Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction — burning, shooting or tingling sensations that don’t respond well to standard painkillers.
Neuropathic pain occurs when the nervous system itself is damaged or malfunctioning. Unlike pain from a broken bone or a sprain, there’s no ongoing tissue injury — the nerves are sending false alarm signals to the brain.
This makes it fundamentally different from other types of pain and explains why standard painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen rarely help. It requires a specialist approach that targets the nervous system directly.
Affecting an estimated 7–10% of the population, neuropathic pain is one of the most under-diagnosed and under-treated pain conditions. Many patients endure it for years before receiving the right diagnosis and treatment.
Any condition that damages or compresses nerves can trigger neuropathic pain. Identifying the underlying cause guides the treatment plan.
Neuropathic pain has a distinctive character. Patients often describe sensations that standard pain language doesn’t capture well.
Neuropathic pain is frequently misdiagnosed or treated with the wrong medications. Standard analgesics — even strong opioids — often provide little relief. Effective treatment requires medications that specifically target nerve signalling pathways, combined with therapies that address the underlying cause.
At The Pain Clinic, we see many patients who have tried multiple treatments without success. A fresh, specialist assessment often reveals opportunities that have been missed — and opens the door to meaningful improvement.
Our approach combines the right nerve-targeting medications with therapies that promote healing and reduce central sensitisation.
Neuropathic pain is driven by faulty signalling in the nervous system, not ongoing tissue damage. Treatment targets the nervous system itself — not just the symptoms.
Standard painkillers rarely work. We use medications that calm nerve activity — and combine them with therapies that address the underlying cause where possible.
Our goal is sustainable improvement. We build a plan that reduces pain, improves function and gives you the tools to manage flare-ups independently.
Neuropathic pain frequently co-exists with other chronic pain conditions. Understanding the connections helps us build a complete treatment plan.
Book a specialist consultation to identify the cause and build a plan that targets the nervous system directly.
Medically reviewed by Dr Andrew Agius, Founder & Medical Director — last reviewed 29 June 2026.
