Condition guide
Nerve Pain: symptoms & treatment
Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, is caused by damage to or irritation of the nerves rather than an injury to tissue. It is often described as burning, shooting, stabbing or tingling, and can be ongoing or come in sudden waves. It differs from ordinary pain and frequently needs a different approach to treatment.
Reviewed by the Kamagra AUS Pharmacy Team on 5 September 2026 · Next review June 2027
Sources for the medical information on this page
- Healthdirect Australia — Nerve pain — Search "nerve pain" for Australian guidance on causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Recognising the signs
- Burning, shooting or stabbing sensations, often in the hands, feet or legs
- Tingling, prickling or a "pins and needles" feeling
- Pain triggered by light touch, such as clothing or bedsheets
- Numbness or reduced sensation in the affected area
- Pain that is worse at night or disturbs sleep
Common causes
- Diabetes, a common cause of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Shingles, which can lead to lingering nerve pain
- Nerve compression, such as a trapped or pinched nerve
- Injury or surgery affecting the nerves
- Certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis
- Excessive alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies
- Side effects of some medicines, including certain chemotherapy treatments
Treatment options we deliver Australia-wide
Nerve pain often does not respond well to ordinary painkillers, so specific medicines such as pregabalin and gabapentin are commonly used to calm overactive nerve signals. These are controlled medicines that should be taken exactly as prescribed, and the dose is usually adjusted gradually by a doctor. They must never be stopped suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal effects, so always reduce them under medical supervision. Read the patient information leaflet and discuss any other medicines or conditions with your doctor.
Lifestyle & self-care support
- Manage any underlying condition, such as keeping blood sugar well controlled in diabetes
- Stay gently active, as movement can help some types of nerve pain
- Limit alcohol, which can worsen nerve damage
- Use relaxation, pacing and good sleep habits to cope with persistent pain
- Try a TENS machine or physiotherapy if recommended by a professional
- Seek support for low mood, which often accompanies long-term pain
How to choose & when to see a doctor
Nerve pain should be assessed by a doctor, who can look for an underlying cause and tailor treatment to your situation. Medicines used for nerve pain are controlled and need careful dosing and monitoring, so they should only be taken under medical guidance. Read the patient information leaflet, never stop these medicines abruptly, and tell your doctor if the pain changes or worsens.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't normal painkillers work for nerve pain?
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Nerve pain comes from faulty nerve signalling rather than tissue damage, so standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen often have little effect. Medicines like pregabalin and gabapentin work differently, by calming the overactive nerve signals. A doctor can advise which approach suits your type of pain.
Why can't I stop nerve pain medication suddenly?
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Medicines such as pregabalin and gabapentin should never be stopped abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal effects. The dose is usually reduced gradually under a doctor's supervision. If you want to stop, speak to your doctor first and follow the patient information leaflet.
Is nerve pain permanent?
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It depends on the cause. Some nerve pain improves when the underlying problem is treated, such as relieving a trapped nerve or controlling diabetes, while other types are long-lasting and managed rather than cured. A doctor can give you a clearer picture based on your situation.
Are pregabalin and gabapentin addictive?
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These are controlled medicines and can carry a risk of dependence, which is why they are prescribed carefully and taken exactly as directed. They should not be stopped suddenly or used in higher amounts than advised. Always follow your doctor's guidance and the patient information leaflet.
When should I see a doctor about nerve pain?
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See a doctor if you have persistent burning, shooting or tingling pain, numbness, or pain triggered by light touch, especially if it disturbs your sleep or daily life. Identifying the cause is important for effective treatment. Sudden severe symptoms, weakness or loss of function should be assessed promptly.
Nerve Pain health guides
Diabetic Nerve Pain and Pregabalin: What's the Connection?
How diabetic nerve pain develops from long-term high blood glucose, why glucose control comes first, and where pregabalin sometimes fits a doctor-led plan.
Read guideHow Does Pregabalin Work? The Mechanism Explained Simply
A plain-English explanation of how pregabalin actually works on the nervous system to ease nerve pain, and why its effects tend to build up gradually over time.
Read guideWhat Is Pregabalin Used For? A Plain-English Overview
A clear, plain-English overview of what pregabalin treats in Australia, from nerve pain and fibromyalgia to its role alongside other epilepsy medicines.
Read guideChronic vs Acute Pain: What's the Real Difference?
Acute and chronic pain aren't just about how long pain lasts — they're genuinely different processes in the body, and that difference shapes how each is treated.
Read guideWhat Is Neuropathy? Causes, Symptoms and How It's Treated
Neuropathy is nerve damage that can arise from many different causes, not just diabetes. Here's what it actually is, how it typically presents, and how it's managed.
Read guideNerve Pain vs Muscle Pain: How to Tell Them Apart
Nerve pain and muscle pain can both show up in an arm, leg or back, but they come from different sources and often respond to different treatments. Here's how to tell them apart.
Read guidePregabalin Side Effects: What to Watch For
A safety-focused look at pregabalin side effects, from dizziness and drowsiness to weight and mood changes, and when to contact your doctor promptly.
Read guideFibromyalgia Explained: Symptoms, Challenges and Pregabalin's Role
What fibromyalgia involves, why getting a diagnosis can take time, and how pregabalin fits into a broader, doctor-led plan for managing symptoms.
Read guideRestless Legs Syndrome: An Overview and Where Pregabalin Comes In
A plain-English guide to restless legs syndrome, its common contributing factors like low iron, and where pregabalin is sometimes considered by doctors.
Read guideShingles Nerve Pain: Understanding Post-Herpetic Neuralgia and Pregabalin
Understanding post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles, why the nerve pain lingers once the rash has healed, and how pregabalin helps manage it.
Read guideSciatica and Nerve Pain: Where Pregabalin Fits In
Where pregabalin sits among physiotherapy, staying active and other treatments for sciatica, and which nerve pain symptoms need urgent medical attention.
Read guideImportant: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.