Peripheral neuropathy is the term used to describe damage done to the peripheral nervous system. This often occurs due to traumatic physical injury, such as falls, sports injuries and vehicular accidents. When peripheral neuropathy occurs, nerves are often severed, injured, compressed or stretched. If done with enough force, this may cause the nerves to become completely detached from the spinal cord. Broken bones and slipped disks are also common reasons for the development of peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathic Pain
This condition may also be caused by a systemic disease, such as those which are associated with metabolic or endocrine disorders. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of this condition, affecting as many as 60% to 70% of all diabetics. Additional causes of neuropathic pain include chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, shingles and amputation. Neuropathic pain is particularly excruciating when it is experienced within a person’s back. This kind of pain affects the individual’s quality of life, as it is chronically felt throughout the day, with little to no relief. Often times, neuropathic pain will include additional symptoms, such as tingles or numbness in the surrounding area.
One particular issue which may arise from untreated neuropathic injury is depression. Depression occurs when an individual’s pain goes untreated for a substantial period of time. When a person is unable to gain relief from his pain, the psychological effects may be severe. They may also develop addiction problems such as abusing medications or alcohol in an attempt to dull the pain. Because numbness and tinglesare often associated with neuropathic injury, falls are more common; therefore, there is an increased risk of concussions among this population.
Fortunately, effective relief can be found once a diagnosis of neuropathic injury is made. To receive this diagnosis, a physician will conduct a thorough interview, as well as a physical exam. There may be additional MRIs and blood samples taken, in order to rule out other conditions. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, treatment can begin.
Neuropathic Pain: Causes, Management and Understanding
Effective treatment often consists of a number of measures. Some studies suggest that over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be effective in minimizing the pain associated with this condition. For some people, this may be an effective course of action, however, for many others, this solution brings little to no relief. If there is an underlying disorder involved, then the most effective solution is to teach that individual how to manage their disorder better (such as in the case of diabetes). Some cases are severe and difficult to treat. In these situations, a referral to a pain therapist may be made, so that the patient can receive more invasive treatments, such as the use of an implantable pain management device, or other effective methods.
Author Bio: William Hawkesbury blogs about the health industry with a particular interest in chronic back pain and the treatment that is available to help alleviate the problem. If you are looking for bulged disk treatments in Ottawa, or any other back pain treatment in the city in which you live, William highly recommends seeking out the incredible effective Broadview Spine back pain treatments.