2.) Chronic Pain: Nociceptive and neuropathic pain
From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Mon Aug 27 13:14:10 2001
2.) Chronic Pain: Nociceptive and neuropathic pain
Chronic pain may be either nociceptive or neuropathic in origin. Nervous system structures called nociceptors are located in cutaneous and deep tissues and the viscera. Nociceptive pain results from direct stimulation of peripheral nerve endings that are sensitive to noxious mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli. Patients often describe nociceptive pain as aching or throbbing. Bone or muscle pain or injury, cancer pain, and post-laminectomy back pain are examples of nociceptive pain. Opiate drugs usually help relieve nociceptive pain.
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerves or altered nervous system function. Patients often describe neuropathic pain as burning or shooting. Examples of neuropathic pain include complex regional pain syndrome (formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD), which is characterized by severe upper extremity pain; phantom limb pain; and post-herpetic neuralgia or shingles. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to opiates.
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The above information is from:
[]] Chronic Pain: Stopping a Downward Spiral
http://www.nurseweek.com/ce/ce50a.html