Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Neuropathic Pain & Neuropathy Treatment in Columbus & Indianapolis

Experience Relief from Chronic Nerve Pain & Dysfunction

Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain or neuropathy, ranges from mild and irritating to intense and disabling. Pain levels may fluctuate or it may seem to affect different parts of the body. At American Pain Consortium, we know how to help people gain control of their symptoms.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, may occur due to nervous system damage or malfunction. Unlike the pain people feel when they stub a toe or strain a muscle, nerve pain may occur without any obvious cause, and it may radiate from the source of nerve damage to other parts of the body. Neuropathic pain typically develops due to direct damage to a nerve, dysfunction, or abnormality within the nervous system itself, or as a side effect of some other condition. The inconsistent and unpredictable nature of neuropathic pain can be extremely frustrating for people who have this condition.

Apart from pain, nerve damage may also cause a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, or abnormal sensitivity to touch. The cause of neuropathic pain is often difficult to diagnose without the use of advanced medical imaging tools and diagnostic tests.

Causes of Neuropathic Pain

A few common issues and conditions associated with neuropathic pain include:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Nerve compression, (peroneal nerve entrapment, radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, and so on)
  • Multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Post-surgical pain

If neuropathic pain is caused by another underlying health condition like diabetes, additional symptoms related to that condition may present, including delayed wound healing and skin quality changes.

Neuropathic Pain Treatment

With a combination of treatment methods, most patients who have neuropathic pain show considerable improvement. Treatment for neuropathic pain needs to be individualized for optimal results. We help our patients alleviate or control their nerve pain with treatments such as steroid injections, oral analgesics, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulator implants. PRIALT®, a non-narcotic medication administered by intrathecal infusion therapy, is also effective at relieving chronic neuropathic pain.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy involves nerve damage and pain, primarily in the hands and feet, often associated with diabetes or another disease or injury or if you’ve been exposed to toxins. Rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases may also contribute to neuropathy symptoms.

Symptoms of neuropathy may include:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Weakness
  • Sensory changes
  • Lack of coordination
  • Sharp, jabbing, or burning pain

Neuropathy Treatment

Your doctor might recommend one or more of the following neuropathy treatments to reduce symptoms and restore your quality of life:

  • Physical therapy: Your pain specialist may refer you out for physical therapy, so you can complete stretches and strength exercises that improve your overall health and reduce nerve pain.
  • Electrical nerve stimulation: This treatment involves sending electrical impulses to nerves to help block pain signals to your brain to relieve discomfort naturally.
  • Radiofrequency ablation: During noninvasive radiofrequency ablation, your doctor emits radiofrequency energy to painful areas and nerves to reduce pain signals to your brain.
  • Lifestyle changes: Making specific lifestyle changes can help alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Your doctor will advise you to quit smoking if you’re a smoker, get regular exercise, manage your diabetes properly, eat healthily, and avoid excessive alcohol intake.
  • Alternative medicine: Acupuncture and taking herbal or other dietary supplements may relieve numbness, tingling, pain, and other neuropathy symptoms.

You don’t have to live with neuropathic pain or neuropathy symptoms. Schedule an appointment with American Pain Consortium to find a treatment plan that’s right for you.