Nerve Pain

What are the signs of nerve pain?

Nerve pain — also called neuropathy — can occur anywhere in the body, though it’s most commonly seen in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Common signs of nerve pain include:

• Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
• Loss of balance and poor coordination
• Sharp, shooting pain
• Sensitivity to touch and pressure
• Dropping things or difficulty handling small objects
• Muscle weakness
• Heavy feeling in the arms or legs
• Significant drop in blood pressure
• Poor digestion
• Excessive sweating

The nerves in the arms and legs that are most often involved in nerve pain are predominantly responsible for sensations of pressure, temperature, vibration, and pain. Nerves within your torso that control your organs may also be involved, causing digestive issues as well as pain.

What causes nerve pain?

Nerve pain can be caused by any irritation or trauma to your nerves. Common causes of nerve pain include:

• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• Alcoholism
• Trauma
• Nerve compression, including carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica
• Certain medications and environmental toxins
• Hormonal disorders
• Autoimmune conditions
• Infections
• Vitamin deficiencies

The team provides care for all types of nerve pain and can work with your other doctors — including oncologists, internists, and primary care physicians — to ensure you receive the best treatment possible.

How is nerve pain diagnosed?

At your initial visit, the team begins with a consultation to understand your symptoms and the extent of your nerve pain. A physical exam is included to assess basic nerve function and reflexes that may indicate more serious issues.

The team then refers you for specialized testing, as appropriate, to identify the specific cause of your pain. These tests may include X-rays, an MRI, nerve conduction tests, blood tests, or screenings for autoimmune conditions or infections.

Based on your exam and test results, the team explains your diagnosis and outlines a treatment plan to relieve your pain.

How is nerve pain treated?

Nerve pain treatment depends on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. If your nerve pain is caused by a musculoskeletal condition, the team may refer you for physical therapy or prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medications.

For complex causes of nerve pain, the team may prescribe medicines to specifically target nerve pain or any underlying conditions you may have. The team also offers injection therapy —  including epidural injections — and spinal cord stimulators in chronic cases.

To schedule a consultation to find a solution for your nerve pain, call New Jersey Pain Management or book online.