You Are Getting On My Nerves Again

How would you describe your pain? This is a frequent starting off point when discussing pain. When a patient describes their pain as “electrical,” or “pins and needles,” or “burning,” they are frequently describing neuropathic or nerve pain. When pain comes from nerves it can be very difficult to deal with.

Determining the cause or source of this nerve pain will be a top priority for your pain practitioner. Nerve pain can come from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles (herpes zoster), side effects from chemotherapy, a pinched nerve, or several other possibilities.

A pinched or irritated nerve from a disc in the spine is a common source of nerve pain. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can compress exiting spinal nerves causing burning or pins and needle sensations to travel along part or the entire pathway of the nerve. If left untreated the muscles that this nerve innervates, or feeds can atrophy.

The right treatment for your nerve pain ultimately depends on getting the right diagnosis. There are several treatment options depending on what is causing your nerve pain. So, if something is getting on your nerve and causing pain, please discuss this with your ASAP provider and let us help you calm your nerves.