Pain in the body has many different causes, and the proper treatment may depend on the source and reason for pain.  Nerve pain, which is rooted in the nervous system, is one of the most common types of pain and may call for different courses of treatment.

Nerve pain is sometimes referred to as a “slipped nerve” or a “pinched nerve.”  In reality, nerve pain can occur when nerve tissue becomes damaged for whatever reason.  This makes the nerve unstable and causes it to fire random signals through the nervous system and to the brain.  These signals can be interpreted as numbness, tingling, sensitivity to hot or cold, vibrations, or pain.  Nerve pain can originate in the spine or in the extremities.

When nerve damage originates in the central nervous system – the part of the nervous system between the spine and the brain – it can often result in referred pain in other parts of the body.  If a part of the spine that supplies nerves to the leg and foot becomes damaged, the leg and foot could experience pain, tingling, or numbness.  Patients with nerve pain often describe their pain as “shooting” or “burning.”

There are a number of treatment methods for coping with this type of pain.  Patients tend not to respond well to NSAID pain relievers and opioid drugs; as these are often dangerous, medication management programs and alternative treatments are a safer bet for patients with nerve pain.  Specializing in medication management and physical therapy Edina‘s Twin Cities Pain Clinic offers a range of treatment programs customized to each patient’s individual needs.  For more information, visit them online.