Managing Nerve Pain: Diagnosis and Treatments

What is nerve pain?

Nerve pain can be one of the most uncomfortable and frustrating health issues to deal with. The sensation is often described as burning, stabbing, shooting or a combination of all three. The pain may be chronic, or come and go. This pain occurs as a result of damage or irritation to the nerves of your body and can arise from injuries, medical conditions such as diabetes, infections, and even in some cases following surgery.

Getting the right diagnosis

The next step for most anyone suffering with nerve pain are the next steps to getting properly diagnosed. Many people suffer with pain for years without ever knowing the cause. The way doctors look for the cause of nerve pain is to first perform a physical examination and then start with a discussion about the pain. They are usually interested in when it started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have other medical problems. They usually do blood work, nerve studies, and/or scans like CAT or MRI to help find the cause of your pain.

Pain management specialist

If they identify a cause they will begin to help you to put together a plan of treatment. And this is when a pain management specialist can really help you. Pain management doctors help to reduce pain and improve quality of life through medical treatment. They use both medicine and patient-centered approaches like behavioral social and emotional support, in decisions related to care. They will work to find the most efficacious treatment options for you.

Treatment Approaches for Nerve Pain

Treatment options for nerve pain may include medication. Some medications decrease nerve sensitivity, while others decrease swelling or muscle spasms. Physical therapy is commonly prescribed to increase strength and flexibility, and lessen pain as time goes on.

For some patients, advanced treatment options with injections, nerve blocks, or electrical nerve stimulation can provide great pain relief. These treatments directly target the affected nerve areas where the pain signals originate, and calm them down. If the pain is due to nerve compression/damage that can be repaired, then surgery may be considered.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Relief

Lifestyle changes also help manage neck pain. Some lifestyle changes that can be helpful include regular gentle exercise, good diet, and good sleep habits. Decreasing stress with activities such as meditation, yoga, or listening to music can be beneficial as stress will generally intensify the pain experience.

Acting early

It’s important to keep in mind that nerve pain will not (may not) go away entirely, but, if it is taken care of appropriately, it can be managed effectively. Early assessment and a customized treatment plan can provide the ability to prevent the pain from worsening and continue on with your daily activities.

If you experience ongoing pain, which does not go away, you should get advice for an assessment. You should not ignore the symptoms or wait too long before getting help to manage them. The earlier you act, the better your chance of finding relief and preserving your nerve health.