Nerve Pain Relief in Little Rock, Arkansas

In addition to peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy, another type of neuropathy called nerve pain can also limit your ability to perform normal activities, such as walking, bearing weight, lifting, and holding objects firmly due to discomfort, weakness, numbness, and a burning or tingling sensation. The two main categories are nociceptive pain, caused by tissue damage, and neuropathic pain, caused by nerve damage. There is also psychogenic pain, which is caused by tissue or nerve damage due to increased or prolonged factors such as fear, depression, stress, or anxiety.

Health conditions that can cause nerve pain include:

• Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and vasculitis
• Diabetes
• Viral or bacterial infections including Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV
• Inherited disorders
• Benign and malignant tumorsthat develop on nerves or press against nerves
• Bone marrow disorders
• Other diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders, and hypothyroidism

Poor dietary choices among those with alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which can also trigger nerve pain. Exposure to toxic substances and the side effects of certain medications, especially those that are used to treat cancer, also have similar affects. Other causes of nerve pain include trauma or nerve pressure (resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sport injuries) that sever or damage peripheral nerves and vitamin B, E, and niacin deficiencies. Even wearing a cast or using crutches for an extended period of time can result in nerve pressure.

At Southern Regional Pain Services in Little Rock, Arkansas, our highly trained anesthesiologists and pain management specialists are skilled in identifying the source of your nerve pain and providing appropriate treatment to help you manage your pain and improve your mobility.

First, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination and review your full medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, exposure to toxins, drinking habits, and family history of neurological diseases. Then we test your tendon reflexes, muscle strength and tone, ability to feel specific sensations, posture, and coordination.

Next, we may order tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. These may include:

• Blood teststo detect any vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function, and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy
• Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to search for herniated disks, tumors, or other abnormalities
• Nerve function tests such as an electromyography (EMG) to record electrical activity in your muscles and detect nerve damage
• Other nerve function tests which might include an autonomic reflex screen to see how your autonomic nerve fibers work, a sweat test to measures your body's ability to perspire, and sensory tests to check your ability to feel touch, vibrations, and cooling and heat sensations

If testing indicates no underlying condition for your neuropathy, we may recommend waiting to see if your nerve pain improves. Otherwise, we will design a treatment plan aimed at relieving your symptoms.

Depending on your specific condition, options may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve mild symptoms
• Painkillers for more severe symptoms
• Anti-seizure medications
• Topical treatments
• Antidepressants
• Physical therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

If these treatments fail to minimize your symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

For Comprehensive Nerve Pain Treatment Call Our Pain Management Doctors Today!

Living with acute or chronic nerve pain is neither easy nor necessary. To find relief, contact Southern Regional Pain Services today to arrange a consultation with one of our highly trained and experienced pain management doctors by calling (501) 661-8290 or use our convenient online request an appointment form.