pain and neuropathic pain
Pain is the response of the nervous system to irritable stimuli, which can be both chemical and mechanical in nature. Neuropathic pain refers to pain resulting specifically from nerve irritation, as opposed to muscle or joint pain. The more common neuropathic pains such as sciatica are due to nerve impingement. A mechanical irritant is when the nerve root is blocked on exiting the spinal canal by a bulging disc or a facet joint inflammation. A chemical irritant can be due to a fragmented disc. Nerve pain is highly irritable and frequently needs medication to relieve pain. Physiotherapy using soft tissue and joint mobilisation techniques helps to restore normal nerve mobility and function. Chronic pain may need a team approach. An intensive treatment plan designed by doctors, physiotherapists and pain psychologists incorporating exercise, medication and pain coping strategies can be very successful.