Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain is pain caused by irritation, injury, or dysfunction of the nervous system. Unlike pain from a strained muscle or inflamed joint, neuropathic pain comes from the nerves themselves, which can begin sending amplified pain signals even when tissues appear normal. It is often described as burning, shooting, tingling, or electric, and it can affect sleep, movement, mood, and daily function. At Silver Pain Centre, we provide OHIP-covered consultations and specialized interventional treatments to identify the nerve pathways involved and reduce persistent pain signals, helping you regain comfort and control.
What is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic Pain occurs when nerves are damaged, compressed, inflamed, or misfiring. The pain may be localized to a specific area, follow a nerve distribution, or feel widespread depending on the underlying cause. It can develop after an injury, surgery, viral infection, or long-term nerve compression, and it may persist even after the original issue has resolved.
Common symptoms include:
Burning, stinging, or hot pain in a specific region.
Sharp, shooting, or electric sensations that travel along a nerve path.
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness.
Increased sensitivity to light touch, clothing, or temperature changes.
Pain that worsens at night or disrupts sleep. Weakness, heaviness, or reduced coordination in the affected area.
Why Does Neuropathic Pain Occur?
Neuropathic pain begins when nerves become irritated, injured, or sensitized. Once a nerve becomes hypersensitive, it can continue sending pain signals long after the original trigger, creating a chronic pain cycle.
Common causes include:
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Nerve Compression: Ongoing pressure from discs, spinal stenosis, or entrapment sites that irritate nerves over time.
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Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage from medical conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or medication effects.
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Post-Surgical or Post-Traumatic Nerve Injury: Nerve irritation or scar-related entrapment after surgery or injury.
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Shingles and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia: Viral nerve inflammation that can leave persistent pain after the rash resolves.
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Central Sensitization: Changes in the spinal cord or brain that amplify pain signals, making normal sensations feel painful.
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A condition where nerve dysfunction leads to severe, disproportionate pain, usually after an injury.
How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre
Our specialists conduct a thorough clinical assessment, often including nerve conduction studies, imaging, and detailed symptom mapping, to identify which nerve pathways are involved and what is driving the pain. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Medication Optimization: Targeted neuropathic pain medications, including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical agents, tailored to calm overactive nerve signaling.
Nerve Blocks: Image-guided injections that deliver local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly around irritated nerves to interrupt pain signals.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce the ability of specific nerves to transmit pain, providing long-lasting relief.
Epidural or Perineural Injections: Targeted delivery of medication around the spinal cord or specific peripheral nerves to reduce inflammation and pain.
Trigger Point Injections: Releasing muscle tension and referred pain patterns that develop secondary to nerve dysfunction.
Image-Guided Injections: Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure precise delivery of medication to affected nerve pathways.
When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You
If nerve pain is affecting your sleep, mobility, or quality of life, early intervention can prevent the nervous system from becoming further sensitized. Don’t wait for occasional nerve pain to become a chronic condition.
At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:
Collaborative Care
Fast Access
Advanced Diagnostics
Our North York facility using on-site imaging to pinpoint the source of pain.
Non-Surgical Options
Targeted, minimally invasive procedures to restore function and mobility.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book a Consultation for Neuropathic Pain
Stop letting nerve pain control your daily life and limit what you can do. The team at Silver Pain Centre provides OHIP-covered consultations to assess your injury and guide you toward a faster, stronger recovery. Whether you prefer an in-person visit or a virtual appointment, we will review your self-referral within 72 hours to help you get back on your feet.
Complete Your Self-Referral
Physician Referral Form