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neuropathy

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a general term used to describe conditions that affect the nerves.

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What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to all kinds of malfunctions or diseases that affect the nerves regardless of their location in the body, and their causes. This condition, however, is classified according to the location of the nerves, its type, and the underlying cause. The common types are the following: peripheral, autonomic, cranial, and focal neuropathy.

  • Peripheral neuropathy is a type of this condition that affects the nerves surrounding or located outside the spinal cord and the brain.
  • Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves found in the involuntary nervous system.
  • Cranial neuropathy refers to the damaged twelve cranial nerves—these are nerves that directly exit from the brain.
  • Focal neuropathy is used to refer to a nerve problem that only affects a particular area or part of the body.

Regardless of the type, people with this condition experience one thing in common: neuropathy pain.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

There are no specific symptoms of neuropathy. This is because the symptoms depend on the location and type of nerves affected by the condition. So in order for us to determine the symptoms, it is important that we understand the main classifications of nerves in the body, such as the following: motor nerves (which control muscle movement), sensory nerves (which receive sensations like touch, pain, and temperature) and autonomic nerves (which control functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion).

But there are signs and symptoms that are common among the various types of this condition. Aside from the neuropathy pain, there are other symptoms that a patient may experience. They are as follows:

  • Sharp, burning, freezing, throbbing, or jabbing pain.
  • Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensation.
  • Muscle weakness
  • Paralysis (if motor nerves are affected)
  • Highly sensitive to touch
  • Lack of coordination

If autonomic nerves are damaged or affected, additional symptoms may be felt, such as the following:

  • Bladder or digestive problems
  • Altered sweating
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Heat intolerance
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

What causes neuropathy?

Understanding what causes neuropathy helps in determining the appropriate treatments and therapies needed to alleviate and manage the symptoms. Aside from this, it is also important that we understand the possible causes of the condition. The most common causes include the following:

  • Infection
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Trauma or injury
  • Tumor
  • Post-herpetic neuralgia
  • Amyloidosis
  • Diabetes
  • Uremia
  • Genetic disorders

How is neuropathy treated?

Treatment options for neuropathy include medications, therapies, and invasive procedures such as surgery.

Medications are the most common treatment for neuropathy. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs can provide relief for pain and other mild symptoms. However, for severe pain, prescription pain relievers may be necessary. Anti-seizure medications may also be taken to relieve nerve pain. Other medication options include topical treatments for mild and short-term pain, and antidepressants.

There are also therapies that help ease the symptoms of neuropathy. The common procedures for nerve pain include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), plasma exchange, and physical therapy. In severe cases of neuropathy, injections and surgery may be necessary.

AZ Pain and Spine Institute
Neuropathy Treatments

Here at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, we improve our patients’ quality of life by alleviating and managing their pain. Some of our Neuropathy treatments include:

Nerve Pain Injections
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
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Why choose AZ Pain and Spine Institute to treat your Neuropathy?

We have a team of medical practitioners, pain management doctors, and staff who are experts on pain management, including Neuropathy. We use state-of-the-art technology and effective approaches in achieving our mission. We care about your well-being and are committed to making your life pain-free.

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