Overview
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nerves themselves. It often feels different from muscle or joint pain and is commonly described as burning, shooting or electric.
Causes include diabetes, shingles, nerve injury, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and nerve compression in the spine. Treatment may include medication, nerve blocks and neuromodulation.
Watch: Neuropathic Pain explained
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Common symptoms
- Burning or shooting pain
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Sensitivity to light touch
- Pain that is worse at night
Causes and risk factors
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Nerve injury or surgery
- Spinal nerve compression
How it is diagnosed
Evaluation includes a detailed history and exam. Nerve conduction studies, imaging or blood tests may be used to identify the cause.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Foot care, blood sugar control if you have diabetes, activity and sleep and stress skills.
Physical therapy and medications
Nerve pain medicines and physical therapy.
Injections and nerve blocks
Peripheral nerve, sympathetic or stellate ganglion blocks may help certain nerve pain conditions.
Minimally invasive procedures
Spinal cord stimulation, including high-frequency or DRG stimulation, may be options for persistent nerve pain.
Surgical evaluation
Surgical evaluation if a compressed nerve is found.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after an injury, sudden severe symptoms, or any symptom that worries you.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my usual pain medicine help nerve pain?
Nerve pain often responds poorly to common pain relievers. Certain medications that act on the nervous system are often used instead.
What is CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition, usually affecting a limb, that can cause burning pain, swelling, and skin color or temperature changes.
Can neuromodulation help neuropathic pain?
Spinal cord stimulation and DRG stimulation are used for certain types of chronic neuropathic pain after a successful trial. Results vary.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.