Top Solutions for Neuropathy Pain You Need to Explore With Your Doctor

About 20 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with neuropathy, but that number actually might be a lot higher because there’s no single test for neuropathy, and there are no standard guidelines regarding when or whom to test for the condition. Plus, neuropathy can cause an array of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose in many cases.

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, FL, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, uses state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose neuropathy and the underlying issues that can cause it. Plus, we help patients understand all their treatment options so they can find the option that’s best for their needs and their long-term health and wellness.

What causes neuropathy?

Sometimes, the cause of neuropathy can’t be determined. In that case, it’s called “idiopathic,” which means the cause is unknown. But most times, neuropathy is caused by one of these underlying issues:

• Physical trauma from sports accidents, car accidents, falls, and other accidents
• Herniated discs and other spine-related problems
• Diabetic nerve damage
• Vascular problems that limit blood flow to the nerves (including vascular problems associated with smoking and atherosclerosis)
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections
• Nerve damage related to surgery
• Kidney and liver disease or damage
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medications, including some cancer drugs
• Cancerous and benign tumors and other growths that press on nerves

Regardless of the cause of neuropathy, the symptoms tend to be similar: numbness, local and radiating (“shooting”) pain, loss of sensation, tingling or pins-and-needles sensations, and loss of muscle strength.

Depending on which nerves are affected, you might have other symptoms, like:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• “Clumsiness” or decreased coordination of your movements
• Heat intolerance
• Bowel or digestive problems
• Urinary or bowel incontinence

You may also have heightened sensitivity or tenderness when your skin is touched near the damaged nerves.

Treatments for neuropathy

Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your neuropathy in the first place. Depending on the underlying issues, Dr. Merson may recommend:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs can relieve both pain and inflammation, which can contribute to nerve compression and irritation.

Topical medicines

Gels, ointments, and patches that deliver local anesthetics and other medicines can help relieve more superficial types of nerve pain.

Anti-seizure medications or antidepressants

Both anti-seizure meds and some types of antidepressants can be very effective in “short-circuiting” the way the brain interprets pain signals, and other drugs can prevent pain signals from entering the brain in the first place.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain while also helping to restore circulation in an area of damage. Circulation is important for healing, and it also helps carry away toxins that can make painful symptoms worse. Another benefit: Physical therapy is highly customizable, allowing your therapy to focus squarely on your symptoms.

TENS units

TENS is a noninvasive option for managing neuropathy pain. By delivering controlled, low-voltage electrical charges through electrodes placed on your skin, TENS stimulates nerves to block the transmission of pain signals sent to the brain. If you're struggling with nerve pain, TENS may offer effective relief on its own or alongside other treatments.

Put an end to neuropathy pain

At Palm Beach Pain Institute, Dr. Merson offers the most advanced pain treatments to both relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause of neuropathy. To learn more about the options we offer at Palm Beach Pain Institute or to find out what’s causing your nerve-related symptoms, call our office at 561-499-7020 or request an appointment with Dr. Merson today!