Neuropathy is an umbrella term used to refer to conditions that cause damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system—the division of the nervous system outside of the brain and the spinal cord. Neuropathy causes stabbing pain, muscle weakness, gradual onset of numbness or tingling sensation in the feet or hands that radiates up to the legs or arms, and loss of coordination.
Neuropathy has various potential causes, such as systemic diseases (diabetes, kidney diseases, etc.), nutritional or hormonal imbalances, certain medications, exposure to toxic substances, among others. Treatment is based on the cause and is geared toward either totally addressing the underlying problem or providing symptomatic relief and preventing further damage. Thus, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of neuropathy, you need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment.
To learn more about how neuropathy is treated apart from the standard oral pain relievers, check out this guide.
Epidural Nerve Blocks
An epidural nerve block is a corticosteroid medication injected into the area around your spinal column referred to as the epidural space. Epidural nerve blocks typically provide immediate pain relief and are most effective when the pain is caused by only a small number of nerves or a single nerve.
Epidural nerve blocks come with some risks and side effects, although uncommon. These include possible damage to the nerve roots or spinal cord, fever, high blood pressure, headache, and a decrease in immunity.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an essential adjunct to other treatment modalities for neuropathy. To effectively address neuropathic symptoms, physical therapy will likely incorporate the following:
- Balance training and coordination activities- to reverse balance deficits and prevent slip and fall injuries
- Bracing- to improve balance and provide support to a body part affected by the damaged nerve
- Moderate-intensity exercises- to relieve pain and strengthen your nerve tissues by boosting the flow of oxygen
Nutritional Management
If your peripheral neuropathy is due to a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend that you take supplements or load up your diet with sources of the specific nutrient. It’s worth noting that you need to take supplements as instructed by your doctor to minimize the risk of toxicity (typically applies to vitamin D deficiency).
Sanexas Therapy
Your doctor may recommend Sanexas therapy, especially if your neuropathic pain is unresponsive to medications or other treatment modalities.
Sanexas therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that utilizes electrical signals to treat pain and address circulatory problems by exhausting or blocking certain functions of nerve fibers. On a cellular level, Sanexas therapy promotes repair and healing in the areas damaged by peripheral neuropathy. With its capability to heal damaged neural pathways, Sanexas therapy holds the potential to provide sustainable results, unlike pain medications that only mask the symptoms.
Neuropathy Treatment in Woodstock, GA
At NIVA Health, we use Sanexas therapy for the effective treatment of neuropathy, helping countless patients regain their normal function and restore their quality of life while eliminating reliance on habit-forming pain relievers.
To learn more about how you can benefit from Sanexas therapy or to arrange a consultation with one of our providers, you may call us at (866) 377-5872 or request an appointment online.
