Chronic conditions can be a source of pain and overwhelming for many people, resulting in an extraordinarily difficult life. According to the CDC, 51.8% of people live with at least one diagnosed chronic condition.
The umbrella of chronic conditions tends to be complex, and it’s no surprise that the types that fall under it remain the same. Nerve pain is just one example but it’s an important one.
For people who struggle with nerve pain, it often feels more complicated than other types of pain. If you or a friend are struggling, it’s vital that you have an understanding of nerve pain’s causes, symptoms, and the advancements that doctors are making every day on treatment.
Let’s take a closer look at the information out there.
What is Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, arises from damage to the nerves. Unlike regular pain, nerve pain results from issues stemming from the nerves themselves, and there are several types of nerve damage you can sustain. Those types include:
- Peripheral neuropathy (also known as a compression nerve injury)
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Focal neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
Causes of Nerve Pain
- Several factors can lead to nerve pain. Some of the most common include:
1. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a result of the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues. When this happens to nerve tissues, it can lead to nerve pain and conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Lupus causes inflammation in various parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes inflammation and damage of nerves near to joints.
When it comes to nutritional deficiencies, nerve pain can result from a lack of either Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B1. B12 is crucial for nerve function and repair, while a lack of B1 can result in beriberi, which leads to physical pain and weakness.
3. Infections, Medications, and Injuries
Infections such as shingles and Lyme disease are responsible for nerve damage and nerve pain as a result. Medications such as chemotherapy drugs can damage peripheral nerves and antiviral drugs can have nerve pain or tingling sensations as a side effect.
Trauma and surgical complications also play a role, as well as metabolic imbalance and high blood sugar levels.
Now, let’s talk about the kind of pain nerve damage and dysfunction can result in.
Types of Nerve Pain
- When it comes to nerve pain, there are four primary types:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common types of nerve pain.
It affects the peripheral nervous system as well as the peripheral nerves, which are the ones outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often start in the feet or hands with either tingling sensations, lack of sensation, or chronic pain in those regions.
Peripheral neuropathy commonly results in autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Carpal tunnel syndrome is an additional type of peripheral neuropathy and is caused by compression of the median nerve.
2. Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia follows an outbreak of shingles. The pain can be severe and persist long after the rash has healed. Some people also experience sensitivity to touch or temperature changes in the affected area.
3. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia, on the other hand, is characterized by sudden and severe sharp pains in the face. It specifically impacts the trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face. The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia is commonly described as electric shock-like or shooting. It can be triggered by anything as everyday as chewing or speaking.
4. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, otherwise known as CRPS, is a chronic pain condition that primarily affects an arm or a leg. It’s characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature in the affected area. The pain often seems to be on a larger scale in comparison to the initial injury or trauma and the condition usually occurs after an injury. The pain has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Nerve Pain
If you are experiencing nerve pain, these are some signs to look out for as they often go hand in hand with it:
- Burning sensations
- Tingling (often feels like a pins and needles sensation)
- Numbness (Numbness in areas may be partial or complete)
- Sharp pain (episodes can be brief but intense)
- Spontaneous pain
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination problems
- Pain triggered by movement
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased sensitivity
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
- Psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and stress
In some cases, the symptoms of nerve pain can be severe. They may impair your ability to perform daily tasks and they may also affect the spinal cord, impacting your ability to walk, use your hands, or handle objects. As a result of this, these symptoms can limit your independence.
It’s also common to experience an increased sense of depression and frustration about the continual discomfort you experience. You also might be more predisposed to sustaining secondary injuries like accidental falls. If you experience intense pain or worsening symptoms, seek a medical professional immediately.
Diagnosing Nerve Pain
To start, a doctor will typically want to have a detailed and complete medical history.
That medical history would include details about any recent or related injuries and trauma, a description of the current symptoms, underlying health conditions that could be a factor, and any medications you’re on that could be contributing.
They may also perform a physical exam, which may help identify areas of pain and sensory changes. It can also reveal signs of nerve damage. There are a few different physical exams that could be administered, including pain assessment and motor function.
Diagnosing nerve pain involves a comprehensive approach combining medical history, physical examinations, and specialized tests. These diagnostic tools help doctors pinpoint the cause of nerve pain, assess the extent of nerve damage, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
In terms of tests and scans that help shed light on the more persistent issues, doctors may use:
- Blood tests (to check for diabetes or vitamin deficiencies)
- Nerve Conduction Studies (to measure how well nerves are working)
- Imaging Tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds, or CT scans to look for physical damage
- Electromyography
- Nerve biopsy
- Quantitative Sensory Testing
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Treatment Options
Let’s talk about the ways to manage and soothe the pain and, in turn, the central nervous system.
Doctors often prescribe medications like pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, but there’s also a lot to be said for physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy helps improve movement and reduces swelling and inflammation, while occupational therapy focuses on helping with daily activities and pain management.
Let’s also discuss lifestyle changes.
Diet plays a significant role in both supporting and improving nerve health. Exercise goes right along with it in that regular exercise can improve overall physical health and reduce pain. A lot of people exercise for stress management, which is also a great lifestyle change to incorporate, but meditation is equally beneficial for chronic pain.
Contact the Illinois Back Institute For Help
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, presents a significant challenge for many people in a number of ways. With over half of the population living with at least one chronic condition, it’s clear that managing conditions like nerve pain will most likely improve our quality of life. Understanding the causes and types of nerve pain — ranging from peripheral neuropathy to complex regional pain syndrome — can help in recognizing symptoms and seeking the right doctors and care.
Diagnosis relies on a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examinations, and specialized tests. There’s always hope even if treatment options are varied and may include a lot of mental and physical effort as well as financial expense. You deserve to be free of the pain and to manage it going forward.
The Illinois Back Institute has performed over 500,000 treatments for those with nerve pain, with results that speak for themselves. If you’re experiencing persistent pain and want to try a treatment that’s backed by insurance, schedule a free consultation with us at 708-419-6733 or send us an email at cs@illinoisbackpain.com.
