Fall Creek Pain Management, LLC Eugene

Blog

Neuropathic vs. Nociceptive Pain

At Fall Creek Pain Management, we know that not all pain is the same. Neuropathic pain comes from nerve damage or malfunction and is often described as burning, shooting, or tingling. Nociceptive pain, by contrast, results from actual tissue damage—like arthritis or injury—and tends to be aching or throbbing. Understanding the difference helps us choose the right treatment approach for each patient.

For example, neuropathic pain often responds better to specific medications that calm nerve activity, while nociceptive pain may be helped by anti-inflammatories or targeted injections. By identifying the pain type, we tailor therapies that target the root cause, not just the symptoms.

The Role of Emotions and Stress in Pain

Pain and emotion are deeply connected. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can amplify pain signals, making discomfort feel stronger and harder to manage. The cycle can become self-reinforcing, pain causes stress, and stress increases pain.

Our providers take time to understand these emotional factors. Through a combination of counseling support, mindfulness, and lifestyle guidance, we help patients break this cycle. Our goal is to help every patient regain control, one step at a time.

Why Pain Persists Even After Healing

Sometimes, pain continues long after tissues have healed. This can happen when the body’s pain “alarm system” stays switched on, even without ongoing damage. Factors such as nerve changes, inflammation, or stress can keep pain active.

At Fall Creek Pain Management, we work to identify and address these underlying contributors. By tailoring each treatment plan, through careful medication management, targeted injections, and holistic therapies, we help patients find ways to quiet the pain response and restore function.

The Brain–Body Connection in Pain

At Fall Creek Pain Management, we understand that chronic pain isn’t just a physical experience, it’s shaped by how the brain processes pain signals. When pain persists, the nervous system can become overactive, causing normal sensations to be interpreted as painful. This process, called central sensitization, can make the body more sensitive over time.

Our treatment approach focuses on calming both the body and the brain. Through coordinated care, combining medication management, physical therapy, mindfulness, and interventional techniques, we aim to help patients retrain their nervous system and reduce the intensity of pain over time.

What Is Chronic Pain?

At Fall Creek Pain Management, we define chronic pain as pain lasting longer than three months and often persisting beyond the usual time for healing. Unlike acute pain, which signals an injury or illness and tends to resolve as the body recovers, chronic pain lingers and can become a condition in itself. This type of pain can arise from many sources, including injuries, surgeries, nerve damage, or conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Living with chronic pain affects more than just the body; it can also take a toll on quality of life, mood, and daily activities. Symptoms can vary widely, from dull aches to sharp, burning, or shooting sensations. Addressing chronic pain often requires comprehensive management that goes beyond treating the pain itself. Our approach includes medication management, joint and trigger point injections, and collaborating with other health care providers to find a path toward improved comfort.

Page updated

Report abuse