Nerve injury pain, medically termed as peripheral neuropathy, develops because of damage to the nerves. According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are more than 100 types of this condition with different symptoms, causes, and prognosis.
The body is made up of a network of nerves, which look like wiring that connect throughout the central nervous system. These nerves send signals from the brain to the spinal cord, to the rest of the body, and back again to help us function well.
Patients afflicted with peripheral neuropathy have damaged or destroyed nerves that can’t properly transmit the signals, as per experts in pain management, Gainesville. As a result, patients may feel some pain, as well as these other symptoms below, which could disrupt their daily routines:
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Cramps or tingling
- Loss of sensations or feelings in the limbs
- Muscle twitching
- Loss of balance
- Sleep disruptions
- Uncontrollable bladder
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Trouble with swallowing or eating
- Other life-threatening symptoms
If you have been experiencing these symptoms, consult our doctors in Advanced Pain Clinic, Gainesville for a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis.
Types of Nerve Injury Pain
Peripheral neuropathy may occur in a single nerve (mononeuropathy) or a group of nerves (polyneuropathy).
Mononeuropathy is more likely to be caused by a vehicular accident, a fall, a sports injury, a mishandled medical procedure, or by doing repetitive tasks. The examples of peripheral neuropathy conditions that deliver nerve injury pain include carpal tunnel syndrome and Bell’s palsy, a type of disorder to the facial nerves.
Polyneuropathy pertains to an umbrella of nerve damage, which is usually because of an inherited condition or chronic diseases like diabetes. Most patients experience this type of nerve injury pain than mononeuropathy.
Treating Nerve Injury Pain
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 20 million individuals in the United States have some form of peripheral neuropathy. Many may be misdiagnosed or hardly treated when the symptoms are still manageable.
For some patients, the symptoms may come and go. For others whose condition has progressed, the treatment will depend on the extent and location of the nerve damage. Doctors may prescribe pain medication for relief but some might need supportive care and surgery if there are broken or cut nerve fibers.
In some cases, physical therapy (PT) might be needed to help the patient manage the nerve injury pain by using mechanical aids to regain the function of their body. PT may also entail the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A clinical trial involving 30 participants undergoing TENS therapy for several weeks for nerve pain as a result of a spinal injury is currently underway.
Can Nerve Pain Be Treated Without Undergoing Surgery?
If you don’t want to go under the knife to treat your nerve pain, you can visit our experts in pain management in Gainesville and explore other alternative options, such as Ketamine Infusion Therapy, to treat your condition. The clinic is committed to treating the source of the pain, not just the symptoms.
Learn more about Advanced Pain Clinic in Gainesville
Advanced Pain Medical Center is a pain clinic that offers services, such as innovative medical marijuana solutions, pain management, regenerative medicine and more. If you suffer from chronic pain such as migraines, schedule an appointment with our pain doctor in Gainesville today!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.