What causes nerve pain?
Your nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and your peripheral nerves that branch out from your spine and extend throughout your body.
Your nerves allow you to move, perceive sensations, and even control your essential body functions like respiration and digestion.
Nerve pain occurs when an injury, inflammation, or another condition compresses or damages a nerve. Some of the conditions that cause nerve pain include:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Trauma
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus
- Thyroid disease
- Lyme disease
- Tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Multiple myelomas
- Alcoholism
Nerve pain ranges in severity. It is also frequently accompanied by other symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, electrical sensations, and weakness. You might lose your balance and coordination or become extremely sensitive to touch or temperature.
Nerve pain usually intensifies when left untreated and can lead to severe complications like paralysis or amputation.
How is nerve pain diagnosed?
At Evolution Pain and Spine, Dr. Thomas provides thorough exams and testing to identify and locate the cause of your nerve pain.
During your physical exam, he performs standard neurological tests to assess your strength, balance, reflexes, and sensation. Dr. Thomas might ask you to make specific movements or stretches to see if any positions or movements trigger your symptoms.
When necessary, Dr. Thomas uses MRIs and electromyography and nerve conduction studies to evaluate your nerve damage and pinpoint its location.
How is nerve pain treated?
Once Dr. Thomas understands your condition, he creates a multidisciplinary treatment plan both to relieve your pain and address the condition causing it. Depending on your condition, Dr. Thomas might recommend:
- Nerve blocks
- Epidural steroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Physical therapy
- Regenerative medicine
Dr. Thomas can also help you get the medical support you need to manage other medical conditions that contribute to nerve pain.
For example, he can direct you to resources and medical professionals to manage diabetes and thyroid disease. He might also recommend dietary adjustments or supplements to address vitamin deficiencies.
If you have nerve pain or other signs of nerve damage, call Evolution Pain and Spine or make an appointment online today.
