Neuropathy

About 10% of Americans over 30 have neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain or neuropathy. Neuropathy is a unique kind of pain because it often accompanies symptoms like burning, tingling, and numbness and, unfortunately, might not respond to most traditional treatments. Bradford R. Noble, DO, FAOCPMR, and the pain management specialists at Noble Pain Management offer advanced treatments that can help you overcome your persistent neuropathic pain. Call the office in Columbia, Missouri, or book an appointment online today.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to pain that results from nerve damage. One function of your nerves is to send information on physical sensations back to your brain. Neuropathy occurs when these nerves suffer damage and begin to malfunction, which can cause abnormal reactions in your central nervous system. This may lead you to experience pain without any identifiable cause.

What causes neuropathic pain?

Some of the most common known causes of neuropathy are:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Trigeminal neuralgia 
• Phantom limb pain
• Neuroma
• Complex regional pain syndrome (or RSD)
• Traumatic injury
• Chemotherapy
• Failed back surgery syndrome 
• Shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sciatic neuropathy

Regardless of origin, neuropathic pain may be treatable if you recognize the symptoms, seek a diagnosis, and get specialized care from the specialists at Noble Pain Management.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Neuropathic damage results in nerve signaling problems, causing shooting or stabbing pain and:

• Burning
• Tingling
• Pins-and-needles feeling
• Numbness 
• Extreme sensitivity
• Feeling pain from something that should not be painful at all, such as a very light touch
• Weakness
• Thinning or wasting of muscles
• Twitching and muscle cramps

Neuropathy symptoms are often sporadic in the early stages, but as time goes on, the symptoms generally intensify until they’re constant or near-constant. Fortunately, you can seek treatment at Noble Pain Management before your neuropathy becomes disabling.

How is neuropathy treated?

Thankfully there are medical treatments available to relieve the pain associated with neuropathy. The specialists at Noble Pain Management use many advanced treatment methods to alleviate pain caused by neuropathy. The first step in successful neuropathy treatment is to identify the cause of nerve damage through a thorough examination and review of your health history.

Depending on the cause of your neuropathy, the providers at Noble Pain Management may recommend the following:

• Medications for pain
• Nerve block injections
• Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)
• Neuromodulation uses electrical energy to interrupt and block pain signals

For example, an Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) can be especially helpful for treating people suffering from Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. Nerve stimulation can treat numerous painful conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome, occipital neuralgia, and neuropathic pain experienced after amputation.

Call or schedule an appointment online at Noble Pain Management if you’re suffering from pain associated with neuropathy.