Musculoskeletal Pain
Includes osteoarthritic pain, muscle injury, tendon and ligament strains and sprains. Can be due to previous injury, new injuries or resulting from poor posture. Managed with Physiotherapy intervention, massage, stretching, rehab exercises, analgesics and/or NSAIDS. These should improve with the correct treatment.
Neuropathic Pain
Typically a nerve impingement with referred pain, but can also be due to peripheral neuropathy, which is when the nerve endings in the hands and feet start to die. This can lead to burning and tingling in the extremities. Nerve impingements are treated by physiotherapists. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathies, but it is important to care for the area affected and work on balance which is impacted.
Dystonic Pain
A powerful muscle spasm that creates twisting/curling of the affected area. Dystonia’s are common in young onset Parkinson’s (YOPD) and are more common in the neck, feet and hands causing painful posturing of the joints. Botulinum injections are often the most effective treatment for the focal dystonia, but anticholinergic drugs can reduce incidence of spasms. Physiotherapy and massage will not stop the spasms but can help with pain relief.
Central Neuropathic Pain
Central pain can occur because of impairment in the pathways which control sensation and pain in the brain, brainstem, and spinal. Because of its low incidence and prevalence, it often goes unnoticed and patients do not therefore receive adequate analgesic therapy. It is typically a burning pain. Usually treated with levodopa and dopamine agonists – speak to your specialist.
