If pain associated with the suprascapular and/or axillary nerve is left untreated, the pain can become chronic and lead to allodynia (pain/sensitivity to light touch) and hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain).
Distinguishing between neuropathic and nociceptive pain
When determining an effective treatment option, it is important to work with your doctor in ascertaining the correct pain diagnosis. Treatment options differ vastly between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
The most common type of pain that people experience is nociceptive pain. The human body is full of receptors called nociceptors that respond to stimuli from damaged tissue. It tends to dissipate as the affected body part recovers. For example, nociceptive pain due to a broken arm will improve as the arm recovers. The most common areas for people to experience nociceptive pain is in the musculoskeletal system: joints, muscles, skin, tendons, bones. When you touch a hot object, you immediately withdraw it due to the nociceptors receiving stimuli. This type of pain tends to happen very quickly, compared to a gradual progression. Nociceptive pain is the body’s natural defense against harmful surfaces or actions.
On the other hand, there is neuropathic pain. This pain is the result of damage to the nervous system and is often chronic. Unlike nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain does not need to develop in response to any outside stimulus. Often due to a malfunctioning nervous system, neuropathic pain tends to progress with time if left untreated. Neuropathic pain is typically more difficult to treat and responds poorly to opioid medications. Common treatments implement ways to block the electrical conduction from the affected nerve to the brain.
SYMPTOMS:
CAUSES:
At times it is common for people to suffer from a combination of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. This makes it extremely important to thoroughly discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine an effective therapy.
You Might Also Enjoy...
If pain associated with the suprascapular and/or axillary nerve is left untreated, the pain can become chronic and lead to allodynia (pain/sensitivity to light touch) and hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain).
Are you living with chronic back pain and worried that surgery is your only option? Advancements in pain management have made it easier than ever to find less invasive treatments to get relief. Keep reading to learn more.
If you’ve ever experienced shingles, you know of the burning pain that is associated with the rash. In most cases, pain persists until the rash has cleared up. About 20% of all people who get shingles will experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
If you have chronic back or nerve pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, it could be time to consider a spinal cord stimulator. These drug-free devices work by blocking pain signals. Read on to learn more.
As people tend to age, the annular rings around their discs wear out, making them more susceptible to rupture from everyday activities that require lifting or bending.
Phantom limb pain is a condition in which pain is felt in a limb that is no longer there. Phantom limb pain affects 50-80% of all amputees.