Chronic pain affected at least 24.3% of adults in the United States in 2023, and, in most cases, the cause relates to a nerve problem of some kind. Nerve pain can feel sharp, burning, electric, or strangely numb. It can interrupt sleep, limit movement, and make simple tasks feel exhausting.
At Advanced Pain Management, we help patients understand what’s causing their symptoms and choose treatments that lessen pain, increase mobility, and restore daily function.
Sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can all cause chronic nerve pain, but they affect the nervous system in different ways. A careful diagnosis matters, because the treatment that helps one condition may not suit another. Here is our explanation of each disorder and a guide to the treatment options available.
Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) develops when irritation or pressure affects a nerve root in the lower spine that connects to the sciatic nerve. Herniated discs commonly cause this problem, but spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing), a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis), age-related changes, or a back injury can also trigger symptoms.
Sciatica usually affects one side of the body. Pain often starts in the lower back or buttock and may travel down the back of the thigh, into the calf, and as far as the foot. You may also notice tingling, numbness, or weakness. Coughing, sneezing, bending, or sitting for a long time can increase the pain.
Many cases improve with time, gentle movement, medication, and physical therapy. When pain continues, we may suggest an epidural steroid injection to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve. Some symptoms — severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin — require immediate medical care.
Peripheral neuropathy develops when disease or injury damages nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Diabetes is responsible for many cases, with other causes including:
Symptoms often begin in the feet or hands. Patients may describe burning, stabbing, tingling, “pins and needles,” or reduced feeling. Some people develop muscle weakness, balance problems, or extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia). Because numbness can hide cuts or pressure sores, regular foot checks matter, especially for people with diabetes.
We first look for a treatable cause. Better blood sugar control, vitamin replacement, medication changes, or treatment for an underlying condition may slow or reduce nerve damage. We may also recommend nerve pain medications, topical treatments, physical therapy, and strategies to improve sleep and coping.
Complex regional pain syndrome usually affects one arm or leg, often after an injury, fracture, surgery, or period of immobilization. Experts don’t fully understand why CRPS develops, but the nervous and immune systems appear to create an unusually strong and lasting response after the original tissue heals.
CRPS pain often feels much more severe than the initial injury would suggest. The affected area may become extremely sensitive, swollen, stiff, weak, or difficult to move. Patients may notice:
Even light clothing or a gentle touch can cause intense pain when you have CRPS.
Early treatment makes a meaningful difference. We often combine carefully paced physical or occupational therapy with medication and emotional support. Movement helps prevent stiffness and loss of function, but the rehabilitation plan needs to respect your pain limits.
We start with a detailed history and physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, we may use imaging, blood tests, nerve conduction studies, or other tests to identify the source of pain and rule out conditions that need urgent care.
Treatment may include:
Radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord/peripheral nerve stimulation may be necessary when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.
We don’t treat a scan or a diagnosis — we treat the person living with the pain. Your goals may include sleeping better, walking farther, returning to work, caring for family, or enjoying hobbies again. We use those goals to guide your treatment.
Prompt care reduces the risk of long-term disability, so contact us if your nerve pain persists, gets worse, causes weakness, or interferes with your daily life. At Advanced Pain Management, we listen carefully, explain your options, and create a personalized approach to chronic nerve pain.
Advanced Pain Management has offices in Tucson, Arizona, and throughout the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Call us or complete the online inquiry form to enjoy better function and relief from nerve pain.
