Conditions we treat
Nerve pain: finding out exactly which nerve, and why
Nerve pain has a distinct feel, burning, shooting, electric, and it responds best when the actual source is identified first.
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, feels different from typical muscular or joint pain, often described as burning, shooting, electric, or accompanied by numbness and tingling. It happens when a nerve is irritated, compressed, or otherwise not functioning normally, and it can arise from many different points along the nerve’s pathway.
Common examples we see include sciatica from a lower back nerve root, and pain or tingling in the arm related to the neck. Occasionally nerve pain arises from a site further along its path, such as at the elbow or wrist, rather than the spine.
Because nerve pain can stem from several different locations, a careful neurological and movement examination is essential before treatment, trying to treat the painful area without confirming the source rarely gets good results.
Common signs & symptoms
- Burning, shooting, or electric-shock-like pain
- Numbness or reduced sensation along a specific pathway
- Pins and needles, particularly at rest or overnight
- Weakness in the muscles supplied by the affected nerve
- Pain that worsens with specific postures or movements
- Sensitivity to light touch in the affected area
- Symptoms that follow a clear line down an arm or leg rather than a general ache
What causes nerve pain?
Nerve root irritation — compression or inflammation where a nerve exits the spine
as seen in sciatica (sciatica)
Disc-related compression — a bulging disc can press on or irritate a nearby nerve root ([disc injuries](/conditions/disc-injuries/))
Nerve entrapment — a nerve can become compressed at specific points along its path
such as the wrist or elbow
Prolonged postures — sustained positions can compress or stretch nerves
particularly in the neck and arm
Systemic conditions — some medical conditions can cause nerve pain independent of any mechanical cause
which is important to screen for
How we help at IA Chiropractic
We carry out a thorough neurological examination, testing reflexes, sensation and strength, to localise which nerve is involved and how significantly it’s affected, before deciding whether Chiropractic care is appropriate.
Where the cause is mechanical, treatment typically involves Chiropractic adjustments or soft tissue therapy to reduce pressure on the nerve, combined with graded exercise prescription to restore normal movement and strength.
If our assessment suggests a systemic or non-mechanical cause, or if there’s significant or progressive weakness, we’ll refer you for appropriate medical investigation rather than continuing with Chiropractic treatment alone.