Neuropathic pain: what it feels like and what actually helps

Sharp, burning, or electric-shock sensations that won’t quit? That’s often neuropathic pain — pain that comes from damaged or malfunctioning nerves rather than from a cut or bruise. It can show up after diabetes, shingles, surgeries, chemo, or nerve injuries. Knowing what works and what doesn’t cuts wasted time and frustration.

How to recognize nerve pain

Neuropathic pain usually feels different from “normal” pain. Expect burning, tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles, or brief stabbing jolts. It may be worse at night, triggered by light touch, or feel like your skin is highly sensitive. Unlike muscle pain, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Motrin) often don’t help much for pure nerve pain.

Practical treatments that actually help

First-line medicines: gabapentin and pregabalin are common starting points. They reduce nerve overactivity and can cut pain levels for many people. Duloxetine, a type of antidepressant, also helps some types of nerve pain—especially when pain and mood or sleep are affected. Tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) are another option, though they can cause dry mouth or drowsiness.

Topical options: lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream can be very useful when the pain is localized (for example, along one patch of skin after shingles). Patches give targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects.

When simple measures fail: Some people need referral to a pain specialist for nerve blocks, spinal injections, or advanced options. Strong opioids are usually a last resort because of risks and limited long-term benefit for nerve pain.

Non-drug approaches matter: physical therapy can restore function and reduce pain flare-ups. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) helps some people. Improving sleep, managing blood sugar (if you have diabetes), and addressing anxiety or depression often lowers pain intensity too.

Self-care tips you can start now: keep a pain diary (what makes it worse or better), wear loose clothing if touch sensitivity is a problem, use heat or cold cautiously, and try gentle stretching. If shingles caused your pain, early antiviral treatment can reduce the chance of long-term nerve pain—so see a provider fast if a rash appears.

When to see a doctor: get checked if pain is new, spreading, tied to weakness, or comes with fever or sudden loss of function. Ask about medication side effects, dosing schedules, and whether you need blood tests before starting certain drugs.

Talking to your clinician: describe sensations clearly (burning, electric, numb), say what triggers it, and report how it affects sleep and daily life. That helps them pick the right treatment faster.

Need more reading? We cover related topics like nerve-friendly medications and shingles antivirals on DoctorAlexa Pharmaceuticals. If nerve pain is stealing your sleep or mobility, there are practical options that can help — don’t settle for suffering in silence.