Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the tiny microscopic nerves underneath the skin that are used to sense temperature and touch. There are many conditions that result in permanent damage to these nerves. These damaged nerves can cause a spectrum of problems ranging from numbness to severe burning or ripping pain.
The treatment options for those with peripheral neuropathy are limited. These patients are typically prescribed pain medications (Neurontin or Lyrica), which are oftentimes ineffective. However, with the use of spinal cord stimulation, one can effectively turn off this type of pain. Through nerve stimulation, we have treated over 100 patients with severe peripheral neuropathy and have greatly reduced pain with a success rate of over 95%.
Causes
- Diabetes – Diabetes can result in permanent damage to the sensory nerves particularly in the feet – almost half of the people with diabetes suffer from some type of neuropathy. This results in severe burning or ripping type of pain.
- Nerve Pressure or Trauma – when you are involved in a fall, sports injury, or a car accident, you are at risk for damaging or severing peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure comes from spending long amounts of time repeating the same motions, such as standing.
Symptoms
The peripheral nervous system relays information from the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of body’s muscles, skin, and organs. When these nerves become damaged or diseased, the connection between the brain and the rest of the body is interrupted. This interruption can cause:
- Burning sensations
- Sharp, stinging pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Trouble sleeping
