Nerve Pain

Neuropathic pain, often referred to as “nerve pain,” is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves as the body heals, nerve pain results from a disruption in the nervous system. This disruption leads to persistent discomfort, often described as burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations.

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve pain with cutting-edge techniques. Our mission is to empower patients to regain control of their lives and experience lasting relief.

Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves become damaged or misfire, sending incorrect signals to the brain. These signals create a persistent sense of pain, even without an obvious injury or external stimulus. The nature of nerve pain varies between individuals, but it commonly involves abnormal sensations or hypersensitivity.

Key Characteristics of Neuropathic Pain

• Chronic nature: Nerve pain often persists for months or years.
• Hyperalgesia: Increased sensitivity to pain.
• Allodynia: Pain from normally non-painful stimuli, such as a light touch.

Understanding the mechanisms behind neuropathic pain is crucial for effective treatment. This condition often stems from injury, disease, or dysfunction within the nervous system.

Nerve pain does more than affect the body—it impacts every aspect of life. Without proper treatment, it can lead to physical limitations, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Physical Effects

• Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks
• Sleep disturbances caused by persistent pain
• Reduced physical activity, leading to muscle weakness

Emotional Effects

• Increased risk of depression or anxiety
• Feelings of frustration, helplessness, or isolation
• Strained relationships with loved ones due to mood changes

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we recognize the far-reaching effects of neuropathic pain. Our goal is to address the physical and emotional components to restore balance and well-being.

Numerous conditions and factors can trigger nerve pain. Identifying the root cause is a critical first step in creating a treatment plan.

Diabetes

One of the most prevalent causes of nerve pain is diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar damages nerves over time, especially in the extremities, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness.

Injuries

Traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or falls, often damage nerves directly or indirectly through swelling. Even after the injury heals, the nerve damage may persist, resulting in chronic pain.

Infections

Certain infections attack the nervous system, leaving lasting damage. Examples include:

• Shingles: Causes postherpetic neuralgia, a severe type of nerve pain.
• HIV: Can lead to painful neuropathy in advanced stages.

Surgical Complications

Nerve damage during surgery, or the formation of scar tissue, can lead to persistent nerve pain. For example, some patients experience pain after surgeries like mastectomies or hernia repairs.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like multiple sclerosis can damage nerves due to chronic inflammation. These diseases disrupt the communication pathways between the brain and the rest of the body.

Toxins

Exposure to certain chemotherapy agents, alcohol, or heavy metals can damage nerves, leading to neuropathy.

Idiopathic Neuropathy

In some cases, the cause of neuropathic pain remains unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy, and it requires a tailored, symptom-focused treatment approach.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we take a collaborative approach, working with neurologists, imaging centers, and local labs to perform specialized tests for diagnosing nerve pain.

Steps in Diagnosis

• • Detailed Patient History: We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and potential risk factors.
  • Physical Examination: Reflex tests, strength assessments, and sensory evaluations help identify affected nerves.
  • Collaborative Testing:
    • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and EMGs: Performed by neurologists, these tests evaluate nerve function and electrical activity in muscles.
    • Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans, when needed, reveal structural issues like herniated discs or tumors.
    • Blood Tests: Identify underlying conditions such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.

Neuropathic pain often requires a multifaceted treatment approach. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we tailor therapies to each patient’s needs to achieve long-term relief.

Medications

Medications targeting specific pathways involved in neuropathic pain are often the first line of treatment. Some of the most commonly prescribed include:

Alpha-2-Delta Calcium Channel Blockers

Medications like gabapentin and pregabalin effectively relieve nerve pain by targeting alpha-2-delta calcium channels. These channels control calcium flow in nerve cells, which influences pain signal transmission. Gabapentin and pregabalin block these channels, reducing the release of neurotransmitters that signal pain. This action calms overactive nerves, providing significant relief for many patients with neuropathic pain.

Norepinephrine Modulators

Nortriptyline and duloxetine reduce nerve pain by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, helps regulate mood and pain perception. By boosting norepinephrine, these medications enhance the body’s natural pain control mechanisms, reducing the intensity of nerve pain. 

Interventional Procedures

For patients who don’t find sufficient relief from medications, minimally invasive procedures can offer lasting solutions:

• • Nerve Blocks: These injections interrupt pain signals, offering targeted relief.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Effective in reducing inflammation and pressure on spinal nerves.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Small electrical pulses are delivered to the spine, interrupting pain signals and providing significant relief for many patients.

