Imagine this: you’ve been working hard for weeks. You feel a bit stiff but don’t think much of it.
One morning, you wake up and notice the pain in your lower back is worse than usual. As you get
dressed, you suddenly feel a burning sensation in your buttock that radiates down your leg. This
isn’t the usual muscle soreness you’re used to—it’s sharp, stabbing, and refuses to go away.
Nerve pain can occur anywhere in the body and significantly affect your daily life. But where does
this pain come from, and more importantly: what can you do about it? In this blog, we’ll explain
everything about nerve pain, including its possible causes, symptoms, and tips to help you move
pain-free again.
What Is Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain arises from irritation, damage, or compression of a nerve. Think of your nerves as your
body’s electrical wires—they transmit vital information like pain, temperature, or movement. The
causes of nerve pain are diverse, and the origin is not always where you feel the pain, which can be
confusing. For instance, nerve pain in your upper leg may stem from your lower back. Pain in your
hand may originate from your neck or upper arm. Here are the main causes of nerve pain:
Pinched Nerve
One of the most common causes of nerve pain is a pinched nerve. This happens when a nerve is
compressed somewhere in the body, disrupting its normal function. Pinched nerves often occur in
the spine. When spinal discs bulge or shift, they can put pressure on the nerves leading to your arms
or legs. You may feel pain, tingling, or numbness radiating to your arms or legs, depending on the
location of the pinched nerve. Poor posture, overexertion, or repetitive movements often cause
pinched nerves. Herniated discs, especially in the lower back, are a frequent cause of nerve pain.
Nerve Pain from Overuse or Injury
This type of pain often follows a fall, accident, or sports injury that damages the nerves. Repetitive
movements—like excessive typing, twisting, or other tasks—can also put pressure on the nerves.
Poor Circulation and Vascular Disease
Circulatory problems and vascular diseases can lead to nerve pain due to insufficient oxygen and
nutrients reaching the nerves. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain, especially in the feet
and legs.
Nerve Pain from Infections
Certain infections, like shingles (herpes zoster), can cause nerve pain. Shingles is a viral infection
that affects the nerves, causing intense burning pain, often along the ribs or one side of the body.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Did you know that a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve pain? Vitamin B12 is essential for
nerve health. A deficiency can impair nerve function, leading to tingling, numbness, and pain. This
is common in individuals with poor diets, gastrointestinal conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s,
or older adults who have difficulty absorbing vitamins from food.
Stress
Chronic stress causes muscle tension, which can put pressure on your nerves. This may lead to pain
in areas like the neck, shoulders, arms, or back. Anxiety or depression can also heighten your
perception of pain, making nerve pain feel worse. Addressing both your physical and mental health
is crucial when dealing with nerve pain.
Symptomen van zenuwpijn
Nerve pain can present in various ways, depending on its location and cause. Common symptoms
include burning or stabbing pain, tingling, numbness, or a prickling sensation. Some people
describe nerve pain as feeling like electrical shocks through their body. The pain may be constant or
intermittent and can worsen with certain movements or pressure. Muscle weakness is also a
possible symptom. Since nerves are present throughout your body, nerve pain can occur anywhere:
- Lower back nerve pain: Often due to herniated discs, overuse, or poor posture, the pain may radiate down your legs.
- Buttock nerve pain: Typically caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back, such as with sciatica. This may feel like burning, stabbing, or tingling sensations and make sitting or walking difficult.
- Leg nerve pain: Commonly associated with herniated discs or a pinched nerve, this pain radiates down the leg (sciatica).
- Foot nerve pain: A numb or burning sensation in the foot may result from a pinched nerve, poor posture, or prolonged standing. Diabetes can also cause foot nerve pain.
- Shoulder nerve pain: Poor posture or stress-related tension can compress nerves in the shoulder, radiating pain to the neck and arm.
- Arm nerve pain: Often caused by overuse, such as repetitive movements (e.g., typing), or a herniated disc in the neck radiating pain to the arm.
- Hand nerve pain: Tingling or numbness in the hand often stems from a pinched nerve in the wrist, arm, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
What to Do About Nerve Pain?
When dealing with nerve pain, the first step is identifying its cause. If you’re unsure, start with these
tips:
Improve Your Posture
Ensure an ergonomic workspace and maintain good sitting posture.
Stay Active
Rest is important, but light activities like walking or yoga improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
Use Heat or Cold Therapy
Heat relaxes muscles and relieves tension when nerve pain is due to muscle stress or prolonged nerve compression. Cold packs reduce inflammation or swelling.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Nutrients like vitamin B12 support nerve health.
If nerve pain persists for more than a week or worsens, seek help, especially if accompanied by
symptoms like numbness, limb weakness, or movement difficulties.
Chiropractic Treatment for Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is often treated with medication, but this doesn’t address the root cause. Chiropractors
focus on restoring balance in the body to relieve nerve pressure and promote natural healing.
Benefits of chiropractic care include:
- Reducing pressure on pinched nerves.
- Addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
- Encouraging natural healing without medication or surgery.
- Improving physical and mental well-being.
Do You Have to Live with Nerve Pain?
There is no need to live with nerve pain! At Avant Garde Chiropractic in Haarlem, we believe in
treating nerve pain naturally. By harnessing the body’s power to heal, we tackle the pain’s root
cause and restore mobility—no medications or invasive procedures required. Whether you’re
dealing with nerve pain in your foot, leg, arm, shoulder, or hand, chiropractic care can help you
fully enjoy life again.
Schedule a consultation today and discover what we can do for you. No referral needed!