Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition due to an injured nerve. Neuropathy comes from a �disruption inside the body�, according to the American Chronic Pain Association.1 Injured nerves from neuropathy are different from pain due to injuries such as car accidents and sports trauma, which originate outside the body.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy in which the "median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed, squeezed or inflamed at the wrist".2, according to the Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy at the University of Chicago.
Neuropathy Sensations
Internally injured nerves send inaccurate messages to the brain. This results in pain to the extremities that may feel like:
- parasthesia
- numbness
- burning
- stabbing
- electric
- pins and needles
The Effect of Neuropathy
Neuropathy affects and/or disrupts:
- sleep
- work
- concentration
- social relationships
- emotional well-being
Treatment for Neuropathy
Treatment for chronic pain due to neuropathy may include one or more of the following:
- working with a doctor to determine the best pain management strategy
- medicine
- relaxation techniques
- physical therapy
- an appropriate, moderate exercise program
- involving friends and family, i.e. not isolating yourself from your social relationships
- support groups
Bibliography
1 American Chronic Pain Association Facts About Neuropathic Pain Retrieved June 27, 2005 from: http://www.theacpa.org/nerve/pdf/NEP_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf
2 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Jack Miller Center for Peripheral Neuropathy, University of Chicago Retrieved June 27, 2005 from: http://millercenter.uchicago.edu/learnaboutpn/typesofpn/compression/carpaltunnel.shtml
