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The pain caused by peripheral nerve disorders often needs integrated care that combines several therapeutic approaches. The skilled team at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin has expertise in many specialized areas, allowing them to create customized treatments that target the source of your pain and deliver relief from your symptoms. Call the office in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, and Bellevue, Wisconsin, to begin the journey toward a more active life without nerve pain.
Peripheral Nerve Disorders Q & A
What are peripheral nerve disorders?
Peripheral nerve disorders occur when one or more of the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) becomes damaged. The peripheral nerves include a vast network containing three types of nerves:
Sensory nerves
Sensory nerves pick up information in your body (pain, pressure, temperature, etc.) and relay the message to your brain.
Motor nerves
The motor nerves carry messages from your brain to your muscles, controlling all muscle movement, from talking and chewing to walking and bending.
Autonomic nerves
Autonomic nerves control essential, life-sustaining functions like your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion.
What causes peripheral nerve disorders?
Peripheral nerve damage has many possible causes, including:
- Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Certain medications
- Traumatic injury
- Alcohol use disorder
- Cancer and cancer treatments
- Exposure to heavy metals (like lead and mercury)
Of all the possible causes, diabetes is by far the most common.
How will I know I have a peripheral nerve disorder?
Your symptoms depend on the type of nerve and whether one or several nerves are damaged. The possible symptoms include:
- Pain
- Tingling and burning sensations
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Balance problems
- Muscle pain
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Muscle loss
- Pounding heartbeat
- Sweating too much or too little
- Difficulty swallowing
The earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy typically appear in your feet. You may experience pain, tingling, numbness, and non-healing foot ulcers (open sores).
How are peripheral nerve disorders treated?
The first step in treating peripheral nerve disorders is diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. Treating the underlying health condition stops progressive nerve damage.
In some cases, treating the root cause gives the nerves time to heal. However, the existing nerve damage may be permanent. For example, nerves damaged by high blood sugar don’t heal.
The next step is managing your pain, tingling, and other symptoms. NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin specializes in advanced treatments that ease your pain and orthobiologics that help promote nerve healing.
Pain management treatments include medication management, physical therapy, and techniques targeting the nerves, such as nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and radiofrequency ablation.
If you’re worried about symptoms like pain, tingling, and muscle weakness, don’t wait to seek help at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin. Schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office.