Then there is the terrible dysethetic pain characterized by a burning quality often associated with a hypersensitivity of the skin where even the touch of clothing can cause waves of intractable pain. Sometimes it is associated with pins and needles, sweating problems, glossy skin coldness of the extremities and so on. Dysethetic pain seems to be related to special centers in the spinal cord that have to do with the modulation of pain. This type of pain responds unpredictable to surgical treatment. There is a drug company working on an anti-substance P drug.
Some patients do improve with time, and in severe cases, sympathetic nerve fibers can be cut.
Dr. Milhorat does not believe that you will become addicted to pain drugs if you have severe, legitimate pain. Go up the ladder of treatment beginning with medicines, continuing to narcotics, dorsal column stimulation, tens, implantation of pumps before getting to the last step of cutting things.