Neuropathy Treatment
Neuropathy Treatment Albany, OR
Neuropathy affects how nerve signals communicate with the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathy describes a condition in which neurons become damaged or destroyed, causing numbness and weakness in parts of the body. With treatment and a few lifestyle changes, we can repair these neural pathways and improve your symptoms.
At Better Pain Solutions, we offer neuropathy treatments for patients experiencing numbness, weakness, and increased sensitivity. Our team can assess your case and determine the right treatment option for you. To learn more about a procedure or schedule an appointment, call (541) 249-7317 today.
Neuropathy Treatment Q&A
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, refers to the damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves in the body. The condition typically affects nerves in the hands and feet first but can spread to other body parts if left untreated. Peripheral neuropathy typically indicates a problem with the peripheral nervous system, the system responsible for sending sensory information from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body.
The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which comprise the central nervous system. These two systems work together to send and receive important sensory signals that allow our bodies to move and function properly. Neuropathy occurs when nerve cells, called neurons, become damaged or destroyed and disrupt the way they communicate with each other and the brain.
Different nerves perform different functions. Peripheral nerves can be classified into three subtypes: sensory nerves (sensations), motor nerves (movement), and autonomic nerves (controls functions). Symptoms typically vary depending on the type of nerves affected and their cause.
Signs and symptoms that may indicate peripheral neuropathy include:
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Gradual onset of numbness, prickling, or tingling in the hands or feet, or upward into the legs and arms
- Lack of coordination and falling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain when putting weight on feet or when they are under a blanket
- Paralysis if motor nerves are affected
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
- The feeling of wearing gloves or socks when not
Autonomic symptoms may also include symptoms such as:
- Bowel, bladder, or digestive problems
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drops in blood pressure
- Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
- Heat intolerance
Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Neuropathy can affect one or more nerves at once. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a mononeuropathy condition. A proper diagnosis can determine the cause of neuropathy and the nerves affected.
Peripheral neuropathy can be genetic or acquired. Acquired neuropathy may result from another disorder or condition (symptomatic) but may also have no underlying cause (idiopathic). Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes will damage their sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves.
Symptomatic neuropathy has a variety of common causes, including:
- Chronic kidney disease: In dysfunctioning kidneys, an imbalance of salts and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: a specific type of peripheral neuropathy triggered by infection
- Infections: Shingles, HIV infection, Lyme disease, and viral illnesses can lead to nerve damage
- Injuries: Broken bones and tight plaster casts can put pressure directly on the nerves
- Some autoimmune disorders: including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Some kinds of cancers: including lymphoma and multiple myeloma
Behavioral and environmental causes of neuropathy include excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications such as chemotherapy and HIV treatment drugs.
Peripheral neuropathy can affect multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) or only one nerve or nerve group (mononeuropathy) at a time. Mononeuropathy is usually the result of damage to a single nerve or nerve group by trauma, injury, local compression, prolonged pressure, or inflammation.
Signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the cause and the patient’s unique case. Symptoms typically include increased sensitivity to hot and cold sensations; a sharp, jabbing, or electric pain; difficulty sleeping due to feet and leg pain; loss of balance and coordination; muscle weakness; and abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse.