Is Your Pain Caused by Nerve Damage? Key Signs to Look For

A digitally enhanced image of a man sitting, showing a glowing red nerve diagram overlaid on his leg and foot, illustrating pain, inflammation, or damage in the peripheral nerves (e.g., neuropathy or sciatica).

Is Your Pain Caused by Nerve Damage? Key Signs to Look For

Nerve pain can feel very different from muscle or joint pain. It may come and go, feel sharp or burning, or cause strange sensations that are hard to explain. Many people do not realize their pain is coming from irritated or damaged nerves until it becomes severe.

The good news is that nerve pain can be treated, especially when you understand the signs and know when to see a specialist. Here is how to tell if your pain might be caused by nerve damage and what you can do about it.


What Nerve Pain Feels Like

Nerve pain happens when the nerves that send signals to your brain become irritated, pinched, inflamed, or damaged. This can happen anywhere in the body, but it is most common in the back, legs, hips, neck, and arms.

Common signs of nerve pain include:

  • Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain
  • Burning or tingling feelings
  • Numbness in the hands, feet, or legs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Pain that spreads from one area to another
  • Pain that gets worse when sitting, coughing, or bending
  • Skin that feels overly sensitive to touch

If your pain feels different from regular aches or tightness, it may be nerve-related.


Common Conditions That Cause Nerve Pain

Several spine and joint conditions can put pressure on nerves. Some of the most common include:

These issues can irritate the nerves over time, leading to pain that becomes worse without treatment.


When You Should See a Pain Specialist

Nerve pain rarely goes away on its own. In many cases, it becomes more intense if the nerve stays irritated. It is important to get help if you notice:

  • Numbness that lasts more than a few days
  • Pain that travels down your arm or leg
  • Muscle weakness when lifting or walking
  • Pain that interrupts sleep
  • Tingling that does not stop
  • Pain that keeps returning

Seeing a specialist early can prevent the nerve from becoming more damaged.


How Principal Spine Treats Nerve Pain

At Principal Spine, we offer treatments that target nerve pain at the source and help calm irritated nerves. Your customized plan may include:

Epidural steroid injections

Reduce inflammation around the nerves and provide relief.

Diagnostic nerve blocks

Help identify the exact nerve causing your pain so treatment is more precise.

Regenerative medicine

Supports your body’s natural healing process for certain types of nerve pain.

Spinal cord stimulators

A device option that helps block pain signals for people with long-lasting symptoms.

Our team will examine your symptoms, find the cause of your nerve pain, and create a plan that fits your needs.


Take the Next Step Toward Relief

You do not have to live with burning, tingling, or shooting pain. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you feel better and prevent further nerve damage.

Schedule a consultation today and let our specialists help you find the source of your pain and the relief you deserve.