Neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy involves damage or dysfunction to one or more nerves. This condition is also known as peripheral neuropathy because it affects your peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). 

There are three main types of nerves in your peripheral nervous system and neuropathy can affect any of them. The specific symptoms you experience depend on the type, number, and location of the damaged nerves. 

Sensory nerves carry information about your senses, including touch, through your spinal cord and to your brain. Motor nerves move in the opposite direction, carrying messages from your brain to your muscles. Autonomic nerves regulate bodily functions that you don’t directly control, like breathing.  

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathy symptoms vary widely based on the nerves involved. Common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Numbness or tingling, especially in the hands or feet
• Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
• Falling or lack of coordination
• Muscle weakness 
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching

You may be extremely sensitive to touch or you may not be able to feel pain at all. Neuropathy worsens over time, so it’s important to seek medical care at Pain Solutions as soon as you notice symptoms. 

What causes neuropathy?

Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy, especially the type of neuropathy that causes burning pain in the hands and feet. Many other health conditions can cause neuropathy, including:

• Traumatic injuries, such as fractures
• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medical treatments, including chemotherapy
• Infections, such as Lyme disease

Other medical conditions that may cause neuropathy include kidney disease, liver disease, and hypothyroidism

What are the treatments for neuropathy?

The team at Pain Solutions offers a wide variety of effective treatments for neuropathy, including traditional and innovative approaches. They work with you to develop a customized pain management plan that may include:

• Medication management
• Physical therapy
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Nutritional support
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

They may also recommend regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections. 

For advanced care of neuropathy, call Pain Solutions or request an appointment online today.