Under normal circumstances, pain serves an important protective function — it warns us of injury and prompts us to protect our body. It typically resolves as tissues heal.
However, in some cases something different happens — the pain persists even after the original cause has resolved. When this occurs, we call it chronic pain.
What Is Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. Over time, it affects not only the body but also the mind — limiting daily activity, causing social isolation, low mood, and even symptoms of depression. Moreover, physical deterioration and negative emotions can themselves amplify the perception of pain.
Types of Chronic Pain
Nociceptive (receptor-mediated) pain — originates from tissues such as muscles, bones, or internal organs.
Neuropathic (non-receptor) pain — results from nerve damage and is typically described as stabbing, burning, or shooting.
It is neuropathic pain that is particularly well known to people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia — one of the most severe and debilitating forms of chronic facial pain. Attacks can be sudden or constant, electrifying and extremely intense, significantly impacting daily life.
Natalia — since 2014 I've been living with trigeminal nerve pain. I write in plain language, based on reliable sources and personal experience. Read my story →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition. It manifests as sudden, severe, usually one-sided pain attacks — often described as an electric shock. A single attack typically lasts from a few seconds to about two minutes.
What is the difference between neuralgia and neuropathy?
In simple terms: neuralgia primarily involves paroxysmal pain along a nerve, usually without loss of sensation. Neuropathy involves nerve damage that more often causes constant pain along with numbness and sensory loss.
Do regular painkillers help with neuropathic pain?
Usually not. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. Instead, medications that act on nerves are used, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine.
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