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Common types of pain

Chronic Back and Leg Pain

Chronic back and leg pain is described as pain that is felt in the back and/or leg that may result from spinal diseases including: arachnoiditis, degenerative disc disease, epidural fibrosis, failed back surgery syndrome, lumbar disc herniation, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis. Back pain is often located in the lower back, but it may extend to other areas, such as the thighs, calves, and feet. Affected areas may feel tender or sore to the touch, and the pain may increase with movement. This type of pain can be felt as sharp or knife-like pain, a burning sensation, or as a dull muscular ache. Symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to completely disabling.

Cancer Pain

Pain caused by cancer usually falls into one of two categories:

Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to tissue. It is usually described as sharp, aching, or throbbing pain. It is often due to tumours or cancer cells that are growing larger and crowding body parts near the cancer site. It may also be from cancer that has spread to the bones, muscles, or joints, or caused a blockage of an organ or blood vessels.

Neuropathic pain happens when there is actual nerve damage. It may be caused by a tumour pressing on a nerve or a group of nerves. People often describe this pain as a burning or heavy sensation, or numbness along the path of the affected nerve.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS usually develops in the foot or hand after an injury (such as a broken bone) or surgery that may involve nerve damage. CRPS is the abbreviation used to describe two painful syndromes also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) (CRPS type I) and Causalgia.(CRPS Type II)

The overriding symptom is extreme pain -- frequently described as burning. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to touch, skin changes, swelling, weakness, and decreased function of the hand/foot.

In 2001, there were more than 150,000 CRPS patients in Europe

Painful Neuropathies

Painful neuropathies are a common collection of neurological disorders resulting from damage to nerves that generate severe chronic pain. Nerves connect the spinal cord to the body and help the brain communicate with skin, muscles, and internal organs.

Painful neuropathies may be caused by nutritional imbalances, alcoholism, toxins, infections, or autoimmunity, or may be the result of illnesses such as kidney failure or cancer. In approximately one-third of cases, the cause of neuropathy is unknown.

They have common symptoms such as pain, burning, weakness, and numbness. These symptoms most often appear in the hands or feet. Treatment is focused on the underlying disease or condition if it is known.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, discuss your treatment options with your doctor, or make an appointment with a specialised pain clinic near you.