Do you suffer unexpected pain from non-painful stimuli, such as a light touch or brushing your hair? So you are probably presenting what is called " Allodynia ».
Despite the large number of drugs available, there is no conventional curative treatment forallodynia. Nowadays, increased attention has been paid to the prescription of natural therapies to relieve the sick.
This popular article explains everything you need to know about theallodynia, with an emphasis on natural treatments used in routine practice.
Contents
Introduction
THEallodynia is defined as “all pain followed a stimulus that would not normally cause pain.” Patients experience significant pain following simple contact with, for example: water, touch, etc.
The various researches made to date have still not elucidated the mystery at the origin of this pathological condition. What is also certain is that it follows a nerve lesion causing the body to react inappropriately to external stimuli.
What are the symptoms of allodynia?
The main symptom of allodynia is pain.
Pain is a protective mechanism that tells a person to stop doing something dangerous. For example, pain causes a person to move their hand away from a hot stove to avoid a severe burn.
In people withallodynia, the pain manifests itself even if it is not dangerous. Light touch, such as washing your face, a few hairs touching your skin, or a puff of air can be painful.
According to'American Migraine Foundation,allodynia can feel like a sunburn all over the body.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and sensations can also vary. Some people may feel a burning sensation, while others experience a stiffness or oppressive pain.
THEallodynia can limit a person's activities and affect their quality of life. Symptoms can also get worse over time.
What are the different types of allodynia?
We distinguish 3 types ofallodynia:
- Thermal allodynia : pain occurs when there is a slight change in temperature on the skin. For example, a few drops of cold water on the skin can be painful.
- Dynamic or mechanical allodynia : the movement – like sheets pulled over the skin – can be painful.
- Static or tactile allodynia : which corresponds to pain caused by pressure or light contact on the skin.
People can also describe it based on the part of the body where it occurs. For example, thecutaneous allodynia affects the skin.
Some people may only have one type ofallodynia. Others may have several.
What are the causes of allodynia?
Sensitization occurs when a nerve is damaged and they become hypersensitive. This can cause nerve endings to release greater amounts of neurotransmitters, leading to nerve inflammation. It may result in a allodynia or an hyperalgesia.
Allodynia can occur when les nerves carry messages de pain incorrectly, possibly due to a crossing of nerve fibers.
There may be increased responsiveness or dysfunction of a type of nerve ending known as nociceptors.
Nerve damage may result from a health problem or injury, or may have no apparent reason. They can occur in the peripheral nervous system and cause a ssensitization in the central nervous system.
When should you consult to make the diagnosis?
If you have unexplained pain that does not yield to the usual therapies, we strongly recommend that you consult a health professional.
No additional tests or examinations are required to make the diagnosis ofallodynia.
Instead, your doctor will take the following steps:
- Perform a complete physical examinationt. Take stock of the symptoms presented at the same time, search for associated tare.
The doctor will look for the same symptoms in different areas of the body symmetrically and bilaterally. This in order to eliminate all other possible etiologies before placing the diagnosis of allodynia.
- Perform a careful questioning with emphasis on thepersonal and family history.
The interrogation will consist of asking the following questions :
– When did the symptoms appear?
– Does the intensity of the pain change over time?
– Is the symptomatology constant or intermittent?
– How would you describe the pain you are feeling?
– Is your pain the result of a change in temperature, a movement, a simple touch, or something else?
Allodynia: natural treatments
1. Thermotherapy
The application of heat or cold directly to the affected area can sometimes be one of the best ways to relieve symptoms associated with a joint sprain or muscle injury, and is most often the first treatment professionals recommend immediately after such an injury.
It can be one of the most effective ways to relieve the symptoms ofallodynia, especially when directed to the most affected area.
Since some cases of allodynia are related to temperature sensitivity, the effectiveness of heat or cold (or its effectiveness at all) can vary from person to person.
2. Anandamide
New research shows that theanandamide may help relieve nerve pain and discomfort that accompaniesallodynia. This compound can be found in some supplements and foods, but most often in substances rich in other cannabinoids, such as CBD.
If you think you are suffering fromallodynia and some of the other treatment options have not helped, talk to your doctor about dietary supplements containinganandamide and bring him some of the research that supports them.
3. Magnesium
Although it is not considered a cause ofallodynia by itself, a lack of minerals in your diet can aggravate many muscle and nerve conditions such asallodynia.
Two of the minerals known to cause cramps and pain most often when you don't get enough of them in your diet are magnesium and salt. Increase your intake of foods rich in magnesium and salt, or add them to your diet as supplements.
Remember to watch out for salt and magnesium if you have been diagnosed with heart problems or high blood pressure issues – too much magnesium is also dangerous and can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke cerebral.
4. Touch Therapy
If you suffer from any kind of nerve damage, there is a lot of research supporting the theory that touch therapies can be a great help in promoting nerve healing.
Among the examples of touch therapies, include brushing, tickling and light touching of the affected area. The sensation that helps relieve associated nerve pain tends to be different for everyone.
La touch therapy can sometimes be done at home, but if you don't know where to start, it may be worth at least making an appointment with a trained expert who can teach you more about it.
5. Lifestyle adaptation
Turnkey lifestyle adaptations may sometimes be necessary to help control the symptoms of allodynia and make the disease more manageable in the long term. Those lifestyle adaptations cannot be considered major in any way, but they can make a big difference in your life and health when combined with other appropriate treatment options.
Among lifestyle adaptations that can serve as home help for conditions such as allodynia include adopting a healthier diet: Sometimes an unhealthy diet and a lack of vitamins and minerals in your daily life can make conditions such as than allodynia.
As a general rule, avoid artificial ingredients as much as possible and opt for healthier forms of fat, like real butter.
References
My name is Mehdi Toufik, I am a general practitioner and French-speaking web editor. As a health professional, I spend my time reading, studying and documenting all the scientific information to extract the essentials. My passion for literature and writing led me to start writing articles on the theme of health and well-being, by offering unique and original articles, pleasant to read.
