Many people come to Manalapan Spine Care and Rehabilitation suffering with pain, tingling or numbness in their extremities. For some, medication was a quick fix that did not last or no longer works at all. Others are seeking non-invasive, drug-free treatment options. If you have received a peripheral neuropathy diagnosis or believe you may be suffering with peripheral neuropathy, we may be able to provide relief for neuropathy in feet and hands.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a problem or disruption with peripheral nerves, which are responsible for sending signals (communication) between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and other parts of the body. There are basically three types of nerves that are affected - sensory (transmits sensation - a light touch, pain from a bruise, cold, heat), motor (controls muscles - walking, talking) and autonomic (controls involuntary functions - breathing, digestion, heart rate). There are 100+ types of neuropathy. It is estimated that over 20 million people in the US are affected with peripheral neuropathy (NIH). Additionally, over half of those are suffering with diabetic neuropathy.
Neuropathy in Feet and Hands Symptoms
When a nerve signal is disrupted, symptoms often develop. A single nerve can be affected (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy) or many nerves are affected (polyneuropathy). Symptoms can be mild to disabling, and develop over days, weeks or years. Depending on the severity of the pain - daily activities, work responsibilities and hobbies may be limited. Some neuropathy in feet and hands symptoms include:
Tingling, pins and needles
Numbness
Burning
Stabbing or shooting pain
Muscle weakness, cramps and/or twitching
Hypo/ Hyper-sensitivity to touch
Co-ordination problems, dizziness, balance issues, clumsiness
Peripheral Neuropathy Causes
Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. There are many additional factors or peripheral neuropathy causes:
Trauma (automobile, slip-and-fall, sports)
Repetitive Injury
Nerve Impingement
Infection/Virus (Shingles, Lyme Disease)
Vitamin deficiencies or nutritional imbalances
Hormonal Imbalance
Excessive alcohol
Smoking
Medication
Toxins (arsenic, lead)
Existing health conditions (high blood pressure)
Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis
At Manalapan Spine Care and Rehabilitation, we sit down with a patient and discuss his/her health questions and concerns. We take the time to understand the symptoms, treatments tried and failed, and health goals. Our Team is dedicated to finding the true source of their pain, in order to create a successful neuropathy treatment program. Not only do we provide effective treatment options, we provide compassion and motivation. In addition to an in-depth consultation and health history, diagnostic tools may include or be recommended for a peripheral neuropathy diagnosis:
Structural, Muscular and/or Medical Exam
Neurodiagnostic Testing: NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity)/EMG (Electromyography)
Functional Assessment Status Testing
Imaging Tests: MRI or CT Scan
Blood Tests
Neuropathy Treatment
When all diagnostic tests are evaluated, our Team will create a neuropathy treatment program. We offer a combination of treatment options:
ReBuilder®: A highly specialized electronic stimulator works to repair damaged nerves that affect the legs and feet, thus helping to eliminate nerve pain and discomfort. After receiving relaxing and soothing treatments, patients are often able to walk and sleep better, improve balance, increase muscle strength and decrease pain medication. Discover this effective relief for neuropathy in feet.
Physical Therapy: There are various treatments and therapies offered. These include a customized Exercise Program (stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercises), TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation), Ultrasound, Assistive Devices, Topical Analgesic (joint pain and muscle soreness) and Patient Education.
Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments can help to restore spinal alignment and help compressed nerves.
Therapeutic Massage: Helps to increase blood flow to muscles, bringing oxygen to the nerves.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintain an optimal weight. Our Nurse Practitioner can help customize a healthy, well-balanced eating program, along with vitamin and mineral support. Lose weight and help feed damaged nerves.
Eliminate unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol.
Avoid toxic exposure.
Regular exercise (with your doctor’s consent). Work together with our Physical Therapist to design an at-home exercise program.
If you are suffering with peripheral neuropathy and seeking neuropathy treatment, please call (732) 972-5900 and schedule a Free Consultation. Our Team will help identify peripheral neuropathy causes to relieve pain and help you regain your health.