Common Causes of Nerve Pain

Nerve pain is often referred to as neuropathic pain. It’s a widespread issue, and it can impact an individual’s quality of life, depending on the severity of the pain itself. It stems from a range of factors such as injuries, diseases, and other conditions that directly affect the nervous system. Whether it’s manifesting as pain in your extremities, in your neck or your back, nerve pain can be very severe and for some it can be debilitating. 

You may have already searched what is the best cream for nerve pain in the quest of finding a solution, but understanding why it’s happening in the first place makes good sense. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of common causes of nerve pain below, so you can better understand the issues you face.

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• Spinal conditions. One of the most common sources of nerve pain is related to the spine. Given that the spine houses a spinal cord, which transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body, any disruptions of this system can lead to nerve pain. Spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and herniated discs can also put pressure on those delicate nerves, and that leads to pain in the neck and the back. Sciatica, for example, is a type of pain that radiates down the leg from the lower back. This is often caused by herniated discs compressing the sciatic nerve.
• Back and neck pain. Some of the most common reasons people seek out help from a specialist is because of back and neck pain. Whether its muscle strain, arthritis or abnormalities in the spine, back and neck pain is not easy to deal with. These issues can irritate the nerves overtime and that leads to nerve related pain. Whether it’s acute or chronic, it really doesn’t matter. The point is that it can significantly impact your ability to move and perform daily activities. Pain doctors can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs, however.
• Diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition and is caused by high blood sugar levels. It damages the nerves overtime, particularly in the feet and legs, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness. Managing diabetes effectively is critical to preventing feather nerve damage. With the help of a pain specialist, you’ll be able to alleviate those symptoms with physical therapy, medication, and other pain management strategies. Diabetic neuropathy is not a joke, so you have to consult with the doctor who can help.
• Compression. When the nerve is squeezed or pinched by surrounding tissues, this leads to compression. It can happen anywhere in the body, but is most common in the spine, the wrist, and the elbows. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Waking up in the morning with half of your fingers numb is the norm if you have carpal tunnel, but it’s not normal. Similarly, cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed and that leads to extreme pain, numbness, or weakness down the arm.
• Inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus can all contribute to nerve pain. These diseases cause inflammation that can affect the nerves and lead to neuropathic pain. Treatment for these conditions often involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and interventional pain management. This all works to relieve pain. 
• Trauma. Another common cause of nerve pain is injury to the nervous system or trauma to the area itself. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment options can include anything from interventional pain management to physical therapy and medication. If the nerve damage itself is more severe, surgery could be necessary to repair the nerve and relieve your pain. Even a mild injury can lead to nerve damage, so you need to be aware of symptoms like sharp pain, tingling or numbness.
• Migraines. Migraines can cause nerve pain. They’re neurological in nature, and they’re often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and intense pain. The nerves in the brainstem and the upper spinal cord can become irritated during a migraine, and that leads to more discomfort and pain than you may consider. Neurologists and pain specialists can work with patients and develop a treatment plan that includes medication. If medication is not working for you, physical therapy, acupuncture and stretching can help.

Nerve pain shouldn’t ever be left – it should always be explored first.