Nerve Pain

Is my nerve pain serious?

Determining whether your nerve pain is serious or not depends on various factors including the intensity, duration, and specific symptoms you're experiencing. Here are some signs that your nerve pain may be serious and warrant medical attention:

• Severity of Pain: If your nerve pain is severe and significantly impacts your daily activities, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
• Duration of Pain: Persistent or chronic nerve pain that lasts for weeks or months without improvement should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Accompanying Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms accompanying the nerve pain, such as weakness, numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, or changes in bowel or bladder function. These symptoms may indicate nerve damage or compression that requires medical attention.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: If you have a known medical condition such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or a history of cancer, nerve pain may be a sign of complications related to these conditions and should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
• Trauma or Injury: If your nerve pain is the result of trauma, injury, or sudden onset, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious injuries or nerve damage.
• Progressive Symptoms: If your nerve pain worsens over time or spreads to other areas of the body, it may indicate a progressive condition that requires medical intervention.
• Impact on Quality of Life: If your nerve pain significantly affects your quality of life, mental health, or ability to perform daily activities, it's essential to seek medical help for proper management and treatment.

If you're unsure whether your nerve pain is serious, schedule a consultation and we will perform a thorough evaluation, order diagnostic tests if necessary, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual circumstances.

How is my nerve pain diagnosed?

We diagnose nerve pain utilizing a comprehensive evaluation, which may include the following steps:

• Medical History: We will start by taking a detailed medical history, including asking about the nature, location, and duration of your pain, as well as any other symptoms you may be experiencing. We will also inquire about any underlying medical conditions, past injuries, surgeries, medications, and family history of nerve-related disorders.
• Physical Examination: A physical examination will be conducted to assess your overall health and to specifically evaluate the area of pain. We may test your reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, and coordination to help identify any abnormalities that may be associated with nerve dysfunction.
• Neurological Examination: A neurological examination may be performed to assess the function of your nervous system, including evaluating specific nerve pathways, reflexes, and sensory responses.
• Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause of your nerve pain, we may order various diagnostic tests to help confirm the diagnosis and identify any underlying conditions. If you have already had these tests or other relevant tests, we will review the results of those tests.  These tests may include:
  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies: These tests assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, helping to diagnose conditions such as neuropathy, nerve compression, or muscle disorders. 
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered to visualize the structure of the spine, nerves, or surrounding tissues and identify any abnormalities such as herniated discs, tumors, or nerve compression.
  • Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to check for underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or infections that may contribute to nerve pain.
• Specialized Tests: There are other advanced tests that can be performed and these will be discussed with you if they are appropriate.

Based on the results of the evaluation and diagnostic tests, we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and underlying condition. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, interventional procedures, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and severity of your nerve pain.

What nerve pain treatment options are available?

The treatment options for nerve pain (neuropathic pain) vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. Here are some common treatment approaches we offer:

• Medications

  • Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, can help alleviate nerve pain by modifying neurotransmitter activity in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Anticonvulsants: Drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin are often used to treat nerve pain by stabilizing abnormal electrical activity in damaged nerves.
  • Topical medications: Lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream may provide localized relief for nerve pain by numbing the affected area or desensitizing nerve endings.

• Pain Management Procedures

  • Nerve blocks: Injection of local anesthetics or steroids near the affected nerves can help temporarily block pain signals and provide relief.
  • Spinal cord stimulation: Invasive procedures such as spinal cord stimulation involve implanting electrodes near the spinal cord to deliver electrical pulses that interfere with pain signals.

• Physical Therapy

  • Physical therapy techniques, including stretching exercises, massage therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), may help improve nerve function, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.

• Lifestyle Modifications

  • Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding activities or positions that exacerbate nerve pain can help improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms.

• Surgical Interventions

  • In severe cases of nerve compression or damage that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical interventions such as decompression surgery, nerve repair, or nerve grafting may be considered to alleviate pressure on the affected nerves and restore function.

What self-care can I utilize to relieve my nerve pain?

Self-care strategies can be effective in managing nerve pain and improving overall well-being. Here are some self-care techniques you can utilize to relieve nerve pain:

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate nerve pain. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
• Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and support nerve health. Avoiding excessive intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine may also help minimize nerve pain symptoms.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate nerve pain symptoms. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to promote relaxation and alleviate tension.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat packs or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with nerve pain. Experiment with both heat and cold therapy to determine which provides the most relief for your symptoms.
• Proper Posture and Ergonomics: Maintaining good posture and using ergonomic equipment (e.g., supportive chairs, ergonomic keyboards) can help alleviate nerve compression and reduce pain associated with nerve impingement or repetitive strain injuries.
• Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Alcohol and tobacco can exacerbate nerve pain symptoms and interfere with nerve function. Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption and quitting smoking may help improve nerve health and reduce pain.
• Adequate Sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is essential for overall health and pain management. Practice good sleep hygiene habits such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment to promote restful sleep.
• Supportive Footwear: If you experience nerve pain in your feet, wearing supportive footwear with cushioning and adequate arch support can help reduce pressure on the nerves and alleviate pain.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your body hydrated and maintain optimal nerve function. Dehydration can exacerbate nerve pain symptoms, so it's important to stay hydrated.

Discuss your plans with your specialist before implementing any self-care strategies, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, self-care techniques may be most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider.