Dr. Jordan Sudberg on Nerve Pain Awareness: Understanding and Managing Neuropathic Pain

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can arise from injury, disease, or even certain medical treatments, and the pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. Despite its prevalence, nerve pain remains widely misunderstood. Many sufferers endure it in silence, not realizing there are effective treatments available. In this blog, Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management specialist, shares his expertise on nerve pain, its causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, how to manage it.

What Is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain occurs when nerves are damaged, dysfunctional, or irritated, causing them to send abnormal signals to the brain. Unlike the sharp, acute pain you might experience from a cut or bruise, nerve pain often has a different, more complex sensation. Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains, “Nerve pain can feel like burning, stabbing, tingling, or even electric shock sensations. It can be triggered by even the lightest touch or pressure, making it very difficult for individuals to live comfortably.”

Neuropathic pain often results from conditions like diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia), sciatica, or spinal cord injury. It can also be a side effect of chemotherapy or other treatments.

The Challenges of Diagnosing Nerve Pain

One of the biggest challenges with nerve pain is that it doesn’t always show up on standard imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs. Unlike other types of pain that are often associated with visible tissue damage, nerve pain is deeply internal and subjective. This makes it harder for doctors to diagnose, and for patients to find the right treatment.

“Nerve pain is tricky,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Because it’s a condition that often doesn’t show up clearly on scans, it requires careful patient history, symptoms evaluation, and sometimes, a combination of tests to get to the root cause. Unfortunately, many individuals suffering from nerve pain often feel dismissed or misunderstood.”

The Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain

Understanding the symptoms is essential for early intervention and effective management. Some common signs of nerve pain include:

• Burning sensations in the affected area
  
• Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
  
• Sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain
  
• Sensitivity to touch (e.g., the pain worsens when clothes rub against the skin)
  
• Numbness or weakness in the affected area
  
• Electric shock-like sensations
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that neuropathic pain often manifests in ways that are difficult to describe. Patients may say it feels like their skin is on fire or that their limbs are being shocked, which can be distressing and confusing.

Causes of Nerve Pain

Nerve pain can arise from various sources, including:

• Injury or trauma: Physical injury to the nerves can lead to neuropathic pain. This includes accidents, surgeries, or even repetitive strain injuries.
  
• Chronic diseases: Conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis can damage the nerves over time.
  
• Infections: Certain viral infections, like shingles, can damage nerve tissues, leading to lasting pain.
  
• Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nerve damage, resulting in pain.
  
• Spinal cord or nerve root damage: Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica can impinge on nerves, leading to pain.
  

Dr. Sudberg points out, “In many cases, the exact cause of nerve pain can be traced back to a specific injury or condition, but in other cases, the root cause may be more complicated or chronic in nature.”

Managing Nerve Pain

While nerve pain is often chronic and can be challenging to manage, there are several treatment options that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Dr. Jordan Sudberg highlights a few key approaches:

1. Medications

Medications play a central role in managing nerve pain. Commonly prescribed drugs include:

• Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline or duloxetine) that help regulate the chemicals involved in pain signaling.
  
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin or pregabalin) are often used to calm nerve activity.
  
• Topical treatments, such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream, can be applied to specific areas to reduce pain.
  
• Opioids: While opioids may sometimes be prescribed for severe nerve pain, Dr. Sudberg cautions that they should be used with care due to the risk of addiction.
  

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help patients improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and strengthen muscles to prevent further nerve damage. “Physical therapy is often an important adjunct to medication,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “A good therapist can guide you through exercises that help alleviate nerve pressure and improve your overall physical function.”

3. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

For individuals with severe and unmanageable nerve pain, spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment that can help. An implanted device sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain.

Dr. Sudberg notes, “Spinal cord stimulators have proven highly effective for many patients with nerve pain, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.”

4. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes, can also help reduce nerve pain. Dr. Sudberg encourages his patients to make long-term adjustments to their lifestyle in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain.

Conclusion: Raising Awareness for Nerve Pain

Despite its prevalence, nerve pain is often overlooked in discussions of chronic pain conditions. Dr. Jordan Sudberg calls for greater awareness and understanding of neuropathic pain, both among healthcare professionals and the general public.

“The more we talk about nerve pain, the more we can help those suffering from it feel understood and empowered,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Effective management begins with recognition. If you’re dealing with nerve pain, don’t ignore it. Seek help, explore your treatment options, and remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence.”

For anyone dealing with nerve pain, the message is clear: there is hope, and help is available. With the right treatment and a compassionate approach, patients can regain control over their lives.