Complementary Therapies

In addition to medical treatments, complementary therapies play an important role in managing neuropathic pain:

• Physical Therapy: A structured exercise program improves strength, mobility, and function.
• Acupuncture or Dry Needling: Stimulates specific points along nerve pathways to relieve pain.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Supports mental health by addressing the emotional effects of chronic pain.

Lifestyle changes help support treatment and can enhance nerve health. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we encourage patients to incorporate these adjustments to maximize the benefits of their treatment.

Nutrition

A nutrient-rich diet promotes nerve health and reduces inflammation. Key foods include:

• Leafy greens and colorful vegetables for antioxidants
• Whole grains and lean proteins to support cellular repair
• Omega-3-rich fish, like salmon, to reduce inflammation

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant with neuroprotective properties. It is especially beneficial for people with diabetic neuropathy, as it reduces oxidative stress in nerves and improves blood flow. By decreasing inflammation, ALA alleviates nerve pain and can improve sensory function. ALA is available as a supplement, but it’s also found in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and organ meats.

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular, low-impact exercises—like swimming, walking, or yoga—promotes circulation and reduces muscle stiffness. Movement also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress amplifies nerve pain. Relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises help reduce tension and improve coping skills, leading to a noticeable decrease in pain for many individuals.

Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention is key to managing symptoms and preventing the escalation of pain. While minor nerve pain can sometimes be managed with home remedies, persistent or worsening nerve pain requires a specialized approach. Here’s how to know when it’s time to seek professional help.

Recognizing the Signs of Severe Neuropathic Pain

Certain signs indicate that neuropathic pain may be progressing beyond a manageable level. If you notice these symptoms, consulting a pain management specialist can help you regain control over your pain and prevent long-term complications.

• • Persistent or Worsening Pain

    • If you’ve been dealing with nerve pain that persists for more than a few weeks, or if the pain gradually worsens, it’s a strong indication that self-care measures may not be enough.
    • Persistent nerve pain suggests ongoing nerve damage or heightened nerve sensitivity, which can benefit from targeted medical treatment.

  • Pain Unresponsive to Over-the-Counter Treatments

    • Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may provide temporary relief for mild pain. However, neuropathic pain is often resistant to these standard pain relievers.
    • If you find that OTC options are not effective, it may be time to consider specialized medications or treatments that address the underlying nerve dysfunction.

  • Increased Sensitivity to Touch or Temperature

    • Developing a heightened sensitivity to touch (allodynia) or to temperature (thermoalgesia) is a common feature of worsening neuropathic pain.
    • This sensitivity can make everyday tasks, such as showering or putting on clothes, uncomfortable or even painful. Professional care can help manage these symptoms effectively, often through a combination of medications, therapies, and injections / interventions.

  • Loss of Sensation or Motor Function

    • Numbness, tingling, or a loss of strength in your extremities can be warning signs that the nerves controlling movement and sensation are compromised.
    • When neuropathic pain progresses to this stage, it’s important to seek help promptly to prevent further nerve damage and potential disability.

  • Sudden Onset of Severe Pain

    • In some cases, nerve pain can appear suddenly and with intensity, especially following trauma, surgery, or a viral infection like shingles.
    • A sudden onset of severe pain warrants immediate medical evaluation to identify and address the cause.

  • Impact on Quality of Life

    • When nerve pain interferes with daily life—making it difficult to work, sleep, or enjoy social activities—it’s time to consider professional help.
  • Chronic pain affects both physical and mental well-being, and a comprehensive pain management approach can help you restore balance and improve your quality of life.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Addressing neuropathic pain early can:

• Prevent Further Nerve Damage: The longer nerve pain persists, the greater the risk of permanent nerve dysfunction. Early treatment can slow or stop the progression of nerve damage.
• Enhance Pain Management: Chronic pain can be more challenging to treat than acute pain. Starting treatment early often allows for better control over pain levels, reducing the need for stronger interventions later.
• Improve Mental Health: Chronic pain is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and emotional stress. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of these secondary effects, promoting a better overall sense of well-being.

How Red Butte Pain Solutions Can Help

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we take a proactive approach to managing neuropathic pain. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to individualized treatment plans designed to address your specific needs. We offer a range of options, including medications, interventional procedures, and lifestyle counseling, to ensure you receive well-rounded support for your pain.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Nerve pain can be effectively managed with the right approach, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Taking the first step to address nerve pain can feel daunting, but our compassionate team is here to make the process as easy and supportive as possible. Call 602-633-4334 today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you take control of your pain and get back to enjoying life.