Sharp Pain vs. Burning Pain

Pain can appear in many forms. Sometimes, this pain has an obvious cause like a cut or bruise, but, in many cases, the causes may not be apparent.

However, all pain should be treated early. For that, it is important to have the underlying cause of your pain diagnosed and addressed by a pain specialist.

Some of the most debilitating types of pain or sharp stabbing pain with a burning sensation.

As the name suggests, this pain feels like being stabbed by a sharp object. Such pain may be caused due to the following conditions.

• Cuts or incisions — If the skin is pierced by a sharp object, you feel a stabbing sensation. This sharp pain may reduce once the object is removed and the cut or incision bandaged.
• Nerve compression— Chronic, sharp pain is often the result of a compressed nerve. A spinal nerve may be pinched, either due to a herniated disc or other tissue impingement. This can irritate the nerve causing sharp pain, that may also radiate to other areas of the body where the nerve reaches.
• Fibromyalgia— This is a chronic pain condition that produces sharp pain throughout the body and is associated with over-sensitized pain receptors. Even minor or harmless stimuli may cause painful sensations.
• Neuropathic pain – If a nerve sustains damage, which is common in diabetics, it may send pain signals even without a harmful stimulus.
• Aortic dissection— Sharp, chest pains may indicate damage to the heart’s main blood vessel, the aorta. Such pain may be accompanied by dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath. Call 911 immediately.

Pain with a burning sensation may be caused due to nerve damage, injury, or infection. It is best to seek urgent medical attention.

• Herpes simplex— HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses may cause oral or genital lesions with seeping fluid and a burning sensation. Herpes simplex may cause fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, or swollen lymph nodes.
• Sciatica— The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back to the feet. If it is compressed, it may produce a burning sensation anywhere in this area. Sciatica pain may be accompanied by a “pins and needles” sensation, numbness or weakness.
• Rosacea— This is an episodic, chronic skin condition. Burning pain, facial redness, flushing, red bumps, skin dryness and sensitivity are common.
• Peripheral vascular disease— This refers to the narrowing of blood vessels outside the heart and brain. Common symptoms include burning pain and fatigue in the legs that worsen with activity.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome— This is a repetitive stress or overuse injury that results in pinching of the median nerve (travels through the wrist). Common symptoms include pain, numbness or tingling in the thumb and first three fingers.
• Shingles— This is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It appears as a painful rash with blisters on one side of the torso.
• Cervical spondylosis— This refers to degeneration of vertebral bones and discs in the upper spine or neck. It may cause chronic neck pain and stiffness.
• Multiple sclerosis—MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the outer sheath or lining of nerve cells. Symptoms include burning pain, weakness, fatigue, numbness, and cognitive issues.

If you are experiencing any kind of pain that doesn’t subside in a few days with rest, you must seek urgent medical attention. Consult a pain specialist right away.

If you are looking for internal medicine and restorative pain management doctors in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at (619) 333-8114. Pacific Medical Care provides a wide range of healthcare services, and first-rate care to treat the whole patient.