The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. It encompasses different types of nerves that have their own specific functions:
- Sensory nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensations, such as pain, temperature, and vibration.
- Motor nerves, which are responsible for controlling muscle movement.
- Autonomic nerves, which are responsible for regulating automatic functions of the body, such as blood pressure, bladder function, digestion, and heart rate.
Neuropathy is an ambiguous blanket term for progressive damage to these nerves, preventing them from communicating successfully with the brain. The condition has various possible causes, such as systemic diseases (diabetes, kidney diseases, etc.), nutritional or hormonal imbalances, certain medications, exposure to toxic substances, among others.
Early diagnosis and treatment are central to effectively controlling symptoms and preventing serious complications. In a few cases, neuropathy can even be cured. Vigilance is, therefore, key.
Read on to learn about the warning signs of neuropathy.
Signs to Watch Out For
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary, depending on which of your nerves are affected. It can affect just one nerve (mononeuropathy), such as with carpal tunnel syndrome; two or more nerves in different locations (multiple mononeuropathy); or many nerves (polyneuropathy).
Symptoms include:
- A gradual onset of numbness, tingling, or a prickling sensation in the hands or feet, which may spread upwards to the arms or legs, respectively
- Sharp, burning, throbbing, or stabbing pain in the affected area
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination or balance
- A sensation of wearing gloves or socks when you’re not
- Paralysis (if motor nerves are affected)
If your autonomic nerves are affected, you will usually experience the following symptoms:
- Bladder, bowel, or digestive problems
- Intolerance to heat
- Excessive sweating/inability to sweat
- Changes in blood pressure
Neuropathy Treatment at NIVA Health
At NIVA Health, our highly qualified providers utilize a number of effective nonsurgical treatment modalities to address a vast range of conditions that cause chronic pain.
For neuropathy, we use Sanexas therapy—an FDA-cleared, noninvasive, nondrug treatment method that utilizes a technique referred to as electric cell signaling to improve nerve function and stimulate nerve repair. A Sanexas device is much similar to a traditional TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) machine, which uses mild electrical impulses through the skin, but the difference is that the former is larger and more sophisticated. Sanexas therapy delivers electrical impulses that penetrate deeper, thereby providing longer-lasting pain relief.
To find out more about Sanexas therapy or our other health and wellness services, give us a call today at (866) 377-5872. Alternatively, you can request an appointment now or sign up for a complimentary consultation.
