Why do I have peripheral neuropathy?
Your peripheral nervous system is responsible for delivering signals from your central nervous system to other areas of your body. These nerves even send sensory signals to your brain, which is why you feel discomfort if any of your peripheral nerves are damaged.
If you have peripheral neuropathy, any of the following factors may be to blame:
- Alcoholism
- Kidney or liver disease
- Bone marrow disorders
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Blood sugar spikes from diabetes
- Serious infections, such as hepatitis B and C
- Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis
You can even develop peripheral neuropathy because of severe vitamin deficiencies, particularly if you’re low in B vitamins or vitamin E.
What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
Each nerve in your peripheral nervous system has its own special job to perform. Because of this, the symptoms you experience vary based on the affected nerve (or nerves).
It’s important to let your doctor at Summit Pain Alliance know about any of the following issues you may be having:
- Extreme sensitivity to temperature, touch, or vibration
- Poor bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
- Abnormal blood pressure changes
- Poor coordination or frequent falls
Peripheral neuropathy also leads to muscle weakness in many cases. You may find that holding on to your cup of coffee or even writing with a pen can become quite difficult.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, the highly skilled team at Summit Pain Alliance encourages you to book an evaluation.
How does a doctor treat peripheral neuropathy?
Your dedicated physician at Summit Pain Alliance designs a treatment plan that’s entirely personalized to you, based on your diagnosis and any symptoms you have (even if they’re minor). It’s common for peripheral neuropathy treatment plans to include:
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Topical capsaicin creams
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
There are plenty of highly effective medications that reduce neuropathy symptoms, too. But typically, the team at Summit Pain Alliance try to find alternative solutions to resolve your discomfort, so you don’t have to rely on medications.
Summit Pain Alliance can help you recover from the most agonizing of peripheral neuropathy pain. Get started on treatment by booking an exam online or by phone with the office closest to you today.
