Nerve Pain Treatment in Bicton
Nerve pain can feel like burning, tingling, numbness, electric shocks or pain travelling into an arm or leg. These symptoms can arise from several different conditions, so identifying the likely source is an important part of choosing treatment.
At Southside Spine and Sport, we assess nerve-related symptoms alongside the muscles, joints and other tissues that may be contributing to them.
Quick Facts
- Nerve pain may cause tingling, burning, numbness, weakness or radiating pain.
- Symptoms alone do not always identify which nerve is involved.
- Nerves can be irritated at the spine or along their course through the body.
- Assessment helps distinguish nerve involvement from other causes of pain.
- Treatment depends on the findings; some symptoms require medical referral.
Common Nerve Pain Conditions
Different nerves can produce similar symptoms. These are some of the presentations we assess in the clinic.
Sciatica
Sciatica describes pain travelling along the sciatic nerve distribution, often into the buttock or leg. Symptoms can be associated with irritation of nerve roots in the lower back or structures further along the nerve's course.
Piriformis Syndrome
Pain deep in the buttock can sometimes be associated with irritation of the sciatic nerve in the deep gluteal region. Other hip and spinal conditions can produce similar symptoms, so examination matters. Read about piriformis syndrome.
Cluneal Nerve Pain
Irritation of the small sensory nerves crossing the back of the pelvis can contribute to local lower back and buttock pain. It may resemble other causes of pain in this region. Read about cluneal nerve pain.
Spinal Accessory Nerve Irritation
The spinal accessory nerve supplies important neck and shoulder muscles, including the trapezius. Dysfunction can be associated with shoulder weakness or altered shoulder-blade movement, and warrants careful assessment. Read about spinal accessory nerve pain.
Nerves need to move relative to surrounding tissues as the body moves. In some conditions, restricted movement or sensitivity along a nerve's course may contribute to symptoms, but not all nerve pain is caused by a trapped or adhered nerve.
How We Assess Nerve Pain
We start with your symptom history and a physical examination. Depending on the presentation, this may include checking movement, strength, sensation, reflexes, and how symptoms respond to specific positions or tests.
We also examine nearby muscles, joints and soft tissues where relevant. The aim is to work out which structures are most likely involved, rather than assuming the painful area is the source.
Imaging or medical referral may be appropriate if the examination suggests a condition that needs further investigation.
How We Treat Nerve Pain
When conservative treatment is appropriate, we generally begin hands-on care at the first visit. Treatment is tailored to the findings rather than using the same routine for everyone.
- Targeted soft tissue treatment: addressing relevant muscle and soft tissue restrictions, including adhesion release where appropriate.
- Chiropractic adjustments: an option when joint movement is contributing to the presentation, rather than a requirement for every patient.
- Shockwave therapy: may be considered for selected persistent presentations, although evidence varies by condition. Read about shockwave therapy.
- Exercise and activity modification: introduced as appropriate to support recovery and return to normal activity.
Temporary relief does not necessarily mean the original treatment was wrong or that a nerve entrapment was missed. Persistent symptoms may have several contributing factors, which is why reassessment can be useful when progress stalls.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek emergency medical assessment if back or leg symptoms occur with new numbness around the groin or saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. These can be signs of a serious neurological problem.
New or progressive weakness, unexplained widespread numbness or other concerning neurological symptoms also warrant prompt medical assessment rather than routine treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan before treatment?
Not always. Many presentations can be assessed clinically first. Imaging is recommended when the history or examination suggests it may change management or identify a more serious cause.
How do you know which nerve is involved?
We look at the pattern of symptoms and use relevant neurological and physical tests. Sometimes further investigation is needed to clarify the diagnosis.
I've tried chiropractic before and it only helped temporarily. Is this different?
We reassess the likely contributing structures and your response to previous treatment. That may identify another approach worth trying, although no particular treatment can guarantee lasting relief.
Is nerve pain always serious?
No. Many causes are manageable without surgery, but some require medical investigation. Progressive weakness, saddle numbness or bladder and bowel changes should not be ignored.
Book a Nerve Pain Assessment in Bicton
If you have ongoing tingling, burning, radiating pain or other nerve-related symptoms, an assessment can help identify possible causes and whether conservative care is appropriate.