Causes of Nerve Pain

Learn about nerve pain causes and factors leading to neuropathy with Dr. Saleh Atiyah

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, results from damage, irritation, or dysfunction of nerves. It has a completely different character from regular pain, often described as burning, electric, or stabbing. This type of pain requires specialized evaluation and treatment because regular painkillers are often not effective.

Among the most important causes of nerve pain is mechanical compression of nerves. Disc herniation in any area of the spine can compress nerve roots, causing pain that spreads along the nerve pathway. In the lumbar vertebrae, it causes sciatica extending from the buttocks to the foot, and in the cervical vertebrae, pain extends to the shoulder and arm.

Shingles causes nerve inflammation and can lead to chronic nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia, which may persist for months or years after the skin rash heals. This pain is severe and distressing and requires specialized treatment.

MRI is important for evaluating nerve compression in the spine. Blood tests help identify treatable causes such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Comprehensive evaluation guides the selection of the most appropriate treatment and determines treatment expectations.