This invention discloses compositions and methods for inducing, promoting or otherwise facilitating pain relief. More particularly, the present invention discloses the use of sub-normovasodilatory doses of nitric oxide donors in the therapeutic management of vertebrate animals including humans, for the prevention or alleviation of pain, especially neuropathic pain. According to some embodiments of the present invention, nitric oxide donors are administered by any suitable route so as to provide concentrations of NO that are about ½ to 10−15 of those known to induce vasodilation in normal circulations.