Nerve Pain: Getting Treated in New Haven

Living with nerve pain can be a nuisance, but it doesn't have to be. What is it, and can it be treated?

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain treatments New Haven is caused by many different things, and it's typically a symptom of a condition like HIV, diabetes, shingles, cancer, or other disorders. It can feel like burning, prickles, shocks of electricity, cold, or other sensations. 

Nerve pain takes place because the brain is receiving brain signals from the body. However, with cases of nerve pain that is unexplained, it's actually more likely that the body has been injured or that the nerves have been damaged, so they're sending unwanted and unregulated signals.

Nerve pain can be caused by a number of factors, like these:

• Shingles. Shingles is sometimes followed by postherpetic neuralgia, which causes nerves to suddenly send signals of pain to the brain. 
• Physical injury. Crushed disks in the back, compressed nerves, or other issues can cause nerve pain. 
• HIV. HIV can cause nerve damage; it's most common in the hands and feet. This is one of the first signs of the disease in around one out of three people. Taking antiretrovirals can also cause nerve damage. 
• Diabetes. Diabetes is a very common cause of nerve damage in the United States. When the body isn't regulating sugar and insulin correctly, high levels of sugar can injure the nerves. The limbs are most commonly affected, with the feet being of particular concern. 
• Cancer and tumors. Tumors can press on nerves, causing pain. Tumors can also grow out of nerves, which destroys or damages them. 

Can Nerve Pain Be Treated Effectively?

While the extent to which the pain can be treated depends on the cause, it usually can be treated in some ways. These methods include:

1. Topical treatments for localized nerve pain
2. Anticonvulsants, which can control nerve pain in the body
3. Antidepressants, which can alleviate some kinds of nerve pain
4. Painkillers, either over-the-counter or opioids, can reduce nerve pain. 

There are also natural methods and those that work in combination. Nerve pain treatment in New Haven starts with an appointment, so the pain can be diagnosed correctly.