Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is generally caused by damaged or poorly functioning nerves, and is all too common for many people. It can present in a number of different ways, from severe, sharp pain to prickling, tingling or burning sensations. If you have a pain in the nerve, physiotherapy can help to offer your relief. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the most common types of nerve pain and how your physio can help!

Types of nerve pain

Carpel tunnel syndrome – Carpel tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve along your arm, which controls the movement of your fingers and thumb. It’s commonly brought on by repetitive motion and symptoms can include tingling, pain or numbness.

Sciatica – Sciatica is the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which generally results in a burning feeling down the length of the nerve. There are a number of conditions which can cause this symptom, including a lumbar disc bulge or herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome.

Pudendal neuralgia – Pudendal neuralgia is a disorder of the pudendal nerve, which runs through the buttocks and into the perineum. It’s characterised by a burning sensation in the pelvis and groin, and can be caused by trauma, such as childbirth, or pudendal nerve entrapment, due to issues such as prolonged sitting.

Trigeminal neuralgia – Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face. It causes severe face and neck pain, often in short bursts, and can be triggered be activities such as chewing or touching the face.

These are only some of the various forms of nerve pain, and it can be a symptom of many underlying conditions. Just some of the causes of nerve pain can include injury, spinal cord damage, or diseases such as diabetes.

Treating nerve pain

If you suspect you’re suffering from nerve pain, your physio will be able to carry out a thorough assessment and then develop an appropriate treatment plan using a range of techniques to address the underlying cause. In some cases, sharp pain which you may associate with nerve pain is actually the result of tight or inflamed muscles and joints. Your physio will also ask all the right questions to rule out the need for further investigation.

Here at Integrity Physio (in Como/South Perth), we have the necessary skill and experience to assist with nerve pain relief. Our Senior Physiotherapists have over 10 years of clinical experience and we have a range of interventions available, including joint mobilisation and manipulation, massage, dry needling, specific home exercise prescription and one on one supervised exercise sessions in our on-site rehab gym. We look forward to meeting you!

For treatment to assist with nerve damage repair, contact Integrity Physio today on 9368 0458.