Nerve Pain

Nerve pain key Facts:

  • Nerve pain can occur as a result of damage or malfunction of a nerve

  • Problems in the lower back can result in the nerve pain down into the legs

  • Nerve pain can may have many different symptoms ranging form tingling in your hands and feet to weakness of your muscles and in severe cases loss of bowel and bladder function

  • Nerves are like the electricity wires of the body

What are nerves?

Nerves are like the wires of an electricity circuit. Just like wires allow for electricity to pass through to your light globe. Nerves allow for messages from the brain to pass through to things like your muscles, tendons and organs. Nerves also allow for the messages to go in the opposite direction (e.g. from the skin to the brain). This way the brain is constantly getting feedback signals from your body.

What is nerve pain?

Nerve pain results when there is either damage to the nerve or the nerve is malfunctioning. Nerve pain otherwise known as neuropathy can result in numbness, tingling and weakness of the hands or feet.

What are common causes of nerve pain?

Nerve pain is a great sign that something is wrong and needs attention. Although the causes of nerve pain are not well defined, in most cases your nerves may feel pain when there is a damage or pressure on them causing a malfunction. Nerves are very delicate and do not take too much compression before they show symptoms. it is said that the weight of a 10c coin can be enough pressure on a nerve to result in symptoms. Some common causes of nerve pain may include:

  • Slipped discs and ruptures

  • Nerve compression

  • Arthritis

  • Chiropractic Subluxations

  • Trauma

  • Diabetes

What are common symptoms of nerve pain?

Common symptoms can include some or all of the following:

  • Burning or shooting sensations

  • Numbness and tingling into the hands or feet

  • Electrifying pain

  • Weakness into the hands or feet

  • Loss of muscle mass

  • Loss of feeling

  • Clumsiness

  • Paralysis

  • Loss of bowel or bladder function (incontinence)

Please seek URGENT medical attention if you experience PARALYSIS or loss of BOWEL and BLADDER function.

What are common related conditions to nerve pain?

  • Sciatica: A very common condition which results in pain of the lower back and burning, tingling or numbness down the back of the legs and toes. This condition can be debilitating with individuals often unable to lift a straight leg.

  • Carpal tunnel: This condition results in burning, numbness and tingling into the hand. Typically it will affect the thumb and the two closest fingers. In severe cases, carpal tunnel can cause muscle weakness and wasting.


  • Diabetes: One of the most common causes of nerve pain is diabetes which may manifests as feelings of burning, numbness and tingling into hands. It is said that diabetes nerve pain mimics the location of a gloves or socks on the body.

  • Herniated disc: Herniated discs otherwise known as slipped discs cause pressure on the nerve and can result in numbness, weakness and tingling. Typically slipped discs will occur in the lower back, but can be present in the neck and middle back.

How to prevent nerve pain?

Preventative measures for nerve pain are not well defined, however some lifestyle modifications may be of benefit to delay its development:

Blood glucose: Monitor and maintain your blood glucose levels.

Toxins: Reduce or quit alcohol and smoking.

Lifting: Minimize heavy lifting and twisting.

Water: Try and consume at least 2L of water per day.

Chiropractic and nerve pain

Chiropractic adjustments for nerve pain aim at reducing irritation on the nerve. This may include the use of traditional Chiropractic, drop piece table, SOT blocks and Activator adjustments depending on severity. Co-management may be required for some conditions of nerve pain.

Need more help?

Do you need more information about your nerve pain? Speak to a our Chiropractors by contacting us, risk free!

Quick facts

  • On average the nerves outside the spine can grow at a rate of 1 inch per month. [1]

  • Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 may be beneficial for nerve pain [2]

  • Conditions like sciatica tend to respond to ice and cold better than heat. This is because ice will help to reduce some of the inflammation around the nerve.

References

1.Höke A. (2011). A (heat) shock to the system promotes peripheral nerve regeneration. The Journal of clinical investigation, 121(11), 4231–4234. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI59320

22. Baltrusch S. (2021). The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration. BioMed research international, 2021, 9968228. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9968228