MANAGING NEUROPATHY

Neurogenic pain is the result of failed communication between the brain and body. Lack of sensory function typically would mean you don’t feel a thing, but for people with SCI the experience of pain is still present, and for some people it can be debilitating. Nerve pain of this nature is often described as burning.

Many quadriplegics take anti-seizure medications to help though they cause dizziness and sleepiness. Others use antidepressants and narcotics which carry risks of dependency. Some quadriplegics find relief with stimulators inserted into the spinal canal which emit high-frequency, low-intensity, nerve stimulating motions. Intrathecal pumps also treat this pain using morphine. Some individuals find relief using Cannabis especially with CBD. Study samples have been small however, and there is a risk for dependency.  Many, many quadriplegics insist that distraction is the only antidote from the ever-present pain.