Fact Sheet
A Problem of Nerves
Nerves are cells that send information throughout the body. They link together, like electrical wires, to form the nervous system, which is what the brain and body use to communicate. But like wires that short circuit, nerves in the central nervous system can become injured. An injured nerve stops working properly and sends the wrong signals to the brain. This injury can result in a condition called neuropathic (nerve) pain, which causes discomfort to areas of the body, commonly the hands, legs, or feet.
Nerve pain is often hard to diagnose because the pain results from a disruption inside your body, not from an injury outside your body. It can be related to a number of medical conditions such as diabetes, shingles, cancer, carpal tunnel, or a spinal injury.
Symptoms
Nerve pain is a type of chronic pain disorder-the symptoms seem to never go away or occur off and on periodically. The symptoms of nerve pain are often hard to describe to a doctor because the feelings are very different from pain associated with an injury or that of achy and sore muscles.
Many people with nerve pain often don't describe this feeling as "painful." Instead, they may describe it as:
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Pins and needles |
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An electric shock-like feeling |
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A stabbing pain, like a spike being driven into your hand or foot |
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Walking on broken glass |
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Burning pain |
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Tingling |
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Numbness |
The Impact of Nerve Pain
When not properly managed, nerve pain can significantly interfere with a person's daily life. Simple acts, like walking to the grocery store or putting on socks, can be agonizing. Even a gentle breeze outdoors or the touch of bed sheets can cause pain.
Nerve pain affects many aspects of a person's life. For example, people who have nerve pain may:
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Find it difficult to sleep at night |
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Be unable to work |
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Have trouble concentrating |
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Become isolated and stop seeing their friends and family or no longer take part in their hobbies and other activities |
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Feel hopeless and depressed because they don't see any relief in sight |
Managing Nerve Pain
Although nerve pain can be incapacitating and disabling, there are ways people can effectively manage it and continue to live productive lives.
Effectively managing pain involves:
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Talking to a doctor about nerve pain and about how best to manage it |
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Asking about medicines that are developed specifically to treat nerve pain |
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Learning how to relax and set realistic goals |
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Identifying a moderate exercise program that can be done safely |
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Getting family and friends involved |
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Contacting the ACPA at 1-800-533-2331. We can help you find a group in your area of start a group with information and support from the national office. |
