Causes of nerve pain

Nerve pain happens when nerves are injured, squeezed, inflamed or affected by disease. Finding the cause guides treatment.

Metabolic and nutritional

• Diabetes: the most common cause worldwide, damaging nerves in the feet and hands over years
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is common in vegetarians and in people on long-term acid-reducing medicines or metformin
• Thyroid disease and kidney disease
• Excess alcohol

Pressure on a nerve

• Slipped disc or spinal narrowing, causing sciatica or arm pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist
• Tumours or swelling near a nerve

Infection and inflammation

• Shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia
• Leprosy, HIV and some other infections
• Autoimmune disease such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis

Injury and surgery

Cuts, fractures, surgical nerve damage and amputation (phantom limb pain).

Medicines and toxins

Some cancer drugs, certain antibiotics, anti-TB drugs and heavy metals can damage nerves.

Other

Inherited neuropathies, trigeminal neuralgia from a blood vessel pressing on a nerve, and unknown causes.

Risk factors

Diabetes, alcohol, poor nutrition, age over 50, family history and repetitive hand work.

Ayurvedic view

Aggravated Vata and depletion of tissues are traditionally linked to nerve pain. This is interpretive.

Remember

Treating the cause, such as controlling sugar or correcting B12, is the key.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have burning, tingling or numbness that lasts, spreads or is linked to diabetes, or if there is weakness. Do not self-medicate for long periods, avoid unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.