Since nerve pain can have so many varied causes, it can be difficult to pinpoint what’s causing the symptoms. Nerve pain manifests with pinpoint, burning or shock feelings and can be chronic or intermittent. Left untreated, this type of pain increases risk for depression, anxiety and disrupted sleep. There are various conditions that can lead to nerve pain.
The Mechanisms That Cause the Pain
Nerves are messengers that convey information to the brain in order to prevent injury to the body. If the nervous system is disrupted, pain and other symptoms can result. When an injury or chronic illness damages the nerves, this is the underlying cause.
Nerve Pain Linked to Cancer
Cancerous tumors can press on the nerves as they grow or even grow directly from the nerves, both of which cause damage that can lead to pain. Chemotherapy drugs sometimes cause nerve damage as well. If you’ve been treated for cancer, this may be the cause of your pain.
HIV-Related Causes
Up to one-third of people with HIV experience nerve pain, often first manifesting in the hands and feet. As with cancer, the treatment for HIV can also contribute to the pain.
Diabetes-Related Causes
Those who have diabetes may experience nerve pain, especially if the disease is not well-controlled. That’s because high blood glucose levels damage the nerves, which is why diabetes can also lead to complications with healing.
Shingles as a Cause
Some people who get shingles develop a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, or severe, sudden nerve pain. This condition is more common among older adults.
Injury and Other Causes
Other conditions that may cause nerve pain include but are not limited to vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, heart disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lyme disease and alcohol abuse. In addition to illnesses, injury can cause nerve pain when the nerves are damaged or severed. And in still other cases, the pain has no identifiable cause.
Getting an Accurate Assessment
Talk with our team at La Grange Chiropractic if you’re experiencing unexplained tingling, burning, pinprick or other sensations. We will first rule out illnesses known to cause nerve pain. You’ll likely undergo a series of tests and assessments. Once a cause is discovered, our team of experts can recommend the treatment regimen that’s right for you.
La Grange Chiropractic is conveniently located in La Grange. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options for relieving your pain.