What Causes Nerve Pain? (And How to Treat It)

Nerve pain can be such a mystery for anyone who is struggling with it. But there are answers! Learn what causes nerve pain and how to treat it here!

Did you know that about 20 million Americans experience nerve pain conditions? There are over 100 types of nerve damage that can induce these bothersome pains.

If you’re experiencing nerve pain, it’s important to understand the causes and treatments. If you’re unsure if you have nerve pain, there are several important symptoms to watch for, too.

The following guide will explore what causes nerve pain, if you have it, and what to do next.

Nerve Pain Causes

Autoimmune diseases often create nerve pain and nerve damage symptoms. Examples include Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and IBS.

If you have diabetes, you’ll likely need a nerve pain doctor as the disease progresses. Diabetic neuropathy is a severe condition and that can impact all three kinds of neurons. When it affects sensory nerves, it creates a burning or numbing sensation.

If you have cancer, you might also experience nerve damage and pain. Cancerous masses often push against nerves or crush them causing pain. Some cancers lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact nerves and chemotherapy might have an effect as well.

You’ll likely experience damage and pain if your nerves experience trauma or compression. Examples include pinched neck nerves and carpal tunnel syndrome.

A lot of different drugs and toxic substances can produce nerve pain and damage. Examples of intentionally used substances include cancer medications, HIV medications, and chronic alcohol use. Unintentional substance examples include arsenic, lead, and mercury.

Motor neuron disease affects the nerves in your spine and brain that communicate with your body’s muscles. Examples that cause nerve damage and pain include ALS and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

You might experience nerve pain if you’re lacking vitamins like B6 and B12. Drinking too much alcohol or gastric surgery can also throw off your nutrition and cause nerve pain.

Infectious diseases like Lyme disease, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis C can all lead to nerve pain.

Nerve Damage Symptoms

If you’ve noticed that you’re sweating too much or too little, you might have nerve damage. Other symptoms include lightheadedness, constipation, dry eyes and mouth. Also, pay attention to any new bladder issues or sexual dysfunction.

Pay attention to any unusual weakness or muscle atrophy. Both twitching and paralysis also occur after nerve damage.

You can damage multiple nerves at the same time which produces many symptoms. For example, you might have pain in your legs while experiencing numbness at the same time.

Have you felt a burning, tingling, or prickling sensation recently? If so, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor because it’s likely related to your nerves.

Nerve Pain Treatments

For those with diabetes, it’s important to regulate blood sugar levels to eliminate nerve pain. It’s also important to balance out nutrition and switch medications as needed.

Different surgeries and physical therapy can help compressed or traumatize nerves. Some autoimmune medications also help reduce nerve pain.

Doctors often prescribe pain relievers and creams for patients with nerve damage. Sometimes they’ll prescribe antidepressants and anti-seizure medications as well.

Alternative solutions include things like acupuncture, hypnosis, and meditation. Antioxidant vitamins and electric nerve stimulation also help relieve nerve pain.

Understanding What Causes Nerve Pain

Now you know what causes nerve pain and what you can do about it. Remember the symptoms listed and act right away to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Take a look at our blog’s health and fitness section for more tips to improve your life.