It is important to understand that there are different types of pain based on where in the body the pain is felt. Pain of all three types can be either acute or chronic. The three pain types can be felt at the same time or at different times. They respond to different medication and nerve blocks. The three types of pain are:
- Neuropathic
- Somatic
- Visceral
Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damage or disease that affect nerves. Some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
- alcoholism
- amputation
- back, leg, and hip problems
- chemotherapy
- diabetes
- facial nerve problems
- HIV or AIDS
- shingles
- surgery on the spine
Treatment options include:
Medication, which can be divided into three groups:
- anticonvulsants (neurontin, lyrica, tegretol, topamax, lamictal, gabitril)
- antidepressants (elavil, cymbalta, remeron, sinequan, desyrel)
- opioids (narcotics) are only used when the anticonvulsants and antidepressants fail
Nerve blocks
- stellate ganglion blocks
- lumbar sympathetic block
- epidurals
Or sometimes a combination of both
In addition patients may reduce their pain levels through exercise, the use of a tens unit, massage, biofeedback, and acupuncture.
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