Understanding Neuropathic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options
- Dr John Hong
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
John K. Hong, M.D. | 7/13/2025
Neuropathic pain is a complex, often debilitating condition caused by injury or dysfunction in the nervous system. Unlike nociceptive pain (caused by injury to tissues), neuropathic pain arises from damage or irritation of the nerves themselves. It affects millions of Americans and can significantly reduce quality of life if left untreated.
🔍 What Is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain results from abnormal processing of pain signals due to nerve injury or dysfunction. It can occur peripherally (in the limbs) or centrally (in the spinal cord or brain).
Common Symptoms:
Burning, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations
Numbness or tingling (paresthesias)
Allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli)
Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to painful stimuli)
Muscle weakness (if motor nerves are involved)
⚠️ Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Some of the most frequent causes include:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Postherpetic neuralgia (after shingles)
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Radiculopathy from herniated discs or spinal stenosis
Central pain syndromes, such as after a stroke or spinal cord injury
Cancer-related nerve damage
Traumatic nerve injury or surgical nerve trauma
Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases
💊 Treatment Options
1. Conservative and Pharmacologic Treatments
These are typically the first-line therapies:
Anticonvulsants: Gabapentin, pregabalin
Antidepressants: Tricyclics (e.g., amitriptyline), SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine)
Topical agents: Lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream
Opioids: Reserved for severe or refractory cases due to long-term risks
Physical therapy and occupational therapy
💉 Interventional Pain Management Options
For patients who do not respond to medications or experience side effects, interventional approaches may offer effective relief:
🔹 Nerve Blocks
Diagnostic and therapeutic
Used for postherpetic neuralgia, CRPS, and radiculopathy
Examples: Epidural steroid injections, stellate ganglion blocks, peripheral nerve blocks
🔹 Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Used for chronic joint-related pain and selected neuropathic pain conditions
Destroys targeted sensory nerves via heat or pulsed RF, providing long-term relief
🔹 Neuromodulation Techniques
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS):
Delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals
Effective for CRPS, post-laminectomy syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy
Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation:
Targeted therapy for focal neuropathic pain such as groin or foot pain
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS):
Focuses on specific nerves like the suprascapular, sciatic, or occipital nerves
🔹 Scrambler Therapy
A non-invasive electrostimulation technique that retrains damaged nerves to perceive non-pain signals
Promising results for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and phantom limb pain
🏥 Our Approach at Parkview Pain and Regenerative Institute
At Parkview Pain, we combine precise diagnosis with cutting-edge interventions to treat neuropathic pain. We create individualized plans that may include conservative care, regenerative injections, and advanced neuromodulation — all designed to reduce pain and restore function without reliance on opioids.
✅ Conclusion
Neuropathic pain can be relentless, but it’s not untreatable. With early intervention, targeted therapies, and advanced interventional procedures, patients can regain quality of life and reduce long-term suffering. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of nerve-related pain, a comprehensive evaluation can be the first step toward lasting relief.
👉 Contact Parkview Pain and Regenerative Institute to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options today.
