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  Chronic Pain Australia
  Health Consumer Organisation

  Chronic Pain Australia incorporated in 2006 to become a strong voice for Australians experiencing chronic pain. Chronic Pain Australia was a lead organisation in developing ... View profile

  From http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/12082/42367/42367.pdf
  
  Neuropathic pain is initiated or caused by nervous system damage or dysfunction. Neuropathic pain is difficult to manage because affected people often have a complex history with unclear or diverse causes and comorbidities. Neuropathic conditions include failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). People with FBSS continue to have back and/or leg pain despite anatomically successful lumbar spine surgery. It is not easy to identify a specific cause of neuropathic pain and people with FBSS may experience mixed back and leg pain. CRPS may happen after a harmful event or period of immobilisation (type I) or nerve injury (type II). Pain and increased sensitivity to pain are the most significant symptoms and are present in almost all people with NICE technology appraisal guidance 159 2 CRPS. Other symptoms can include perceived temperature changes, weakness of movement and changes in skin appearance and condition. Reply to this post  |  Report
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  Dr Stephen Leow (General Medical Practitioner)
  Health Professional

  GP with an interest in Pain Medicine. Currently Clinical Director of GP+ Elizabeth in Suburban SA. Chair of RACGP Special Interest Group of Pain Management. ... View profile

  The burning in the leg, if it is neuropathic in origin, would come from a malfunction of the sensory nerve supplying that region of the body. It may come from damage to the nerve from direct or indirect trauma, such as nerve compression in the lumbar spine or from dseases that directly sffect the nerve, such as diabetes or even from alcohol toxicity. It may also be from a dietary deficiency of vitamins (B Group, in particular)  It is important to determine the cause of the neuropathic pain, so that it can be addressed. Reply to this post  |  Report
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  Neil Synnott (Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist)
  Health Professional

  I am qualified as a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST. I primarily use the McKENZIE METHOD for assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain disorders. The ... View profile

  Hi all,
  
  Neuropathic pain relates to pain from dysfunction within the nervous system.
  
  With the burning leg pain you are experiencing, while it may be true neuropathic pain, as Dr Leow mentioned, the nerve dysfunction may be secondary to another problem. A few quick scenarios may exist:
  

  • Compression of the nerve as it leaves your lumbar spine or in the buttock
    
  • Entrapment of the nerve along its course (this often occurs around joints or in muscle bellies)
    
  • With other disease ( like diabetes) 
    

  If the nerve dysfunction is due to compression or entrapment, this scenario can certainly improve. The nerves throughout our body can move quite a bit - more than 6cm in some instances. With completing the correct stretching regime and following posture advise, the burning nerve pain can be significantly improved!
  
  Ask yout doctor for a referral to a reputable physiotherapist in your area.
  
  All the best! Reply to this post  |  Report
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