, even gently (a feather, for example).
Hyperalgesia is over-sensitivity to painful stimuli, such that the intensity of pain that is felt is out of proportion to a typical response.
A GP will complete a thorough assessment to determine whether the symptoms experienced are neuropathic pain. During the assessment, they will ask about medical history including any underlying health conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries, and will complete a physical examination.
They will then seek to find the underlying cause of the neuropathic pain to come up with a treatment and care plan. This may require the input of one or more specialists as well as diagnostic imaging, depending on the cause.
The underlying cause of the neuropathic pain will determine the recommended treatment.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of symptoms becoming worse in certain cases (such as for those with diabetic neuropathy) and surgical procedures can help in instances where a herniated spinal disc is pressing on a nerve.
Often, treatment will be multi-faceted and include a mixture of medication and physical/psychological therapy. However, some people may be able to cope without additional medications depending on the severity of symptoms.
Whilst there isn’t a specific neuropathic pain medication, possible medical treatments include:
Research into the effect of medicinal cannabis on neuropathic pain is limited. However, following the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018, there has been a rise in people looking towards medical cannabis. When first-line therapies have not proved effective at reducing symptoms, medical cannabis may be considered an option for neuropathic pain.
For further information and to find out more about medical cannabis, click here to discover more about our multi-award-winning Sapphire Access Scheme. Alternatively, complete an eligibility assessment now. Once complete, one of our clinicians will review your application and advise whether you are eligible for progression to an appointment.
The type of medication will depend upon the underlying cause of the nerve pain. It may be that people have to try a number of medications to find the most appropriate regime for them. Alternatively, some patients may not require medications at all. Many people, even if they don’t require medications, find benefit from physiotherapy and talking therapies.
Neuropathic pain is pain caused because of nerve damage or the nervous system not functioning correctly resulting in pain signals being sent to the pain centres in the brain. Sometimes the cause of the neuropathic pain is not clear. This is known as idiopathic neuropathic pain.
Over-the-counter painkillers seldom offer relief for neuropathic pain. However, some patients may not require medications at all depending on the severity of the pain. The best medication to start with will depend upon the underlying cause of the nerve pain. It may be that people have to try a number of medications to find the most appropriate regime for them. Many people, even if they don’t require medications, find benefit from physiotherapy and talking therapies.
Foot numbness in itself does not present a risk to life, but the underlying cause should be established as soon as possible. Foot numbness is not normal and could be a symptom of something serious. For people with foot numbness, it is important that they have regular foot care and wear well-fitting shoes to reduce the likelihood of developing ulcers as numbness predisposes to problems such as ulcers.
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage affecting the nerves outside of the central nervous system. Common symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy include neuropathic pain, numbness and weakness.
If you are a patient or carer seeking an appointment to discuss treatment with medical cannabis, you can complete this form and we can assist you with this.
Eligible patients can provide us with their healthcare records or we can obtain these through your GP. This is to confirm that a patient’s condition has been fully assessed and all other treatment options have been attempted. We will ensure that the primary care provider receives all treatment communication to maintain the highest level of clinical governance.
We also accept referrals from healthcare professionals.
To refer a patient to us, please click here to fill and securely submit a referral form.
Press contact:
[email protected]
Head Office Address: – Sapphire Clinics, 10 Harley St, London W1G 9QY
Postal Address:- Sapphire Clinics, PO Box 1436, Sunderland, SR5 9UE
| Overall Rating for this Location | Good |
| Are Services Well-led? | Outstanding |
