Pain is your body's way of telling you something's wrong, but not all pain is created equal. Two of the most commonly confused types are nerve pain and bone pain.
Knowing which one you’re dealing with is crucial, because each often points to very different causes and requires different treatments. And, if you’re dealing with both, you may need to step up your treatment strategy.
That’s why pain management specialist Dr. John S. Michels at ISP Health in Dallas, Texas, focuses on the type of pain you’re experiencing in his mission to manage your symptoms, improve your mobility, and restore your quality of life.
So how can you tell the difference between bone and nerve pain? Only a doctor can say for sure, but here are some tips from Dr. Michels and our team about recognizing pain types and their causes.
Neuropathic pain refers to discomfort from damaged or inflamed nerves. Symptoms to watch for include:
Nerve pain and other symptoms can occur anywhere along the path of the affected nerve, sometimes appearing unrelated to where the injury occurs.
For instance, a pinched nerve in the lower spine can result in leg pain, numbness, and tingling (sciatica). An inflamed or irritated nerve in the cervical spine (neck) may cause headaches resistant to standard treatments.
If you’re experiencing bone pain, you may develop:
Many people describe bone pain as throbbing or pulsing and feeling like it’s coming from inside.
Nerve pain may be related to:
A herniated or ruptured disc can press on spinal nerves, triggering radiating leg or arm pain.
Nerve damage from high blood sugar is a common complication of poorly managed diabetes. Injuries, infection, and other medical conditions can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which often affects the feet or hands first but may also target digestion, urinary continence, and other critical bodily functions.
Nerve pain related to a shingles outbreak can last for months to years.
Other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, can lead to central nerve pain due to nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord. Excessive alcohol intake or vitamin deficiencies can also damage nerves over time.
Bone pain may be linked to:
While less common than musculoskeletal issues, primary or metastatic bone cancer can be excruciating, especially at night.
Dr. Michels starts with a thorough physical evaluation that may include diagnostic studies such as X-rays or MRI to confirm the type and cause of your pain.
He then develops a personalized treatment strategy that may include:
Differentiating between nerve and bone pain can be tricky, but the quality, location, and cause of your pain offer essential clues.
We recommend scheduling a visit for pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or worsens and for symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or limb weakness.
If you're not sure, or if the pain is interfering with your life, don't guess. Schedule a visit with Dr. Michels at ISP Health in Dallas, Texas, today for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
