Nerve Pain

Soothe your nerves so you don’t have to suffer in silence anymore

Nerve pain — whether it’s sciatica, neuropathy, or a pinched nerve — can feel sharp, burning, or persistently uncomfortable. It affects not just the site of pain, but your ability to move, rest, and feel at ease. At Embody Health & Wellness, we use a gentle, progressive approach to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Our treatments may include nerve glides, soft tissue work, movement retraining, and body awareness techniques. We don’t just chase symptoms — we support your whole nervous system’s return to safety and function.

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Learn more about Nerve Pain

What is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain occurs when there is damage or dysfunction to the nerves, leading to abnormal signaling and transmission of pain signals to the brain. Unlike other types of pain that originate from tissues such as muscles or joints, nerve pain originates directly from the nervous system. This can result in a variety of sensations, including:

  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Shooting or stabbing
  • Electric shock-like sensations
  • Numbness or loss of sensation

Common Causes of Nerve Pain:

Nerve pain can arise from a wide range of underlying conditions and factors. Some of the most common causes of nerve pain include:

  1. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Pressure on a nerve due to compression or entrapment can result in nerve pain. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and cubital tunnel syndrome involve compression of nerves at specific anatomical sites, leading to symptoms in the affected areas.
  2. Nerve Injury or Trauma: Traumatic injuries, such as falls, accidents, or sports injuries, can damage nerves and result in neuropathic pain. Injuries that directly impact nerves or surrounding tissues can lead to nerve dysfunction and persistent pain.
  3. Degenerative Conditions: Degenerative conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and spinal stenosis, can cause nerve damage and chronic pain over time. These conditions often result from underlying health issues, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or age-related changes in the spine.
  4. Inflammation or Infection: Inflammatory conditions, infections, or autoimmune disorders can lead to inflammation of nerves, resulting in pain and discomfort. Conditions such as shingles (herpes zoster), rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause nerve inflammation and neuropathic pain.
  5. Post-Surgical Complications: Nerve pain can also occur as a complication of surgery, particularly procedures involving nerves or adjacent tissues. Post-surgical nerve damage or neuropathy can result in persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.

Recognizing the Symptoms:

Symptoms of nerve pain can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the nerves affected. Common symptoms of nerve pain include:

  • Sharp or shooting pain
  • Burning or tingling sensations
  • Numbness or loss of sensation
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
  • Electric shock-like sensations

At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges of managing nerve pain and offer comprehensive treatment plans designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and provide lasting relief. Here’s what you can expect from our holistic approach to treating nerve pain:

1. Initial Evaluation and Assessment:

Your journey to relief from nerve pain begins with a thorough evaluation and assessment by one of our experienced physical therapists. During this initial consultation, we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and perform a comprehensive physical examination to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms. We may also utilize diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies or imaging scans, to further evaluate your condition and develop an accurate diagnosis.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan Development:

Based on the findings of your evaluation, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, goals, and preferences. Your treatment plan may include a combination of hands-on therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, modalities, and education to address the root cause of your nerve pain and promote healing. We’ll discuss our findings with you in detail, explain our recommended treatment approach, and answer any questions or concerns you may have to ensure that you feel informed and empowered to participate in your care.

3. Pain Management:

Physical therapists are trained in various techniques and modalities to help manage pain associated with nerve pain. We may use manual therapy techniques, such as gentle soft tissue mobilization, to reduce nerve irritation and improve mobility. Additionally, modalities like heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be incorporated to relieve pain and enhance your overall comfort.

4. Exercise and Stretching:

We’ll design and guide you through specific exercises and stretches that target the affected nerves and surrounding muscles. These exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, reducing nerve compression and promoting optimal nerve function. By incorporating tailored exercise programs into your treatment plan, we aim to enhance your overall mobility and functionality.

5. Posture and Body Mechanics:

Poor posture and improper body mechanics can contribute to nerve compression and pain. We’ll assess your posture and movement patterns and provide guidance on proper alignment and body mechanics. Through ergonomic adjustments and activity modifications, we’ll help reduce nerve stress and pain, empowering you to maintain better posture and movement habits in your daily life.

6. Nerve Gliding Techniques:

We may teach you specific nerve gliding exercises or practices aimed at gently mobilizing the nerves and preventing them from becoming adhered or compressed. These techniques can help alleviate pain and restore normal nerve function, enhancing your overall comfort and functionality.

7. Education and Self-Management Strategies:

We’ll educate you about your specific condition, the underlying causes of nerve pain, and strategies to manage your symptoms effectively. This may include lifestyle modifications, activity modifications, and self-care techniques to minimize pain and prevent flare-ups. By empowering you with knowledge and skills, we aim to help you take control of your health and well-being and achieve long-term relief from nerve pain.

Living with nerve pain can be challenging, affecting your ability to perform daily activities and enjoy life to the fullest. If you’re seeking relief from nerve pain, we offer a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of your symptoms and helps you regain control of your life. Here are the benefits of choosing physical therapy for nerve pain relief:

1. Non-Invasive Treatment Options: Physical therapy provides non-invasive treatment options that are gentle on your body and free from the risks and side effects associated with medications or surgery. Unlike invasive procedures, such as injections or surgery, physical therapy focuses on natural healing methods to alleviate pain and promote recovery.

2. Customized Care for Your Unique Needs: At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we understand that every individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating nerve pain. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, goals, and preferences. Whether you’re recovering from a traumatic injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to improve your overall well-being, we’ll create a plan that works for you.

3. Long-Term Relief and Prevention of Future Flare-Ups: By addressing the root cause of your nerve pain and improving nerve function, physical therapy can provide lasting relief and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Our comprehensive approach focuses on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting imbalances to support healthy nerve function and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. With consistent therapy and adherence to your personalized treatment plan, you can experience significant improvements in your symptoms and enjoy long-term relief from nerve pain.

4. Improved Function and Quality of Life: Our ultimate goal is to help you regain function and mobility, allowing you to return to your daily activities, work, and hobbies with greater comfort and confidence. Whether you’re struggling to perform simple tasks like typing on a keyboard or engaging in recreational activities with friends and family, physical therapy can help you reclaim your independence and enjoy a higher quality of life. By improving strength, flexibility, and coordination, you’ll be able to move more freely and comfortably, with less pain and discomfort holding you back.

This physical therapy practice is like an oasis in a medical desert. This is the only place (that I know of) on the Central Coast that is educated about connective tissue disorders, especially Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome. My PT was cheerful, very knowledgeable, and created a treatment plan to specifically work with my EDS. The office is great with communication! I have nothing but good things to say about this practice and highly recommend it. 10/10

– H. Hasslinger

Take the Next Step

Wherever you are in your healing journey, we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether you have questions, want to learn more, or are ready to begin care, our team is just a call or message away. Reach out when you’re ready — we’d love to connect and help you take the next step toward feeling better in your body.

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