Neuropathy is a medical condition caused by damaged nerve cells and often associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, diabetes, tumors, or hereditary conditions. Peripheral neuropathy currently affects over 20 million people in the United States with symptoms ranging from tingling or burning pain and nausea to muscle spasms, difficulty moving your arms or legs, or atrophy.
While neuropathy can be severe, the most common forms of neuropathy include diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica which are actually quite prevalent in adult populations. The symptoms of neuropathy greatly depend on the type of nerves that are damaged, ranging from autonomic nerves, motor nerves, and sensory nerves.
Neuropathy Affecting Autonomic Nerves
Autonomic nerves control involuntary and semi-voluntary bodily functions such as bladder functions, blood pressure, heart rate, and perspiration. When autonomic nerves are affected by peripheral neuropathy, symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of bladder or bowel functions
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
Neuropathy Affecting Motor Nerves
Motor nerves are responsible for communicating with the brain to control muscles and movement. If peripheral neuropathy affects the motor nerves, symptoms can include:
- Atrophy or muscle weakness
- Decreased reflexes
- Uncontrolled twitching or muscle spasms
Neuropathy Affecting Sensory Nerves
Sensory nerves are responsible for sending messages from the rest of the body to the brain to trigger the senses. When peripheral neuropathy affects the sensory nerves, symptoms include:
- Decreased sensation
- Tingling or numbness in the affected area
- Inability to feel changes in temperature
- Sensitivity to touch
Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, treatment for neuropathy is often adjusted to first treat the associating condition that is causing the pain. To manage nerve pain and these underlying conditions, we utilize a combination of natural therapeutic treatments to greatly reduce the severity of your discomfort.
For more information on neuropathy, nerve pain, chronic pain or how TPRF can help click here to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!