Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Pain Management of SA: Your Destination for Neuropathic Pain Treatment
At Pain Management of SA, near San Antonio and in Live Oak, Texas, we understand how complex neuropathic pain can be. We offer well-thought-out neuropathic pain treatment plans to improve your quality of life. Our expert neuropathic pain doctors use comprehensive therapy, modern diagnostic methods, and biopsychosocial approaches for effective neuropathic pain management.
We recognize that neuropathy pain differs from other conditions, so we provide individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient. With a commitment to patient-centered care and evidence-based treatments, Pain Management of SA will help you alleviate your neuropathic pain and regain control of your life. We proudly serve San Antonio and the nearby areas.
What is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is pain resulting from damage to or dysfunctional nerves. This injury interrupts the process of information travel from nerves to brain, resulting in different sensations. These can have neuropathic pain presenting itself in a number of ways:
- Shooting or burning pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Pins and Needles
- Increased sensitivity
Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Many things can bring about neuropathic pain such as:
- Diabetes : It is believed that around 50 percent of diabetic patients also suffer from neuropathic pain. It comes about when there is damage to nerves in the body due to high amounts of glucose in the blood.
- Shingles : A kind of infection that affects nerves and skin resulting in a painful rash. Neuropathic pain may persist after shingles through a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Autoimmune diseases : These include Lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome which are autoimmune diseases that could harm the nerves.
- Nerve injuries : Trauma, compression or surgical operations may injure the nerves hence causing neuropathy pain.
- Vitamin deficiencies : There may be loss of feeling, and a pins-and needles feeling can be experienced in the limbs if there is not enough vitamin B12.
- HIV/AIDS : The nerves are damaged due to this viral infection, leading to the condition of neuropathy.
- Toxins : Nerve damage occurs after neuralgia which is caused by harmful toxic substances that may include alcohol and even chemotherapy.
Trust in Pain Management of SA
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, locate your nearest Pain Management of SA and schedule an appointment today.
Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain
Our neuropathic pain specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnosing neuropathic pain. This may include:
- Detailed medical history : We will discuss your symptoms, review your detailed medical history, and evaluate potential risk factors.
- Physical examination : Physical examination may include a neurological exam to assess your reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength.
- Diagnostic tests : In some cases, additional tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may be necessary to evaluate nerve function.
Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Management
There is no one specific treatment for neuropathic pain; however, a range of alternatives can be used to help improve life quality and alleviate symptoms. We have developed a personalized approach to neuropathic pain treatment that may include:
Drugs
These include Antidepressants (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin and pregabalin) which can be used to regulate nerve activities and reduce pain signals.
Pain-numbing injections
These may involve cortisone or local anesthetic injections which are targeted toward specific regions of nerve pain in order to achieve localized pain relief.
Spinal Cord Simulation (SCS)
A non-invasive way is to use spinal cord simulation. This involves the use of tiny electrodes to send out tiny electrical waves into your spinal cord, helping modulate pain signals.
Physical therapy
Exercises and physical therapy can increase flexibility, muscle power and circulation which can in turn reduce pain and improve function.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
It can enable patients to develop coping mechanisms for chronic pain management and enhance emotional wellness.
Minimally invasive procedures
In some cases, minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or surgical nerve blocks might be considered in order to treat specific nerves causing pain.
FAQs About Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is typically diagnosed after a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). To find out what caused the damage to your nerves, further imaging techniques such as CT scan and x-ray, a series of blood tests amongst others may be ordered.
Neuropathic pain reversibility depends on its underlying cause and severity. While some forms of neuropathic pain may improve or resolve with proper treatment and management, others may be irreversible. It is fundamental that diagnosis and intervention be done early enough in order to increase chances of improvement and avoid further damage to the nerves.