What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a disorder that affects the sensory and motor nerves, usually caused by nerve damage. It also can be caused by disease, infection, trauma, injuries, long-term alcohol abuse and in some cases, the cause of neuropathy is unknown. While this disorder cannot be cured, it can be managed if you experience pain or tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. Neuropathy can be a progressive disease that worsens over time. Each type of neuropathy has similar symptoms, and their differences are in the root cause of the disorder. Unfortunately, neuropathy is a progressive disease that can worsen over time, and rapid progression may sometimes occur.
Types of neuropathies include:
- Peripheral – nerve damage that disrupts the transmission of signals to the brain
- Diabetic – neuropathy caused by diabetes
- Idiopathic – no known cause
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Neuropathy symptoms vary from mild to severe and can become debilitating, disrupting your ability to perform daily tasks and interfere with sleep.
Some commonly reported symptoms of neuropathy include:
- Pain that worsens at night
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations (often described as “pins and needs” or a “shock”) in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Balance issues
- Limited mobility
- Muscle weakness
Neuropathy can also affect the functioning of some bodily organs such as digestion, and bladder and bowel function. Some cases report sexual dysfunction.
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
Our pain management doctors in Corinth at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) offer a thorough clinical examination and may refer you to undergo a nerve study to determine if your pain is caused by neuropathy. If you are diagnosed with neuropathy, we have treatment options to help ease your discomfort.
How is neuropathy pain treated?
Treatment for neuropathy depends on the severity of your condition, as well as your level of pain and discomfort. However, common therapies to treat pain associated with neuropathy may include injections or nerve blocks to disrupt the pain signal from the damaged nerves to the brain. Additionally, other minimally, non-surgical procedures provide longer lasting relief. The good news is that the neuropathy treatments that we offer at MSSP are outpatient procedures, meaning no hospital stays, and have little no recovery required. Plus, you can usually resume your usual activities soon after treatment.
Treating Neuropathy in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
Neuropathy affects millions of people in the U.S., and some sufferers experience a great deal of pain that interferes with their life. While some symptoms associated with neuropathy are uncomfortable and irritating, sometimes pain can be intolerable and disrupt your ability to perform normal, everyday tasks. MSSP offers minimally invasive treatment for neuropathy so that you can live life and move your body with ease. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call MSSP at (662) 284-8565.