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Dealing with Burning or Tingling Pain? Here's What You Can Do
Do you experience pain that feels like burning, tingling, or even like an electric shock — and you’re not sure why? You're not alone. For many, these unusual pain sensations could be a sign of neuropathic pain, a condition caused by nerve damage or irritation.
Unlike regular pain, which often comes from an injury or inflammation, neuropathic pain originates from the nerves themselves. It can affect daily life, sleep, movement — even your emotional well-being.
Join Dr. Surathi as she walks us through the root causes, how to spot it early, and the many ways neuropathic pain can be treated — from medications to advanced therapies.
What Is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain occurs when the nerves that carry messages to the brain are damaged or irritated. Unlike muscle or joint pain, which usually has a clear physical cause, nerve pain can be harder to trace — and even harder to treat without the right support.
Common symptoms include:- Burning sensation
- Sharp, shooting pain
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Electric shock-like jolts
- Numbness or extreme sensitivity to touch
These symptoms might come and go or persist, even in the absence of a physical trigger.
Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain can result from a variety of conditions. Dr. Surathi explains that early identification of the underlying cause is crucial to creating an effective treatment plan.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Diabetes (leading to diabetic neuropathy)
- Shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Back problems, such as herniated discs or sciatica
- Stroke or multiple sclerosis
- Direct nerve injuries (due to accidents or surgery)
- Alcoholism or vitamin B deficiencies
- Chemotherapy or other medications that damage nerves
If you’ve experienced any of these and are now experiencing unusual pain, it may be time to consult a neurologist/pain specialist.
How Is Neuropathic Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing neuropathic pain typically starts with a comprehensive physical exam and a detailed review of your medical history and symptoms.
One common diagnostic tool is EMG/NCV testing (Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity), which measures how well your nerves and muscles function. This test can help identify whether a nerve is damaged, compressed, or not communicating properly with your muscles, offering valuable insight for creating a targeted treatment plan.
How Is Neuropathic Pain Treated?
Dr. Surathi emphasizes a comprehensive, personalized approach to managing nerve pain — combining medication, physical therapy, and advanced interventional techniques.
Here are some of the treatment options:
Medications are often the first step in managing neuropathic pain. These treatments aim to calm overactive nerves and reduce pain signals being sent to the brain.
- Topical Treatments: Lidocaine patches or creams can be applied directly to the affected area, offering localized relief without affecting the entire body. These are especially helpful for smaller, more targeted areas of pain.
- Other Antidepressants or Anti-Seizure Medications: Certain medications originally developed for other conditions have proven effective in reducing nerve-related pain by altering how the brain processes pain signals.
Physical therapy plays a key role in long-term pain management. A trained physical therapist will design a customized exercise program to:
- Strengthen weakened muscles
- Improve posture and joint alignment
- Enhance balance and mobility
- Decrease pain through gentle, guided movement
These programs not only help reduce discomfort but also improve overall function and quality of life.
For patients whose pain does not respond to conservative treatments, interventional procedures offer more targeted relief.
- Nerve Blocks: These involve injections of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication directly around the affected nerves, helping to “shut down” pain signals temporarily or long-term.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): A small device is implanted near the spine to deliver mild electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. This option is typically considered for severe, persistent cases of neuropathic pain that haven’t improved with other treatments.
Making small, consistent changes in daily habits can have a significant impact on managing neuropathic pain:
- Blood Sugar Control: For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is crucial to prevent further nerve damage.
- Limit Alcohol Use: Alcohol can worsen nerve damage and interfere with medications. Reducing or eliminating it can help slow progression and reduce symptoms.
- Regular, Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking, stretching, or yoga help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and boost mood — all of which can ease nerve pain.
- Healthy Weight Maintenance: Carrying excess weight can put pressure on nerves, particularly in the spine and legs. Maintaining a healthy weight helps relieve that pressure and supports better overall nerve function.
Dr. Surathi’s Advice: Early Intervention Matters
"Are you experiencing unusual sensations in your hands or feet - like pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness? Don't brush it off. These could be early signs of nerve issues.
Getting checked by a doctor as soon as possible is crucial. Early diagnosis can help manage nerve damage more effectively - and may even prevent it from getting worse. Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic pain, further nerve damage, and difficulty with movement.
In short: the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.”
When to Seek HelpIf you’re experiencing unexplained nerve-related pain — burning, tingling, or sharp electrical sensations — don’t ignore it.
With advanced diagnostic tools and a compassionate, whole-patient approach, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Schedule your visit today!
Let’s work together to understand your pain — and find the right solution.About Dr. Pratibha Surathi
Dr. Pratibha Surathi, MBBS, is a board-certified neurologist with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience across India, Canada, and the United States. She brings exceptional expertise in movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and general neurology.
Dr. Surathi earned her medical degree from PSG Institute of Medical Sciences in India, followed by neurology residencies and fellowships at prestigious institutions including the University of British Columbia, Rutgers NJMS, and Columbia University. She is fellowship-trained in Clinical Neurophysiology from Columbia University, with specialized proficiency in performing EMG studies to diagnose various types of neuropathies and neuromuscular disorders.
Dr. Surathi currently sees patients at 1550 University Avenue in the Bronx, NY.
