Living with nerve pain—also known as neuropathic pain—can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. Whether it stems from diabetic neuropathy (often related to diabetes), spinal cord injury, hip pain, or other forms of nerve damage, many people search for a long-term solution that doesn’t involve daily medications and side effects.
Effective management of nerve pain requires addressing the whole body, including physical health, mental well-being, and social factors, to achieve the best outcomes.
At PointHealth Clinic, we help patients move beyond traditional drug-based treatments by offering advanced regenerative medicine options like stem cell therapy, which not only relieves pain but also targets the underlying cause of nerve dysfunction.
What Is Nerve Pain and Why Is It So Hard to Treat?
Nerve pain occurs when the nervous system is damaged or dysfunctional. This can cause abnormal pain signals to be sent to the brain—even in the absence of physical injury.
Symptoms include:
- Burning or electric-shock sensations
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
People with chronic nerve pain may also experience depression, which can worsen their overall condition.
Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms, but not actually healing the nerves. Monitoring pain levels is important to evaluate how effective a treatment is and to adjust the approach as needed.
Commonly Prescribed Painkillers for Nerve Pain
While certain pain relievers can reduce nerve pain, they come with risks, possible side effects, and limitations. Some of these are certain drugs originally developed for depression or seizure disorders, which are now used to manage nerve pain by reducing abnormal nerve signaling. Here are some of the most common drug-based treatments.
When first-line medications are not effective, other treatments may be considered. Research suggests that combining medications with other therapies can improve outcomes.
💊 Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Medications like amitriptyline or nortriptyline
- Originally developed to treat depression but now used for nerve pain
- Typically started at a low dose and the dosage is gradually increased to improve tolerability and minimize side effects
- Side effects: dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain
💊 SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Examples: duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Often prescribed for diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia
- May also help treat depression or anxiety related to chronic pain
💊 Anti-Seizure Medications
- Gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) are commonly used
- Originally developed to control seizures, these medications are now used to blunt nerve pain
- Help control nerve signal overactivity
- Side effects: fatigue, fluid retention, cognitive issues at higher doses
💊 Opioid Painkillers (Used with Caution)
- Reserved for severe pain and typically prescribed for a short course to manage acute or short-term pain
- Can lead to dependence, tolerance, and other serious risks
💊 Topical Treatments
- Capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches for localized pain
- May help with skin irritation but usually insufficient for deep nerve pain
- Some topical treatments, such as botulinum toxin, have shown promise in relieving nerve pain when other options are insufficient
These medications can reduce pain—but none repair the nerves themselves.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options for Nerve Pain
For those experiencing mild to moderate nerve pain, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be a helpful starting point. While neuropathic pain often requires specialized care, certain OTC options may relieve nerve pain symptoms like burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation, though their effectiveness for nerve pain can vary. Topical treatments, including capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches, can be applied directly to the skin over the affected nerves to help ease discomfort and irritation.
It’s important to remember that while these treatments are accessible without a prescription, they may not address the underlying cause of chronic nerve pain. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medicines, to ensure safe and effective use. For ongoing or severe neuropathic pain, OTC options can be combined with physical therapy and lifestyle changes—such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and stress management—to help reduce pain and improve quality of life. Always discuss your treatment plan with your provider to find the best approach for your unique needs.
Common Side Effects of Nerve Pain Medications
When treating nerve pain, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that can come with both prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. Tricyclic antidepressants, often used to manage chronic nerve pain, may cause dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can sometimes lead to stomach irritation, fluid retention, or increased blood pressure, especially when taken in higher doses or for extended periods.
Anticonvulsants, which are used to treat severe nerve pain and chronic neuropathic pain, can result in drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea—side effects that may become more pronounced at high doses. Opioid painkillers, typically reserved for short periods of severe pain, carry risks of dependence, constipation, and respiratory depression.
Because everyone responds differently to pain medications, it’s crucial to work closely with a pain management specialist or healthcare professional. They can help you monitor for common side effects, adjust dosages as needed, and recommend alternative treatments to ensure you get the most effective relief with the least risk. Open communication with your care team is key to managing both your pain and your overall well-being.
Why Stem Cell Therapy Is a Better Alternative for Nerve Pain
Instead of just masking symptoms, stem cell therapy targets the source of the problem: damaged or inflamed nerves. This innovative approach aims to bring relief to patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.
At PointHealth Clinic, we use advanced biologics—including stem cells, exosomes, and growth factors—to promote cellular repair and reduce inflammation at the site of nerve injury. Nerve pain work often involves exploring various treatment strategies, such as regenerative medicine, to find effective solutions for managing chronic pain.
✅ How Stem Cell Therapy Helps:
- Reduces neuroinflammation that contributes to pain
- Stimulates regeneration of nerve tissue
- May restore function and sensation in damaged areas
- Can lead to long-term relief without ongoing medication
- Minimally invasive, drug-free, and done under local anesthesia
Some patients with diabetes-related neuropathy may also benefit from supplements like alpha lipoic acid, but should consult their doctor before use.
Many patients report significant improvements within weeks, especially when stem cell therapy is used alongside physical therapy and lifestyle support.
Conditions That Respond Well to Regenerative Pain Therapy
We’ve helped patients with a wide range of neuropathic pain conditions, including:
- Chronic back pain
- Sciatica
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Post-surgical nerve pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Hip, knee, or shoulder nerve-related discomfort
- Spinal cord injury–related nerve dysfunction
If you’ve tried medications and haven’t found lasting relief, it may be time to consider a regenerative solution.
Why Choose PointHealth Clinic for Nerve Pain Treatment?
We’re not a pain management clinic that writes prescriptions—we’re a team of specialists focused on restoring function, not just suppressing symptoms.
At PointHealth, you’ll receive:
- ✅ A comprehensive evaluation from our regenerative medicine experts
- ✅ Personalized treatment plans tailored to your condition and goals
- ✅ Access to cutting-edge stem cell therapies backed by science
- ✅ A focus on natural healing and minimally invasive techniques
- ✅ Follow-up care to track your progress and support your recovery
Our mission: To help you reduce pain, restore function, and regain your quality of life—without relying on long-term medications.
What to Expect From Your Treatment Plan
Every patient is different. That’s why we offer a free consultation to determine whether stem cell therapy is the right fit for your nerve pain.
We’ll discuss:
- Your symptoms and pain history
- Prior treatments and outcomes
- Imaging results, if available
- Lifestyle and mobility goals
- The number of treatments needed (some require only 1–2 sessions)
Most procedures are done in-office with no downtime, and patients go home the same day.
Don’t Settle for Just Masking the Pain
If you’re tired of temporary relief and managing side effects, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come to us after years of trial-and-error with painkillers, antidepressants, and patches—and finally experience sustainable improvement through regenerative care.
Ready to Try a Smarter Approach to Pain Relief?
📍 Visit us at PointHealth Clinic – Serving patients across Southern California
📞 Call (855) 263-1487
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 www.pointhealthclinic.com
Free Consultation
✅ Schedule your free consultation today
Discover if stem cell therapy is the solution to your nerve pain—and start your journey toward real relief.
