[메디컬투데이=이재혁 기자] Neuropathic pain refers to pain that occurs due to damage or disease in the nervous system. Neuropathic pain differs from general pain in its appearance.
In particular, if it becomes chronic, symptoms such as ‘hyperalgesia’, which causes severe pain by overreacting to even a small stimulus, or ‘allodynia’, which feels extreme pain even when lightly touched, may occur, so caution is needed to reduce the patient’s quality of life.
Once it develops, it is a complex disease that is not easy to treat with general treatment, and patients need to thoroughly manage the cause of the disease, prevent and treat it themselves, and manage their lifestyle habits. We learn about ‘neuropathic pain’ with Professor Junho Lee of the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital.
Commonly known neuropathic pain includes diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury, complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Fabry disease, pain syndrome after spine surgery, and phantom limb pain. , trigeminal neuralgia, cancer-related neuropathic pain, neuropathic pain in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, and central pain after stroke.
Professor Lee Jun-ho said, “Pain gets worse over time and progresses chronically, so early diagnosis and treatment are key.”
In the case of neuropathic pain with a causative disease, it can be alleviated to some extent if the causative disease is properly treated. For example, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain is closely related to the severity and duration of diabetes. Symptoms can be prevented or delayed through thorough blood sugar management.
In addition, a decrease in systemic condition due to worsening of the causative disease lowers the pain threshold, making pain of the same intensity feel more painful, so treating the causative disease is most important.
Chronic neuropathic pain is not effective with general painkillers, so drugs such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants can be used to relieve pain. Depending on the degree and condition of the pain, nerve treatment such as sympathetic nerve blockade and destruction surgery can be performed, and complex treatment combining physical therapy and psychological therapy is effective.
Professor Lee Jun-ho said, “During drug treatment, there may be doubts about using drugs such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants rather than general painkillers, so it is better for experienced medical staff to help patients understand through sufficient explanation.” He also added, “Also, sympathetic nerve blockade and “Destructive surgery is often more difficult and riskier than general nerve block surgery, so it must be performed by skilled medical staff,” he said.
A drop in temperature, high humidity, or sudden changes in barometric pressure can also cause and worsen pain. Low temperatures constrict blood vessels and reduce blood circulation, and high humidity causes swelling and inflammation and increases nerve sensitivity.
Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as cloudy weather, rainy season, or typhoons, can affect the nerves by changing the pressure on the tissues around the joints and nerves, and can also cause nerve inflammation.
Lifestyle habits such as eating habits, alcohol, smoking, and lack of sleep also affect neuropathic pain. Consumption of sugar, processed foods, saturated fat, and gluten can cause inflammation and increase blood sugar, making pain worse.
Smoking and drinking can worsen symptoms by inhibiting blood flow to the nerves and causing nerve swelling. Lack of sleep due to pain affects various endogenous nerve-related substances and lowers immunity, resulting in a vicious cycle of pain and sleep disorders.
To relieve the intensity of neuropathic pain, consistent exercise therapy along with management of the causative disease and lifestyle habits is very helpful. Pain management effects can be achieved through various exercises such as muscle stretching, strengthening/resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, and motor control/stabilization training.
Professor Lee Jun-ho said, “Neuropathic pain can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life, and if it progresses to chronic pain, it can be accompanied by mental illnesses such as depression.” He added, “Get an accurate diagnosis early and make lifestyle changes through consultation with a specialist.” “Optimal treatment effects can be expected only through continuous improvement and systematic treatment,” he advised.
Medical Today Reporter Jaehyuk Lee (dlwogur93@mdtoday.co.kr)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
How can mental health support and therapies contribute to the overall management of neuropathic pain for patients?
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I’ve carefully read the article about neuropathic pain and its treatment. To create an engaging and informative interview, I’ve prepared the following questions for our esteemed guests:
1. Can you please introduce yourself and share your expertise in the field of neuropathic pain?
2. How does neuropathic pain differ from general pain? What are the common causes of neuropathic pain?
3. What are the challenges in treating chronic neuropathic pain? What treatment options are available for patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain?
4. How do lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise affect neuropathic pain? What role do they play in managing symptoms and preventing the progression of chronic neuropathic pain?
5. How can patients with neuropathic pain manage their lifestyle to minimize pain? Are there any specific dietary or exercise regimens that have been effective in your experience?
6. Can you comment on the connection between weather conditions and neuropathic pain? How can patients prepare for changes in weather to minimize flare-ups of their symptoms?
7. Lastly, what advice would you give to patients who are struggling with neuropathic pain? Is there anything they can do to improve their quality of life and manage their condition effectively?
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We appreciate your expertise and insights on this critical health issue.
