Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, can be a debilitating condition that affects many aspects of daily life for those afflicted. Unlike typical pain caused by injuries or inflammation, nerve pain stems from damage or dysfunction within the nervous system itself, which can be more difficult to understand and treat.
The unique nature of nerve pain often requires specialized care. Neurologists focus specifically on treating disorders and pain management stemming from the brain and nervous system. When dealing with nerve pain, neurologists help with diagnosis, pain management, and treatment when available.
To treat nerve pain, neurologists use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, personalized treatment plans, and they have a deep understanding of the nervous system to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life.
To prepare for nerve pain treatment, dive into what a neurologist does, how nerve pain occurs, and common ways to treat nerve pain.
Understanding Nerve Pain
Nerve pain most commonly occurs because of a disease, disorder, illness, or injury that affects the overall nervous system. Most often these conincide with neurological conditions, but not always. Nerve pain can be chronic or intermittent, but it almost always affects daily lifestyles.
Patients with nerve pain may experience a feeling of “pins and needles”, electric shock like pain, numbness, weakened muscles, fatigue, or burning or stabbing sensations. These side effects of nerve pain occur because of damage, pressure, injury, or degeneration. It can be extremely difficult in some cases to resume daily habits when managing nerve pain.
Common Causes of Nerve Pain
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune Disorders
- MS
- Genetic Disorders
- Injuries
- Viruses and Other Illnesses
- Infections
- Alcoholism
- Kidney Disease
- Chemotherapy
- Toxins
- Hormonal Imbalances
Common Nerve Pain Treatments
Every patient experiences nerve pain differently and will have different reactions to nerve pain treatment. Consulting with your neurologist or primary doctor is the best way to make a treatment plan for nerve pain.
These are some common nerve pain treatment options that may be explored and what to expect when going in for nerve pain treatment. Primarily, non-surgical methods for treating nerve pain are highly sought after by patients because of the increased anxiety and stress surgery can have.
When applicable, non-surgical treatments for nerve pain can help with management, pain relief, and resuming a daily lifestyle, all without having to undergo surgery and manage recovery.
Medication Management
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage nerve pain. A common nerve pain treatment medication is an N-SAID, which primarily helps to reduce inflammation. This active agent also helps treat nerve pain, as reducing inflammation can reduce pressure and irritation that causes nerve pain.
Electric Stimulation
Otherwise known as a TENS unit, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit helps to stimulate the nerves using low electrical stimulation. It attaches via small patches on top of the skin and will be administered for small periods of time to stimulate the nerves to help treat nerve pain.
This is most commonly administered by your doctor but you can purchase TENS units for nerve pain treatment at home if recommended by your doctor.
Nerve Blocks or Ablation
Nerve blocks target the roots of the nerves and disrupt nerve signals traveling along the body. The disruption of nerve signals can temporarily relieve pain from nerve pain for a short, extended period of time. This can be useful in managing nerve pain and treating it in intervals.
Ablation is a similar technique that targets the roots of the nerves to deaden them or stop their signals. These are both common ways to treat nerve pain when looking for extended solutions without surgery.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Also known as ESIs, epidural steroid injections administer corticosteroids and a local anesthetic to the epidural space. This helps to decrease the inflammation that may be causing the nerve pain and improve mobility to the arms, legs, and back. ESIs are a common way to treat nerve pain when also trying to improve mobility.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for nerve pain treatment can help restore function and mobility. With the proper evaluation, your doctor can recommend at home physical therapy exercises that target the afflicted areas. By moving certain muscles or building strength and mobility in areas, the pain and pressure can be relieved over time and improve overall nerve pain management.
Dietary Changes
For those who experience nerve pain due to conditions like MS or other chronic illnesses, managing diets can go a long way to reducing inflammation which causes nerve pain. This may mean paying attention the blood sugar, food additives, or even food dyes. While dietary changes can be intimidating, adjusting what goes into the body can dramatically affect how the body feels and behaves.
Heat and Cold Therapy
For some, heat and cold therapy is one of the easiest at home methods to treat nerve pain that provides immediate relief. Though often temporary, heat and cold therapy can help with nerve pain flare-ups. Applying a cold ice pack for no more than 20 minutes can help reduce inflammation, while changing out to a heat pack for a short period of time can help with mobility and stiffness.
Managing Nerve Pain Treatment
Managing nerve pain can be intimidating at first—it’s about finding ways to adapt nerve pain treatments into your daily life for the best results.
Medications can take time to work, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Take your medication at the same time every day, and let your neurologist know if you experience side effects so they can adjust your treatment if needed. Staying patient during this process is key, as it may take a few weeks to feel noticeable improvements.
Physical therapy and other lifestyle changes also play a big role in managing nerve pain. Commit to the exercises your therapist recommends and pay attention to dietary recommendations, as both of these can improve your strength and reduce pain over time.
Incorporating gentle activities like walking or stretching into your routine can also help. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet can make treatments more effective. By staying consistent and open with your healthcare team, you can take control of your nerve pain and work toward a more comfortable and active life.
When to See a Neurologist for Nerve Pain
If you’re experiencing nerve pain that doesn’t improve with basic treatments or is affecting your daily life, it’s time to consult a neurologist. A specialist can identify the underlying cause of your nerve pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.
Don’t ignore symptoms like numbness, tingling, or sharp, burning pain, as these could be signs of a more serious issue. The earlier you seek help, the better your chances of managing the condition effectively.
If you’re in Maryland, the team at Neurological Medicine PA is here to help. With our expertise in diagnosing and treating nerve pain, we can guide you toward effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact Neurological Medicine PA today to take the first step toward living pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes nerve pain?
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, happens when nerves are damaged or not working properly. This can be caused by conditions like diabetes, injuries, infections, or disorders like multiple sclerosis. Sometimes, the exact cause isn’t clear and your neurologist will help you work on pain management.
How is nerve pain diagnosed?
Doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests like nerve conduction studies or MRIs to find out what’s causing the nerve pain. They may also ask about your symptoms, like if you feel tingling, burning, or sharp pain and what triggers the pain.
What treatments are available for nerve pain?
Treatment for nerve pain includes medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, nerve block injections, and sometimes surgery. A neurologist will tailor the treatment based on the cause of your pain and how severe it is.
How long does it take for nerve pain treatments to work?
This depends on the treatment and the person. Medications may take a few weeks to show results, while physical therapy might require consistent effort over months. Patience and sticking to your plan are important for success while also giving open feedback to your medical care team.
Are there any side effects from nerve pain medications?
Yes, some medications for nerve pain may cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. If you experience any side effects, let your doctor know so they can adjust your treatment.
Can nerve pain go away on its own?
In some cases, nerve pain may improve if the underlying cause is treated, like managing diabetes or healing from an injury. However, chronic nerve pain often requires ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.
When should I see a neurologist for nerve pain?
You should see a neurologist if your pain is severe, doesn’t improve with basic treatments, or is affecting your daily life. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.
Neurological Medicine, P.A.
Neurological Medicine, P.A., provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. We have been serving the Prince George’s and Montgomery County area since 1975, with two offices: Greenbelt and Laurel. We offer complete adult neurological care as well as in-office neurodiagnostic studies.
