Nerve pain feels different from the usual aches and strains many people experience. It’s often described as burning, stabbing, tingling, or even like sudden electric shocks running through the body. For some, the pain is constant, while for others it comes in unpredictable bursts. Either way, it can disrupt sleep, limit mobility, and take a toll on mental health.
If you’re wondering how to manage nerve pain, the good news is there are many approaches; ranging from medical treatments to lifestyle adjustments, that can help. In this guide, we’ll explore practical nerve pain treatment and management strategies to help you regain control of your life.
What is nerve pain?
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, occurs when the nerves themselves are damaged or misfiring. Unlike pain from a cut, bruise, or sprain, nerve pain can feel sharp, shooting, or like pins and needles. Some people also experience hypersensitivity, where even light touch feels painful.
Common causes include conditions such as diabetes, shingles, and multiple sclerosis, as well as physical injuries, trapped nerves, or side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. Because nerve pain has many possible sources, nerve pain management often requires a tailored approach. Finding the right nerve pain treatment usually involves addressing the underlying condition and easing the nerve signals that cause discomfort.
Why standard painkillers don’t always work
Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or even opioids are often less effective for nerve pain. That’s because they work best on inflammation or tissue injury, not the faulty nerve signals that drive neuropathic pain. For effective pain management for nerve pain, more specialised medications and treatments are usually needed—ones that target the nervous system directly.
What are the most common types of nerve pain?
Understanding the type of nerve pain you have can help guide treatment and management strategies. Here are some of the most common forms:
- Peripheral Neuropathy
This affects the hands, feet, arms, and legs and occurs when peripheral nerves that carry signals between the body and brain are damaged. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or pain in the extremities. Peripheral neuropathy is very common in people with diabetes and often sets in after physical injuries.
- Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy impacts the nerves controlling internal organs, such as the heart, digestive system, and bladder. It can disrupt essential body functions, leading to dizziness, abnormal heart rate, digestive problems, and blood pressure changes. It often develops in chronic conditions like diabetes or after long-term nerve damage.
- Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy involves damage to a single nerve in a specific area, such as the head, hand, torso, or leg. Examples include Bell’s palsy, which causes sudden facial weakness, or nerve damage that affects vision or localized areas like the thigh. Focal neuropathy usually appears suddenly and can cause pain or muscle weakness.
- Compression (Mononeuropathy)
Compression neuropathy occurs when a single nerve is under pressure, often from repetitive movements, injuries, or tight passageways. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common example, affecting the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, swelling, or pain, often worse at night or during activity.
Medical treatments for nerve pain
Managing nerve pain often involves a combination of medical approaches, depending on its severity and cause.
Prescription medications
Certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, can help calm overactive pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord. Anti-seizure medications, like gabapentin and pregabalin, are also widely prescribed as they reduce the abnormal firing of nerves. These medicines aren’t about treating depression or epilepsy in this case—they’re used specifically for nerve pain treatment.
Topical treatments
For localised pain, doctors may recommend lidocaine patches or capsaicin creams. These work on the surface nerves to block or dull pain signals without affecting the whole body.
Advanced options
For more severe or stubborn pain, advanced techniques may help. Nerve blocks can interrupt pain signals at the source, while scrambler therapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices use mild electrical impulses to retrain how nerves communicate. In complex cases, a referral to a neurologist or pain specialist ensures access to more tailored nerve pain management.
If pain persists or worsens despite trying medications, it’s important to seek medical advice. Professional guidance ensures you get the most effective and safe treatment plan for your situation.
Lifestyle & self-management strategies for pain
Alongside medical care, everyday habits and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in pain management for nerve pain.
Exercise & physiotherapy
Gentle movement, stretching, or guided physiotherapy helps keep muscles flexible and prevents stiffness. Exercise also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, which can reduce nerve pain intensity.
Healthy diet
Eating well is especially important if you have conditions like diabetes, which can worsen nerve pain if poorly controlled. Balanced nutrition supports overall nerve health and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on the body.
Stress & sleep management
Stress and poor sleep can make pain feel worse. Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques may help lower tension and improve rest, making nerve pain easier to cope with.
Avoiding triggers
Certain lifestyle factors, such as alcohol, smoking, poor posture, or long periods of inactivity, can worsen symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can reduce flare-ups and improve long-term comfort.
By combining these habits with medical treatments, you’ll have a more comprehensive approach on how to manage nerve pain day to day.
Psychological support & holistic care
Living with nerve pain can be draining, both physically and mentally. Anxiety, frustration, and low mood are common, especially if pain interferes with daily life. Psychological support, including counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help you build coping strategies and improve quality of life.
Support groups and multidisciplinary pain programs bring together medical, physical, and emotional care. This holistic approach to nerve pain management recognises that treating the body and mind together is often more effective than focusing on one alone.
When to seek professional help
Sometimes nerve pain needs more than self-care. It’s important to seek professional advice if your pain is worsening, spreading, or accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep also deserves medical attention.
A GP can guide you to the right specialists, such as a neurologist or pain clinic, and ensure you get a personalised nerve pain treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Manage and relieve your nerve pain with a trusted medical professional
Nerve pain can be persistent and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right mix of medical care, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, many people find effective relief.
The best thing you can do for lasting relief is to stay proactive with your nerve pain management. Speak with your GP to review your treatment options and get tailored advice that suits your needs.
At Brecken Health Bunbury, our team is here to support you with expert care and holistic services and strategies. Together, we can help you take control of nerve pain and improve your quality of life in WA.