Neuropathy Specialist
Interventional Pain Management Services
Pain Management located in St. Louis, MO & Granite City, IL
If you’re among the 20 million Americans that suffer from the dysfunction of neuropathy, there are treatments available to help you cope. At Interventional Pain Management Services, with one office in St. Louis and one in Granite City, Missouri, the experienced team of pain management specialists offers custom treatment plans that can increase your functionality and prevent a worsening of your condition. Learn more about solutions for managing neuropathy symptoms by calling the office nearest you or booking a consultation online today.
Neuropathy Q & A
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the function of your peripheral nervous system, which connects your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. This system includes:
Motor nerves
Motor nerves carry signals from your brain to your muscles, helping you move and automatically react to dangerous situations.
Sensory nerves
Sensory nerves carry messages from each of your senses through the spinal cord and into your brain, giving you such sensations as hot and cold.
Autonomic nerves
The autonomic nerves affect the functions of your body you don’t consciously control, such as your heart rate, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure.
When the nerve cells in any of these systems are damaged by disease or injury, it affects the way your peripheral nervous system communicates, causing neuropathy.
What causes neuropathy?
There are several factors that can increase your risk for neuropathy. For some, the condition is hereditary, and you may be more likely to develop neuropathy if your close relatives have it.
Other common causes of neuropathy include:
- Trauma
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Vascular disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
You may also develop neuropathy if you lack vitamins important for the healthy function of your nerves, such as niacin, vitamin E, and multiple types of vitamin B.
What are the symptoms of neuropathy?
Initial signs of neuropathy may include tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet and hands. Depending on which part of the nervous system suffers damage, you may also experience symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Slow reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Muscles spasms
- Loss of coordination
Damage to your autonomic nerves may also cause digestion problems, nausea, and diarrhea.
What treatments are available for neuropathy?
Initially, the experienced pain management specialists at Interventional Pain Management Services work to identify the cause of your neuropathy before recommending treatment. In some cases, managing the underlying condition, such as diabetes, that’s causing your nerve issues can reduce your symptoms.
If you continue to experience issues with the functionality of your muscles or other systems, the experienced physicians may recommend other treatment options*, such as:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Improved nutrition
To prevent falls when neuropathy affects your muscle coordination, you may need to use a walker or other device and engage in exercises to strengthen muscles in your body.
While there’s no cure for neuropathy, with the right treatment strategies you can better manage your condition. For a neuropathy evaluation, book an appointment at Interventional Pain Management Services online or by phone today.
*Individual results may vary