Understanding Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a term that describes a number of different conditions that affect the peripheral nerve system. What could seem to be unrelated symptoms could all be signs of a problem with nerve signals. Learn more today about how neuropathy could be disrupting your daily life – and how we can help. 

What is Neuropathy? 

Neuropathy is an umbrella term that involves several different disorders. All of the conditions that fall under neuropathy involve damage within the peripheral nerve system. This system involves your spinal cord and brain. When pressure on a nerve blocks its signal, there can be a wide range of symptoms that you might not even typically associate with nerve damage. Though it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain, the experts here at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy could help you find the exact point of injury in the matter of a view visits. 

More than 20 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, have been estimated to have a form of neuropathy. Though, it’s expected that number is far greater because not all people with symptoms get tested or treated. Due to the number of different symptoms that can accompany neuropathy, it’s often misdiagnosed. 

Types of Neuropathy

There are a few different major types of neuropathy. The three main branches of neuropathy are:

• Polyneuropathy – this takes place when damage irritates all or most of your peripheral nerves, regardless of the cause.
• Mononeuropathy – when a single nerve becomes compressed or damaged, like with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it’s considered mononeuropathy.
• Multiple mononeuropathy – these conditions involve damage to two separate serves at one time. 

Causes

In most cases, unfortunately, the cause of neuropathy is not found to be from any clear cause. In our office, we have diagnostic tools to determine if your condition is idiopathic, meaning there’s no certain cause, or if there’s a hidden cause that can be treated. Did you know that close to 30% of nerve issues are caused by diabetes? High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, which can cause even further complications. Other neuropathy are common in patients who suffer from:

• Alcoholism, especially those who have had addictions spanning decades
• Exposure to toxins and heavy metals
• Tumors, even benign lumps, can put pressure on nerves
• Chronic diseases like HIV/Aids, hypothyroidism, and lyme disease 
• Diseases that affect kidney and liver function
• Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances 
• Trauma 
• Poor posture 

Common Symptoms 

There can be a wide array of signs and symptoms of neuropathy. Mayo Clinic details the most common symptoms of neuropathy to include:

• Gradual numbness, pricking, or tingling in feet and hands that can spread to your legs and arms
• Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain 
• Sensitivity to touch
• Pain during activities, like pain in your feet while walking or placing them under a blanket
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not 
• Paralysis due to motor nerves 

They go on to state as well that, if the autonomic nerves are part of the problem, symptoms can also be:

• Heat intolerance
• Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
• Bowel, bladder, and digestive problems
• Changes in blood pressure, dizziness, or lightheadedness 

Treatment Options 

Since neuropathy can have a number of different causes, there could be multiple treatments that could help relieve your symptoms. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, patients can find relief services like chiropractic care, physical therapy, injections, massage therapy, and more. If the pain is stubborn and you’re still in pain, many of our patients have found relief in these services:

• High frequency LED treatment: an advanced light therapy that can increase microcirculation to help release nitric oxide from red blood cells and help heal nerves
• NVP8500/EPS8000 treatment: this helps to improve circulation and motor function in the peripheral nerve so it functions again
• Oxygen with exercise: the brain and nerves need food and activation to repair and function properly again
• Deep vibration: vibration therapy can help activate nerves
• Neuromuscular re-education: this can activate the nerve and provide shear stress to the leg and foot
• Functional neurology: functional therapy for the brain and nervous system 

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you have numbness and tingling, or if you have any of the other symptoms we listed above, call Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center for an appointment now: (512)-806-0015. Our state of the art medical clinic and expert team specialize in treatment plans for neuropathy patients. Recover your health and experience pain relief with us today!