Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain or peripheral neuropathy, may be the result of many medical conditions. If you have neuropathic pain, you know how frustrating it can be. It keeps you from doing many of the things you enjoy. It can affect your emotional well-being. But don’t lose hope. There are things you can do to get some relief. Your healthcare provider will work with you to diagnose and treat your nerve pain.
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If you suffer from neuropathic pain and would like additional information on this painful condition, please review the video and frequently asked questions below. Additionally, if you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to discuss them with your physician.
Nerve Pain / Neuropathic pain / Peripheral Neuropathy FAQ
Nerve pain results from the injury of nerves, and is commonly described as a burning or tingling sensation occurring in the hands and feet. However, any body part may become affected. Many conditions may cause injury to nerves including:
- Infections such as Shingles, HIV, hepatitis C, and Lyme disease
- Nutritional disorders such as alcohol use and vitamin deficiencies
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and Sjogren’s syndrome
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Other causes or unknown called idiopathic
To determine whether you are suffering from nerve pain or from another condition, your provider will start with a comprehensive medical review and physical exam. Diagnostic tests that include x-rays, electromyography, lab results, and/or MRIs will also be reviewed.
Nerve-related pain may be treated in many ways including non-opioid adjuvant medications, interventional procedures such as spinal cord stimulator, and complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. Nerve pain may be treated as part of a care team model involving pain psychology, pain management, and primary care specialties working together.