The Link Between Back Pain and Your Nervous System

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet its causes are often misunderstood. While injuries to muscles, ligaments, or discs are often blamed, the nervous system plays a far more significant role than many people realize. At Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute, Dr. Todd Bromberg helps patients uncover how nerve pathways contribute to their pain—and more importantly, how to treat it effectively.

The nervous system acts as a messenger, carrying pain signals from the spine to the brain. When something goes wrong within this system—whether due to inflammation, compression, or nerve injury—it can create chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to typical treatments. Understanding this neurological link is essential for long-term relief, especially in complex or lingering cases.

Anatomy of Pain: How Nerves Affect the Spine

The spine houses the spinal cord, a major highway for nerve communication. From each level of the spine, nerves branch out to various parts of the body. If these nerves are irritated or compressed by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, they may send distress signals to the brain—even if the original cause seems minor.

This explains why some patients feel pain radiating into the arms or legs even though the problem starts in the back. Conditions like sciatica, for example, occur when the sciatic nerve is irritated, often due to pressure from the lower spine. These nerve-related conditions tend to produce sharp, burning, or electric shock-like sensations, which are classic signs that the nervous system is involved.

Central Sensitization and Chronic Pain

In some cases, the brain itself can become a source of pain through a process called central sensitization. This occurs when the nervous system becomes hypersensitive after repeated or intense pain signals. Over time, even light pressure or mild movements can trigger discomfort as the brain overreacts to incoming messages from the spine.

Central sensitization is often present in chronic back pain patients who have not responded to surgery or medication. It’s a neurological loop where pain is no longer a symptom of injury but a condition of the nervous system itself. Identifying this pattern early allows providers like Dr. Bromberg to tailor treatment strategies that focus on desensitizing the nervous system rather than only targeting physical structures.

Nerve Pain vs. Muscular Pain

Differentiating between nerve-related and muscular back pain is critical for proper treatment. Muscular pain is usually localized, dull, and improves with rest or anti-inflammatory medications. Nerve pain, on the other hand, tends to be sharp, shooting, and may travel into other areas of the body. It can worsen at night or during specific movements that stretch or compress affected nerves.

Dr. Bromberg uses a detailed diagnostic process to distinguish between these types of pain. Imaging studies, neurological exams, and patient history all help build a clear picture. This ensures that treatment targets the actual pain source—whether that means reducing inflammation, relieving compression, or calming the nervous system.

The Role of Nerve Blocks and Spinal Injections

When conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications are ineffective, interventional procedures may be recommended. Nerve blocks and spinal injections are designed to interrupt pain signals traveling through irritated nerves, offering both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic relief.

These procedures often include a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroids, delivered directly to the nerve root or epidural space. In many cases, patients report immediate or gradual improvement, allowing them to return to physical activity and begin rehabilitative care. Dr. Bromberg performs these treatments with precision to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness for patients in Chafont, Marlton, and Trevose.

Long-Term Effects on the Nervous System

Chronic back pain can change how the nervous system operates over time. When pain persists, the brain may develop patterns that reinforce the sensation, making it more difficult to manage without specialized intervention. This “pain memory” can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and avoidance of movement—further complicating recovery.

To combat this, treatment must address not just the physical aspect of back pain, but the neurological and psychological components as well. Techniques such as neuromodulation, spinal cord stimulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help retrain the nervous system and reduce its overactivity. At Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute, a comprehensive, multi-layered approach is used to help patients regain control and functionality.

Restoring Balance Through Personalized Care

The good news is that nervous system-related back pain doesn’t have to be permanent. By identifying the exact mechanism of pain—whether it’s nerve compression, central sensitization, or inflammation—Dr. Bromberg can recommend a plan that aligns with each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

Patients are encouraged to play an active role in their recovery. Through education, movement, and expert guidance, they can restore balance in their nervous system and reduce or eliminate back pain over time. The goal isn’t just symptom relief—it’s helping patients feel strong, mobile, and confident in their everyday lives.

Resources

1. Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain.

2. Freynhagen, R., & Baron, R. (2009). The evaluation of neuropathic components in low back pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports.

3. Apkarian, A. V., Hashmi, J. A., & Baliki, M. N. (2011). Pain and the brain: Specificity and plasticity of the brain in clinical chronic pain. Pain.