Neuropathic pain is pain from damage to a nerve structure, either following a crush injury around the nerve, surgery around a nerve which injured the nerve (rare), or perhaps a disc prolapse pressing on a nerve from the neck or lower back. Neuropathic pain is characterised by unremitting pain in consistently the same area, often with tingling, burning or even random electrical shock sensations (ectopic firing), sometimes muscle weakness and often numbness, and usually not responsive to anti-inflammatory medication. It is recommended that neuropathic pain requires an MRI scan or nerve conduction studies to clarify where the nerve damage is, to confirm the diagnosis.
Neuropathic pain is often accompanied by central sensitisation and alterations in the way the brain receives and interprets sensory information from the body. These elements tend to amplify pain and can be worked on through specific pain physiotherapy training, which may include mirror therapy and other strategies.
