Neuropathy & Back Pain

Neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, is damage caused to the central nervous system. Damage from injury or disease affects nerve fibers resulting in pain signals being sent to the brain. Painful back symptoms are typically associated with neuropathy.

Causes

• Neuropathic back pain may be caused by alcoholism, diabetes, sciatica, being HIV positive or having AIDS, amputation, chemotherapy, shingles and leg, hip and back problems. Other causes include repetitive motions such as typing or writing for long periods. Tumors or abnormal growths can press on nerve fibers resulting in damage to the nerve.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of neuropathic back pain may include sharp electric jolt pains, burning sensations, numbness, weakness, tingling and pain that runs through the back into the legs and arms. Other symptoms of neuropathy may include sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, coordination difficulties and loss of bowel or bladder function.

Types

• There are two classifications of back pain related to nerve damage, neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Nociceptive pain is injury to sensory nerves and soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. This type of pain normally feels like a deep throb or ache, is localized in one area and typically gets better after treatment. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerve fibers and commonly feels like shooting or burning pain.

Diagnosis

• Neuropathy can be difficult to diagnose because it is actually a symptom of other medical conditions. Your physician will perform a physical and neurological exam checking for muscle weakness, location of pain, posture and coordination. Other procedures may include an electromyogrophy that measures electrical discharges in your muscles and a nerve conduction test that measures how fast your nerves carry signals to and from the brain.

Treatment

• Mild back pain caused by neuropathy may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. Prescription pain killers may be recommended for severe back pain, but are for short-term use only because of their risk of dependence. Anti-seizure medications such as pregabalin or topiramate may alleviate nerve pain by blocking pain signals. Lidocaine patches contain topical anesthetic and are applied to the most severe origination of pain. Up to three patches may be applied daily. Antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline intercept pain signals and may relieve nerve pain.