If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that just won’t go away, you might be dealing with nerve pain. Also known as neuropathic pain, this type of discomfort stems from damage or irritation to the nerves themselves. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we’re here to help you understand what’s causing your pain and develop a personalized plan to relieve it, so you can get back to feeling more like yourself.
Diagnosing Nerve Pain
Nerve pain can feel very different from other types of pain, and finding the root cause is the key to effective treatment. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we begin with a thorough evaluation that may include:
- A detailed medical history and physical examination
- Neurological testing to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
- Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to look for pinched nerves or spinal issues
- Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies to evaluate how well your nerves are functioning
Getting an accurate diagnosis allows us to tailor your treatment for lasting relief.
Nerve Pain Care in Charlottesville
We understand how debilitating nerve pain can be, and we also know there’s hope. Our team specializes in treating a range of nerve-related conditions using both non-surgical and surgical techniques. From conservative therapies to advanced interventions, we work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Below are some of the most common nerve pain conditions we treat:
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or bones, compress a nerve. This can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, often in the neck, back, or limbs. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, surgery.
Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. It often causes sharp, shooting pain that radiates down one side. Many patients find relief with physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This condition often affects people who perform repetitive hand motions and can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand or fingers. We offer bracing, steroid injections, and surgical options when needed.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, injury, or infection. Symptoms can include burning, tingling, and sensitivity to touch. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and the underlying cause.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Also known as a “pinched nerve in the neck,” this condition can cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm. It’s often due to a herniated disc or bone spur and can be treated with physical therapy, medication, and occasionally surgery.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Commonly referred to as “sciatica,” lumbar radiculopathy involves nerve root compression in the lower spine. It can lead to leg pain, weakness, or numbness, and can be treated with physical therapy, injections, and sometimes surgery.
Post-Surgical Nerve Pain
Some patients experience ongoing nerve pain after surgery. This can result from nerve damage during the procedure or lingering inflammation. We offer advanced pain management options to help improve quality of life and reduce discomfort.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS is a chronic condition often triggered by an injury, surgery, or stroke. It leads to intense, prolonged pain, often accompanied by swelling, skin changes, and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment with physical therapy, medications, and nerve blocks are key to managing this condition.
Request an Appointment Today
If you’re living with nerve pain, you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center is here to help you find answers and relief. Give us a call today or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.
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The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Highly recommend Charlottesville Orthopedic Center for PT. They are the best! Very knowledgeable, detailed, patient, caring and they listen. I had shoulder and knee issues. Matt was my physical therapist and I would definitely go back if I ever need more therapy. Thank you so much for all your help.
Best experience I've ever had with a medical office. The staff is incredibly helpful and kind, and the doc I saw, Natalie Smith, was so thorough and took her time explaining everything and answering all of my questions. Usually I feel so rushed or belittled at any type of medical practice and this was completely the opposite. Really can't recommend this place enough!
