Burning, Tingling, Shooting Pain: Is It a Nerve Problem?

A sudden sharp pain that shoots down your arm. A burning sensation in your leg that won’t go away. A persistent tingling or numb feeling in your hands or feet. These symptoms can be confusing and uncomfortable—but they often point to one underlying issue: a problem with the nerves.

At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve-related pain. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is the first step toward lasting relief.

What Is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, occurs when the nerves that transmit signals between the body and brain are damaged, irritated, or compressed. Unlike pain from an injury to muscles or joints, nerve pain can feel more electrical—sharp, burning, tingling, or shooting sensations that may come and go or persist constantly.

This type of pain can affect almost any part of the body and can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-disrupting symptoms.

Common Causes of Nerve Pain

• Herniated or bulging discs pressing on spinal nerves
• Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
• Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of high blood sugar levels damaging nerves
• Pinched nerves in the neck, back, or extremities
• Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve injury
• Shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Peripheral nerve entrapment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Identifying the source of nerve pain is crucial—because while symptoms may feel similar, the treatment approach depends on the cause and location of nerve involvement.

Recognizing Nerve Pain Symptoms

• Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
• Tingling or “pins and needles” feelings
• Numbness or loss of sensation
• Muscle weakness or coordination problems
• Pain that radiates along a specific nerve pathway

Symptoms may worsen with certain movements or positions, and they often disrupt sleep or daily activities.

Diagnosing the Problem

To determine whether your pain is nerve-related, a specialist will perform a detailed physical exam and may recommend imaging or diagnostic studies such as:

• MRI or CT scans to identify spinal or nerve compression
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) or electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function
• Blood tests to check for conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies

Accurate diagnosis helps guide an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Treatment Options for Nerve Pain

At IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics, our specialists take a comprehensive, personalized approach to treating nerve pain. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Medication management to reduce nerve inflammation and control pain signals
• Targeted injections to calm irritated nerves and improve function
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and relieve nerve pressure
• Advanced pain management techniques for chronic or complex nerve pain
• Surgical options, when necessary, to decompress or repair damaged nerves

Our goal is always to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent further nerve damage whenever possible.

When to See a Specialist

If you’re experiencing burning, tingling, shooting, or numb sensations that persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention. Ignoring nerve symptoms can allow underlying conditions—like spinal compression or neuropathy—to progress and cause lasting damage.

Take the Next Step

Nerve pain can be complex, but effective treatments are available. The earlier you get evaluated, the more options you have for relief and recovery.

Schedule an appointment with IGEA Brain, Spine, Pain and Orthopedics today to find the cause of your pain and start your journey toward lasting comfort and better function.