About nerve pain
The nerves in your back carry messages about sensations and muscle controls to your brain. When these nerves aren't working properly, it causes pain, numbness, pins and needles, increased sensitivity or weakness of muscles in the related part of the body. This is known as nerve root pain and can become debilitating if left untreated.
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of nerve pain? icon plus
Nerves become trapped when they travel through narrow spaces, which causes pain. This can be due to previous traumas or even surgeries.
Symptoms might include:
- numbness and tingling, anywhere in the body
- weakness in the muscles supplied by the affected nerve
- constant sharp pain or tingling
- your skin is more or less sensitive than usual to touch
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Screening and diagnosis icon plus
An MRI scan is the best way to diagnose nerve damage and shows the internal structure of your body.
The consultant will be able to see whether a nerve has become trapped. Electrophysiology might be useful to confirm the diagnosis.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment is usually surgical. The nerve is visualised and the compression removed. At times, the nerve cannot glide and the surgery is aimed at making that possible again.
Our nerve specialist consultants
Our locations
From complex brachial plexus surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional peripheral nerve injury care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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Peripheral Nerve Injury (PNI) Unit
The PNI Unit at The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Call 020 7483 5232
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 0207 586 5959
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5AH
Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200 -
The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road, Elstree
WD6 3BS
Call 020 3907 4500
