Nerve Pain, or Neuropathy, is an umbrella term that refers to damage or irritation of the nerves. Nerves can become damaged due to the effects of diseases like diabetes, Guillaine-Barre Syndrome, or Myasthenia Gravis, due to poor circulation to extremities like the hands and feet, due to traumatic damage of the nerves, or due to lifestyle decisions such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Neuropathy is common, and its impact is substantial; global estimates indicate that 7–8% of adults experience chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics (International Association for the Study of Pain, 2022). In clinical practice, this means that nerve pain is not a rare presentation—it is a major contributor to long‑term disability and reduced quality of life.
Neuropathy and Nerve Pain present with a combination of weakness, pain, sensation changes, numbness, tingling, electrical sensation or hot or cold flushes. Some or all of these symptoms may be present depending on the type of Neuropathy as well as the region of the body being affected. Neuropathy and nerve pain can manifest through a wide spectrum of symptoms, including weakness, pain, altered sensation, numbness, tingling, electrical sensations, or temperature-related changes such as hot or cold flushes. These symptoms vary depending on the type of neuropathy and the anatomical region involved. Symptom variability is one of the defining features of neuropathic disorders, and this variability is a key reason why early assessment is essential. Research demonstrates that up to 37% of individuals presenting to primary care with chronic low back pain exhibit predominantly neuropathic pain features (IASP, 2022). This reinforces a critical clinical reality: neuropathic mechanisms often coexist with other pain drivers, and identifying them changes the course of treatment.
The variation in symptoms is due to the nature of nerves. Nerves control muscles, convey sensation, communicate between the brain and elements of the body, and coordinate reflexes. Nerves are made up of a combination of controlling and sensing fibers, and everyone's nerves are subtly different according to their unique anatomy. Because everyone's neurological anatomy is different, and damage to nerves affects different nerves in varied ways, treatment of Neuropathy always begins with comprehensive assessment, and a thorough discussion of findings as well as any relevant radiology, clinical test results and treatment reports. Neuropathy is fundamentally a disorder of communication within the nervous system, and when communication breaks down, the resulting symptoms can be unpredictable and multifaceted. Global analyses highlight the scale of this challenge; for example, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy affects approximately 68% of patients within the first month of treatment, contributing significantly to chronic neuropathic pain worldwide (D’Souza et al., 2024). Additionally, in diabetes, peripheral neuropathic pain affects approximately 26% of individuals, (IASP, 2022). Similarly, global burden studies show that disorders affecting the nervous system remain among the leading causes of disability worldwide, reflecting the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored care strategies (Global Burden of Disease Study 2021; Lancet Neurology).
Management and assessment of Nerve Pain depends on the pathological cause of your neuropathy. These details are carefully explored during your first assessment, which sets the foundation for reducing pain and improving comfort. Your treatment plan will be personalised to target the underlying cause, with a focus on easing discomfort, restoring pain-free movement, and building strategies to lower the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we support you with clear guidance, structured care, and ongoing monitoring both in the clinic and at home. We make access simple by being open seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward moving with ease and confidence, supported by care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
D’Souza, R. S., Saini, C., Hussain, N., Javed, S., & Prokop, L. (2024). Global estimates of prevalence of chronic painful neuropathy among patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 28 countries, 2000–2024. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
International Association for the Study of Pain. (2022). Epidemiology of Neuropathic Pain: How Common is Neuropathic Pain, and What Is Its Impact? Global Year Against Neuropathic Pain. https://www.iasp-pain.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Epidemiology-of-Neuropathic-Pain.pdf
Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis. The Lancet Neurology.