Nerve pain is a complex and often debilitating condition that can affect quality of life, productivity, and overall well-being. It goes beyond simple aches or discomfort. Nerve pain, medically referred to as neuropathic pain, can manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you know how disruptive they can be.

This blog aims to explore the primary causes of nerve pain, including nerve impingement, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, bone spurring, metabolic factors, and nutritional deficiencies. We’ll also highlight how chiropractic care and functional medicine offer a comprehensive approach to managing and treating this condition. By the end, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what may be contributing to your nerve pain and actionable steps for relief.

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain originates from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. While it can stem from a wide range of causes, common culprits are nerve impingement, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, bone spurring, metabolic conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. Here, we’ll break down how each plays a role in nerve pain and what symptoms you should look out for.

Nerve Impingement

Nerve impingement occurs when a nerve is compressed, irritated, or “pinched” by surrounding tissues. This can happen anywhere in the body but is most common in areas like the neck, spine, and joints.

Common Causes of Nerve Impingement:

• Herniated Discs: A slipped or bulging disc may press on a nerve root, causing pain that radiates down your limbs.

• Bone Spurs: These small, bony projections can form along joints or the spine, irritating nearby nerves.

• Poor Posture or Repetitive Strain: Prolonged bad posture or repetitive movements can lead to muscular imbalances, putting pressure on nerves.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Sharp, shooting pain in one area of the body

• Tingling or numbness in the extremities (e.g., hands or feet)

• Weakness in specific muscle groups

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves traveling through the spine. This often affects older adults and can result in chronic nerve pain if left unaddressed.

Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis:

• Aging and Degenerative Changes: Wear and tear over time can lead to thickened ligaments and bone overgrowth, which narrow the spinal canal.
• Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions can lead to spinal joint damage and contribute to narrowing.
• Injury or Trauma: Previous spinal injuries may lead to scar tissue formation and narrowing of the spinal canal.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Pain, numbness, or cramping in the legs or arms
• Weakness or difficulty with walking and balance
• Pain that worsens when standing or walking and improves when bending forward or sitting

Disc Herniation

A herniated disc, sometimes referred to as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can press against nearby nerves, causing inflammation and pain.

Common Causes of Disc Herniation:

• Injury or Sudden Strain: Heavy lifting or sudden movements can cause discs to rupture.
• Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear can make discs more prone to herniation.
• Poor Posture or Repetitive Stress: Sitting or standing improperly for extended periods can put uneven pressure on the spine.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Radiating pain down one side of the body (sciatica is a common example)
• Tingling or numbness in affected areas, such as arms or legs
• Muscle weakness or difficulty performing specific movements

Bone Spurring

Bone spurs (osteophytes) are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often where bones meet at joints. These can encroach upon surrounding nerves, especially in the spine, resulting in nerve pain and mobility issues.

Common Causes of Bone Spurs:

• Osteoarthritis: As cartilage breaks down, the body may form bone spurs to compensate.
• Postural Imbalance: Long-term poor posture can contribute to joint stress and spur formation.
• Inflammation or Joint Stress: Chronic joint stress from repetitive motion or injury can accelerate spur development.

Symptoms to Note:

• Localized pain near joints, especially the spine or neck
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations due to nerve irritation
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness in affected areas

Metabolic Conditions

Your body’s metabolic processes directly impact nerve health. Metabolic disorders can lead to nerve damage, commonly referred to as peripheral neuropathy.

Common Metabolic Causes:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, particularly in the feet and lower legs.

• Hypothyroidism: A low-functioning thyroid gland can slow down metabolism, contributing to nerve pain and discomfort.

• Chronic Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can cause a buildup of toxins, which sometimes damage nerves.

Symptoms of Metabolic-Related Nerve Pain:

• A burning or “pins and needles” sensation

• Gradual numbness or loss of sensation

• Increased sensitivity to touch

Nutritional Deficiencies

Your nerves rely on specific nutrients to function properly. A deficiency in these nutrients can impair nerve health, leading to pain and other associated symptoms.

Key Nutrients Affecting Nerve Health:

• Vitamin B12: Plays a critical role in maintaining the protective covering (myelin sheath) of nerves. A deficiency can result in tingling, weakness, and nerve damage.

• Vitamin D: Low levels have been linked to an increased risk of chronic pain conditions, including nerve-related pain.

• Magnesium: A key mineral for muscle function and nerve signaling; deficiencies can cause cramps and nerve irritability.

Symptoms to Note:

• Tingling or numbness, particularly in the hands and feet

• Difficulty with balance or coordination

• Persistent fatigue alongside nerve discomfort

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and overall nerve health. Many cases of nerve pain, particularly those originating from impingement, can be effectively managed through chiropractic adjustments.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care:

• Relieves Nerve Compression: Manual adjustments help create space between vertebrae, alleviating pressure on pinched nerves.

• Improves Posture: Spinal alignments correct imbalances caused by improper posture, reducing strain on the nervous system.

• Promotes Natural Healing: Chiropractic care stimulates blood flow and nerve function, encouraging your body’s natural healing processes.

Specific Chiropractic Techniques:

• Spinal Adjustments: To relieve nerve impingement in the neck and spine, chiropractors use targeted adjustments to promote proper alignment.

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as massage may be used to reduce tension in surrounding muscles, further alleviating pressure on nerves.

How Functional Medicine Complements Nerve Pain Treatment

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to address the root cause of nerve pain. Rather than just treating symptoms, it evaluates your overall health to uncover underlying issues.

Benefits of Functional Medicine:

• Tailored Nutritional Support: Functional medicine practitioners can identify nutritional deficiencies through blood tests and recommend diet adjustments or supplements.

• Metabolic Optimization: Hormonal imbalances and metabolic conditions like diabetes can be managed through lifestyle modifications under the guidance of a functional medicine expert.

• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Tools like advanced blood panels and gut health tests provide deeper insights into what might be driving your nerve pain.

Functional Medicine Strategies for Nerve Pain:

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins can help reduce inflammation and support nerve health.

• Supplementation: Targeted supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium may be part of the treatment plan.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management, sleep optimization, and exercise recommendations aim to improve overall well-being and nerve function.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your nerve pain persists or significantly interferes with your daily life, it’s essential to seek a professional evaluation. Ignoring symptoms could lead to long-term complications or further nerve damage.

Here’s when to take action:

• The pain has lasted for more than two weeks without improvement.

• You’re experiencing severe numbness, weakness, or loss of coordination.

• Symptoms are worsening over time or spreading to new areas.

A combination of chiropractic care and functional medicine with Dr. Quintana can provide a well-rounded, long-term solution to your nerve pain.

Reclaim Your Comfort and Nerve Health Today

Nerve pain, whether caused by impingement, metabolic imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies, doesn’t have to define your life. By addressing the root causes and exploring effective treatments like chiropractic care and functional medicine, you can take meaningful steps toward relief.

Are you ready to take control of your health? Dr. Quintana is a skilled chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner that is here for you. Reach out to schedule a consultation and together, we’ll create a customized plan to help you feel your best.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Book your consultation at Mind Body Balance Clinic today and start your recovery.