Spinal cord injury nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, happens when the nerves in or around your spinal cord are damaged or irritated. It can feel like burning, tingling, stabbing, or even like an electric shock. For some people, even light touches or gentle pressure that normally wouldn’t hurt can cause a lot of pain.
Nerve pain can vary based on your location of injury.
What are the symptoms of spinal cord injury nerve pain?
Nerve pain after a spinal cord injury can vary from person to person. You might experience:
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Feelings of cold or “pins and needles”
- Pain triggered by something that shouldn’t hurt, like a breeze or light touch
What can I do to help manage my symptoms?
Living with spinal cord injury nerve pain can be difficult but you are not alone. Whether you are in the beginning stages of getting the right diagnosis or you’ve been managing spinal cord injury nerve pain for a while, working with your healthcare provider is one of the best ways to find relief.