Hunter Pain Specialists News

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Pain and its treatment

Written by Hunter Pain Specialists | Nov 4, 2024 12:36:36 AM

There are three main types of pain associated with spinal cord injuries:

  1. Below-level pain: This occurs below the area where the neurological impairment has taken place.
  2. At-level pain: This type of pain happens at the point of the spinal cord injury.
  3. Above-level pain: This refers to pain that occurs above the level of injury, where no direct damage has been sustained.

Above-level pain is often due to musculoskeletal strain from activities like pushing a wheelchair or overuse of certain muscles, such as the shoulders. In contrast, at-level and below-level pain are forms of nerve pain, where the nervous system continues to send pain signals even though no new damage has occurred. This type of pain is known as central neuropathic pain and can be challenging to manage.

Treating this pain often requires a combination of medications, interventional techniques, physical therapy, and psychological support. Each patient’s situation is unique, and some may need more advanced treatments, such as ablative therapies (which involve damaging specific nerve pathways to block pain) or neuromodulation therapies (using devices to alter nerve activity). In some cases, a referral to a neurosurgeon might be necessary for more specialised treatment options.

For those suffering from spinal cord injury pain, it’s essential to seek care from specialised pain units. These units often exist in major cities and provide tailored treatment plans to help patients manage pain and improve their quality of life. Here in Newcastle, as well as in Sydney and other capital cities, there are facilities dedicated to spinal cord injury pain management.

If you know someone dealing with spinal cord injury pain, ensure they are assessed by the right specialists and have access to appropriate treatments that can significantly enhance their day-to-day living and overall well-being.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: https://hunterpainspecialists.com.au/contact