Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

By Henry N. Jenkins Jr., DC, CCEP

Disc Centers of America – Washington DC

. https://dcoadmv.com/

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Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It occurs when these nerves become damaged or diseased, which can result in pain, muscle weakness, and loss of feeling in the affected areas. Millions of people in the United States are affected by this condition each year.

The peripheral nerves originate in the spinal cord and branch out along lines in the body known as dermatomes. When a nerve becomes damaged, it can affect one or more dermatomes, causing pain to radiate out to specific areas of the body. This type of nerve damage can also interrupt communication between the brain and other parts of the body, which can result in muscle weakness and loss of feeling.

There are many different causes of peripheral neuropathy. Some people develop this condition as a result of diabetes, poor nutrition, disease, or infection. It can also be hereditary, although this is less common. In some cases, the cause of peripheral neuropathy is never determined, which is known as idiopathic neuropathy.

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. For some people, anti-seizure medications or antidepressants may be effective in managing symptoms. Capsaicin cream, which is derived from chili peppers, may also be used to provide modest improvement in symptoms.

Relieving the pain of peripheral neuropathy is often the top priority when treating this condition. However, it is important to note that peripheral neuropathy is not always curable, and treatment may focus on managing symptoms. The goal of treatment is to help patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and prevent further nerve damage.

In conclusion, peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition that affects millions of people each year in the United States. It occurs when damage or disease has occurred in the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The cause of this condition can be varied, including diabetes, poor nutrition, disease, infection, hereditary, or idiopathic. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the type and severity of the condition, with the goal of relieving pain and managing symptoms, improving the quality of life of patients, and preventing further nerve damage.