Although SCI damages the cord at the level of the injury, the nerves above and below the injury still carry messages. However after injury the nerves can be more sensitive than before, causing neuropathic pain. This can range from pins and needles to strong pain below the injury level.
Unfortunately pain is a relatively common problem following spinal cord injury. Acute pain can occur soon after the injury and can be caused by many factors including:
• Damage to the bones, muscles and ligaments of the spine at the time of the injury
• Damage to the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves at the time of the injury.
• Damage caused by other injuries e.g. fractures or muscle injuries of arms, legs or other bady parts.
• The effects of any surgery required to treat these injuries
The acute pain may be severe but it can usually be treated well with standard medications and usually improves over a period of weeks as the damaged tissue heals. Pain that continues on for a period of months or years is usually called chronic pain and unfortunately, this type of pain may be much more difficult to treat.
Chronic pain can build up over time and continue long after the body heals. Chronic, persistent pain affects over half a million people in Ireland on a daily basis. Pain in a person with SCI can be complicated and confusing. There are different types of pain, and they are often described in different ways.
Treatment can be relaxation, medication or muscle stimulation.
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Further information on pain can be obtained in our information handbook.
Contact SII office. Tel: 01 2355317 |
Or contact Irish Chronic Pain Association of Ireland Tel (01) 8047567
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