Nerves, which are situated throughout the body, provide impulses essential for sensation and movements. They work in conjunction with your nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Because nerves play such a vital role in so many bodily functions, nerve damage can cause major issues ranging from pain and discomfort to paralysis.
Nerve pain and damage can result from numerous issues, but a few common causes are:
Based on these causes, certain people have a higher risk of experiencing nerve issues than others (although nerve damage can happen to anyone).
While symptoms of nerve damage vary according to which nerves are affected, many people will experience one or more of the following effects:
Keep in mind that these symptoms can result from many other medical conditions and disorders. As a result, you must visit a doctor to assess any new symptoms to determine whether nerve damage is truly the underlying cause.
Nerve damage that results from a medical condition requires treatment and management of the disorder to facilitate good health. For instance, proper care and management of diabetes can prevent nerve damage throughout the body. This can involve taking insulin, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding certain foods.
When it comes to injuries that impact the nerves, the severity and extent of the injury will dictate the treatment. With mild to moderate injuries, doctors may recommend rest and physical therapy to restore function. Pain medication can also be used to manage discomfort while healing takes place. With more serious nerve injuries, surgery may be necessary to repair damage. And in some cases, repair may not be possible, which can leave a person with permanent nerve damage.