Can nerve pain also have psychological causes?
February 5, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Louis Ackermann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Friedhelm Voss and I have been suffering from severe nerve pain in various parts of my body for some time now. These pains mainly manifest as burning, stabbing, or pulsating sensations and significantly impact my daily life. I have already undergone various examinations and treatments, but so far no organic cause for my symptoms has been found.
I am starting to worry that my nerve pain may have psychological causes. Lately, I have been feeling emotionally burdened, stressed, and anxious. Could it be possible that my mental state is affecting my nerve pain? Are there treatment options that take into account both physical and psychological aspects? I would like to learn more about this in order to treat my symptoms holistically and lead a normal life again.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Voss
Dear Mr. Voss,
Thank you for your message and your trust. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe nerve pain and that no organic cause has been found so far. Your concerns regarding possible psychological influences on your symptoms are valid, as there is a close connection between mental state and the nervous system.
Stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens can negatively impact nerve function and lead to nerve pain. In medicine, this is referred to as a somatoform disorder, where physical symptoms occur without a detectable organic cause and are related to psychological factors.
Therefore, it is important that both physical and psychological aspects are taken into account in the treatment of your nerve pain. A holistic approach, incorporating both medication and psychotherapeutic measures, can be very effective. Medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants can help alleviate pain, while psychotherapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques can help stabilize mental state and reduce stress.
It is important that you seek advice from an experienced neurologist or psychiatrist to develop an individualized treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, further investigations may be useful to definitively rule out organic causes and establish a thorough diagnosis.
I strongly recommend consulting a doctor specialized in the treatment of nerve pain and with experience in dealing with somatoform disorders. Together, you can create a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms holistically and helps you return to a normal life.
I wish you all the best on your path to recovery and am available if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Louis Ackermann
