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Nerve pain
Nerve pain (neuropathic pain) happens when nerves are damaged or irritated — for example by diabetes, shingles or a trapped nerve.
Common symptoms
- Burning, shooting or electric pain
- Pins and needles or numbness
- Pain from light touch or clothing
- Symptoms worse at night
How it is assessed
The doctor maps where the pain and numbness are, looks for the cause, and may request blood tests or nerve studies.
Possible options
- Controlling the cause, such as blood sugar in diabetes
- Nerve-pain medicines (different from ordinary painkillers)
- Skin patches or creams for some patients
- For selected patients: nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation — a small implanted device that sends gentle signals to the spinal cord
What to keep in mind
Nerve pain is often reduced rather than cured. Medicines are started at low doses and may take weeks to work. Implanted devices are suitable only for a small group and are tested first.
Seek urgent help if
- Rapidly spreading weakness or numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- A painful rash on one side of the body — see a doctor early for shingles
Next step
List your medicines, blood sugar results if diabetic, and where the pain is, then request an assessment.
Request an assessmentGeneral information only. Your doctor will advise what suits you.