Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most painful and frustrating neurological conditions among American adults. Neuropathy, characterized by damage to the myelin sheaths which cover sensory, autonomic, and motor nerve cells, can be life-altering. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available for neuropathy.
Let’s talk about what life is like after neuropathy treatment and where you can go for this treatment in Jacksonville, FL.
Symptoms and Causes of Neuropathy
The pain and inflammation which characterize peripheral neuropathy can originate in many ways. The high blood glucose levels of the diabetic can precipitate pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet. The toxicity of chemotherapy for cancer can lead to neuropathy. Sometimes nutritional and vitamin deficiencies or prolonged infections start up the burning, loss of sensation, muscular weakness, poor balance/coordination, and fatigue common among neuropathy patients.
In fact, the symptoms of neuropathy can be as individualized as the sufferers themselves. However, common to all is the desire to manage the symptoms of this incurable syndrome.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuropathy
Diagnosis of neuropathy mainly comes from a review of symptoms, complete medical examination, and blood work, along with testing of neurological features, such as sensation, balance, reflexes, and muscle function. With a diagnosis in hand, the healthcare provider can propose a combination of treatments meant to control symptoms–especially the burning and stabbing pain in the extremities–and to increase daily function and quality of life. Fortunately, most people do respond to treatment plans which are carefully followed and changed according to effectiveness.
Treatment plans can include:
- Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels for the diabetic patient
- Medications, such as anti-depressants and topical treatments, such as lidocaine patches
- Physical therapy to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength
- TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, treatments to improve nerve function
- In-office red light therapy to improve blood circulation and stimulate the healing of damaged nerve cells
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, injections of the patient’s own blood platelets to speed healing and reduce inflammation
Your provider will help you arrive at a minimally invasive plan that limits medications or is drug-free and produces the desired therapeutic outcomes.
What to Expect After NeuropathyTreatment
After you begin a program of therapy for neuropathy, you can expect to see your symptoms improve. Patients report that some areas of pain are completely comfortable while others have greatly improved.
Additionally, treatment helps to:
- Maximize energy levels throughout the day
- Relieve tingling and numbness
- Normalize sensation
- Decrease fatigue and increase strength and endurance
- Improve coordination and balance
- Improve length and quality of nighttime sleep
In short, overall quality of life and ability to go about daily routines at home and work improve. Millions of Americans currently have neuropathy. However, with carefully monitored treatments, diet, and exercise, symptoms can be managed for the better.
Neuropathy Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
At NIVA Health, our physicians and the support staff are dedicated to improving health and quality of life in the most natural way possible. Our therapies, including our neuropathy program, are patient-centered and promote overall wellness as the key to conquering the symptoms of acute and chronic health conditions.
To learn more, please contact one of our nine locations for an in-depth consultation about your neuropathy symptoms or request your visit online.
