Nerve injuries can cause debilitating pain and other symptoms, including weakness or loss of sensation. While some nerve injuries heal over time, others may require intervention to restore function and relieve symptoms.
At Pain Management Specialists, board-certified physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, combine cutting-edge techniques and patient-centered care, to treat nerve injuries and optimize recovery.
For patients with nerve injuries, a comprehensive evaluation is essential for our providers to create a treatment plan that meets your needs. Several factors influence recovery from nerve injuries. Here’s an overview of how nerves heal, and what you might expect.
Nerve injuries happen when nerves are compressed, stretched, severed, or damaged due to trauma, surgery, or underlying medical conditions. Common causes include accidents, repetitive strain, and infections. Additionally, conditions like diabetes can cause nerve damage.
Nerve injuries disrupt electrical signal transmission between your brain and body, which causes a range of symptoms, such as tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, nerves may heal naturally or require medical intervention.
Nerve injuries are categorized into three types based on damage severity: neuropraxia (mild), axonotmesis (moderate), and neurotmesis (severe). Each type affects the nerve’s ability to recover differently.
Nerve healing is a slow and complex process. In mild cases, such as neuropraxia, where the nerve's protective sheath remains intact, recovery typically happens on its own. The nerve regains function as swelling and inflammation subside, usually within weeks or months.
For moderate injuries, like axonotmesis, the nerve fibers (axons) are damaged but the surrounding structures remain intact. In these cases, nerves can regenerate at a rate of about one millimeter per day, but full recovery may take months or even years, depending on the length of the damaged nerve.
Severe nerve injuries rarely heal on their own.
Several factors play a role in whether a nerve injury can heal naturally:
The more severe the damage, the less likely the nerve can heal without medical help. Early treatment is highly beneficial, as prolonged damage may lead to permanent issues.
If you experience persistent pain, weakness, or numbness after a nerve injury, seeking medical care is crucial. At Pain Management Specialists, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of nerve damage and develop personalized treatment plans. Interventions such as nerve blocks, neuromodulation, or physical therapy can help manage pain and improve function.
For severe injuries, surgical options may be recommended to repair or reconnect damaged nerves. Our team believes that comprehensive, multimodal pain care offers the best chance for meaningful recovery.
Nerve injuries can be life-altering, but advancements in pain management and nerve care can help you get back to enjoying life. At Pain Management Specialists, our goal is not just to treat the pain but to empower you with the tools and treatments to reclaim your quality of life. If you’re struggling with nerve pain or injury, schedule a consultation with the team at Pain Management Specialists today.
