Neuropathic Pain Specialist
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Maryland Pain & Wellness Center
Pain Management & Interventional Pain Management Physician located in Crofton, MD & Prince Frederick, MD
Neuropathic pain, or neuropathy, results from problems with nerve activity. It affects about 25-30% of people in the United States and 60-70% of people with diabetes. If you experience neuropathic pain or another form of chronic pain, Henry Achampong, MD, MS, and his experienced pain management team can help. They offer advanced treatments for neuropathic pain at Maryland Pain & Wellness Center’s Delmar, Crisfield, Princess Ann, Pocomoke, Berlin, Ocean City, Cambridge, Easton Crofton, Prince Frederick, and Salisbury, Maryland, locations. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to learn more about your options.
Neuropathic Pain Q & A
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain results from neuropathy, a condition that affects the normal function of nerves. Sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves that carry messages and control body functions can get damaged, leading to pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, the experts at Maryland Pain & Wellness Center offer advanced solutions.
What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
The following signs and symptoms can indicate nerve disorders and pain:
- Changes in sensations
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain in your limbs
- Loss of reflexes or coordination
- Burning sensations
- Muscle weakness, twitching, cramps, or spasms
- Problems walking or moving your limbs
- Loss of muscle control, dizziness, or falling
- Digestion problems
If you experience one or more symptoms of neuropathy, see your doctor right away for an evaluation.
What causes neuropathic pain?
Many factors can contribute to neuropathic pain. Examples include:
- Genetics
- Nerve trauma or infection
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain cancers and treatments
- Vascular disorders
- Some medications
- Vitamin imbalances or alcoholism
Idiopathic neuropathy, which occurs in about 30-40% of neuropathy cases, doesn’t have a known cause. About 30% of neuropathy problems result from diabetes or diabetic neuropathy. Chemotherapy neuropathy can occur after chemotherapy cancer treatment, and postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of herpes zoster or shingles.
What is the treatment for neuropathic pain?
To help diagnose the cause of neuropathic pain, your doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history, examines you, and completes a series of diagnostic tests.
Examples include blood tests, imaging tests, biopsies, nerve conduction studies (NCS), and needle electromyography (EMG). Your personalized neuropathy treatment plan might include:
Medications
Your doctor can prescribe medicines that ease neuropathic pain or control the underlying medical condition causing it.
Physical and occupational therapy
Licensed physical therapists and occupational therapists work with you to improve fine motor function and increase strength, range of motion, and balance.
Healthy lifestyle habits
Eating healthy, getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly can ease neuropathy symptoms.
Acupuncture
During acupuncture, your doctor inserts tiny needles into specific parts of your body to help alleviate neuropathy pain naturally.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrodes to deliver a gentle electric current through your body for neuropathic pain relief.
Mechanical aids
Your doctor may recommend wearing special shoes, orthotics, or braces to improve your mobility and relieve limb pain associated with neuropathy.
Surgery
In severe cases of neuropathy or pain associated with nerve pressure, your doctor might suggest surgery to alleviate long-lasting discomfort.
Don’t live with debilitating neuropathic pain when simple treatment options are available at Maryland Pain & Wellness Center. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online today.
