Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It is caused by injury, disease, or malfunction of the nervous system. When nerve fibers are damaged, they send incorrect signals to the brain that result in pain. The pain from neuropathic damage can be constant or intermittent, and range from mild to severe.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of neuropathic pain can vary depending on the type of damage to the nerves. Common symptoms include:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness
- Sharp, shooting, or aching pain
- Pain that feels like pins and needles or electric shock
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
- Loss of sensation
- Changes in skin color or texture
- Reduced range of motion
- Chronic discomfort
- Insomnia
How Long Does It Take For Neuropathic Pain to Go Away?
Unfortunately, there is no absolute answer to this question, as the duration of neuropathic pain can vary greatly from person to person. Generally, neuropathic pain caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system (the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord) tends to resolve itself over time.
This is because these nerves have a high capacity for regeneration. However, if the nerve damage is severe or the underlying cause of the condition is not addressed, then pain may develop into a long-term problem.
On the other hand, neuropathic pain that is caused by damage to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) is more likely to be a chronic condition. This is because these nerves have a very low capacity for regeneration. However, most people with neuropathic pain will experience some relief with treatment, even if the pain is not completely eliminated.
Factors That Affect the Duration of Neuropathic Pain
There are several factors that may affect how long neuropathic pain lasts. These include:
- The cause of the nerve damage: If the underlying cause of the nerve damage is not treated or is chronic in nature, then the pain may also become a chronic problem. For example, if the pain is caused by diabetes, it is likely to last for a longer period than if it were caused by an injury.
- The severity of the nerve damage: More severe nerve damage like a severed nerve tendon is more likely to lead to long-term pain.
- The location of the nerve damage: Nerve damage that occurs in the central nervous system is more likely to cause chronic pain than nerve damage that occurs in the peripheral nervous system. This is because the central nervous system has a very low capacity for regeneration.
Final Thoughts
Neuropathic pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to seek professional treatment as soon as possible to improve your chances of successful recovery.
While there is no cure for neuropathic pain, there are a variety of treatment options available that can help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you suspect you may have neuropathic pain, talk to your doctor about your treatment options today.