Terri Ramsey Beavers Millions of Americans live with neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic condition that affects the body’s peripheral nerves that relay information to the body from the brain, central nervous system, and spinal cord. If you are one of those suffering from neuropathy, treatments are available to prevent further nerve damage and relieve your pain. Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco has an experienced and board-certified team of specialists providing the most innovative therapies to treat complex conditions like neuropathy. For Frisco neuropathy treatment, call or book an appointment online today.
What is Neuropathy?
This is a disorder that involves damage to your peripheral nervous system. When you damage your peripheral nervous system, you will often experience physical symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness. This discomfort can happen in any part of the body, but it’s most common in your feet and hands. The dysfunctional nerves cause muscle weakness, numbness, pain, and tingling on the affected parts. Neuropathy starts from your hands and legs before gradually moving to the rest of your body. If left untreated, neuropathy can lead to several unpleasant symptoms.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
People born in a family with a history of peripheral neuropathy and individuals diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. High levels of blood sugar in diabetic persons are solely responsible for nerve damage. Besides, the risk of developing the disease increases for obese people and those with higher blood pressure. However, injuries, various underlying health conditions, and other factors could cause neuropathy. These include:
- Severe alcoholism, which negatively affects nerve tissues.
- Subjection to harmful toxins and chemicals such as pesticides can damage the nerves.
- Bodily trauma such as fractures and accidents that injure the nerves.
- Bacterial and viral infections have a direct impact on the nerves.
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Certain drugs and medications like the pills used in cancer treatment.
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have devastating effects on the peripheral nervous system.
- Recurring injuries.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms can vary from one person to another. Mostly characterized by pain in different parts of your body, neuropathy symptoms include:
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Neck and back pain
- Hip and shoulder pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Poor coordination
- Aching pain
- Pain that travels down the nerve’s path
- Sharp stabbing pain
- Sleep disruption
- Wrist and ankle pain
What Should You Expect During Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment?
Obtaining an early diagnosis of the condition is vital in managing the prevalent symptoms and goes a long way in ensuring that further injury to the peripheral nerves is prevented. The doctors at Integrative Pain & Spine will perform a physical test by enquiring about your family history to establish a relationship with your symptoms. The doctor can also perform blood tests, CT scans, or MRI to carefully determine possible nerve pain causes. The team recommends non-invasive procedures instead of using pain medications to treat the condition. Treatment includes:
- Vibration therapy
- Low-level therapy
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Physical therapy
- Neurostimulation
- HF10 Therapy
If your neuropathy is because of nerve compression, the team can also recommend minimally invasive interventions.
To sum up, neuropathy ranges from mild to severe and can be fatal if not treated by a professional. Free yourself from nerve pains that interfere with your life quality today. Call Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco or book an online evaluation.