Numbness and tingling associated with neuropathy and nerve pain isn’t a symptom you have to live with. At Seaside Spine & Pain of Wilmington, the team offers interventional pain management to reduce chronic pain and give you a better quality of life. Schedule an appointment by phone to learn more about your options.
Neuropathy/Nerve Pain Q&A
What is neuropathy and nerve pain?
Neuropathy, also known as nerve pain, is a condition that affects the nervous system, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in various parts of the body. This condition can be caused by a wide range of factors, including diabetes, infections, injuries, autoimmune disorders, and medications.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
If you experience neuropathy and nerve pain, you might notice some of the following signs or symptoms:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning or throbbing pain
- Neck, back, shoulder, or knee pain
- Muscle weakness
- Falling or lack of muscle coordination
- Touch sensitivity
- Sharp pain
- Heat intolerance
- Digestive problems
- A feeling of wearing gloves
What are the risk factors for neuropathy?
Neuropathy can happen to anybody, but certain factors elevate your chances of developing this condition. Examples include diabetes, vitamin deficiency, alcohol abuse, infections, as well as arthritis, thyroid problems, kidney or liver issues, and toxin exposure. A family history of neuropathy and performing repetitive motions also puts you at risk of developing neuropathy and nerve pain.
How does my provider diagnose neuropathy?
To find out if you have neuropathy, our team discusses your symptoms and reviews your medical history. They complete comprehensive physical and neurological examinations and might recommend blood tests, nerve function tests, nerve or skin biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures.
What are my neuropathy and nerve pain treatment options?
The Seaside Spine & Pain Wilmington team treats pain conditions with interventional therapies and multimodal treatments. The treatment for neuropathy will depend on the underlying cause of the nerve damage. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can help alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy. For example, controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can help prevent nerve damage and alleviate symptoms. Treatment can reduce diabetic peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain, pelvic pain, post-surgical pain syndrome, and neck, back, shoulder, or knee pain after trauma.
Your personalized neuropathy and nerve pain treatment might include:
Lifestyle changes
To reduce nerve pain using lifestyle changes, properly control blood sugar, get regular exercise, eat healthy foods, take vitamin supplements as needed, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Medications
Taking certain medications can alleviate neuropathy pain to give you a better quality of life. There are several medications that can help alleviate nerve pain, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and pain relievers. Our team customize medication regimens to match your unique needs.
Physical therapy
Exercises and stretches can help improve strength and flexibility in the affected area. Our team lets you know which physical therapy exercises and stretches can reduce neuropathy pain and prevent its recurrence.
Nerve stimulation
Nerve stimulation sends electric impulses to nerves to reduce pain signals and neuropathy discomfort.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment option for diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms. Our team will let you know if SCS could be an option to treat your diabetic neuropathy.
If neuropathy and nerve pain negatively affect your life, you don’t have to live with it. Schedule an appointment by phone for relief today.