Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition that is hard to describe by most affected individuals,
but is one that limits the function of many. The hard to describe sensation usually affects the extremities and can feel like burning, pins & needles, electricity, numbness, or can present as increased sensitivity or pain from stimuli that are typically not painful. Affected individuals may also notice that they are unable to feel changes in temperature, have a loss of normal muscle reflexes, or are likely to experience increased pain intensity at night or when they are sedentary.

So what are peripheral nerves? The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the nerves running from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The PNS includes the nerves from the arms, hands, legs, feet, joints, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and even internal organs and skin. When damaged, this results in a pathologic process of injury to these peripheral nerves, frequently culminating in chronic pain. Nerve injury can stem from many sources including: physical trauma, surgery, chemical exposure, chemotherapy, infection, insufficient blood supply, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and unknown causes.

At best, this process is simply the result of an acute event and will improve on its own in four to six weeks. However, the pain can also continue to develop and change over days, weeks, or even years. Some individuals may even experience a temporary relief in pain symptoms before a return or worsening of their pain, while others experience a pause or plateau in their symptoms where pain no longer progresses but fails to improve. However, if the pain persists and/or intensifies, the process may become chronic which may require professional medical treatment.

Treatment depends on the type of neuropathy, location, and symptoms. Unfortunately, no treatment exists to cure all forms of neuropathy, but there are many forms of conservative therapy geared towards lifestyle modifications such as: exercise, diet/weight management, avoidance of toxins, maintenance of optimum blood sugar, and controlling culprit diseases that may help. In addition, there are medications in the neuropathic family such as pregabalin and gabapentin which are designed to stabilize the irritated nerve membranes and thus sooth the painful sensations. Unfortunately, many individuals may not tolerate these medications due to their side effect profile. Thankfully, there also exist alternatives to include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in addition to tricyclic antidepressants and topical analgesics which have all shown benefit in sub populations affected by peripheral neuropathy. For refractory cases, we can also consider image guided interventional procedures targeting damaged peripheral nerves or enlist the use of cutting-edge technology involving dorsal column stimulator therapy. If you or someone you know is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, at El Paso Pain Center we can diagnose your condition and develop an individualized treatment plan for you. With our vast experience, we will provide you with specialists that care about you and desire to improve your health by limiting the grasp your chronic pain has over you. Let us help. Call (915) 598-7246 for your appointment today. It’s time to feel better!