Neuropathy Specialist

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage. The most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which causes damage to your peripheral nerves — the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord.

What causes neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy isn’t the result of one specific condition. Some of the most common causes include:

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or vasculitis
• Diabetes
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Tumors
• Bone marrow disorders

Other common causes of neuropathy include alcoholism, exposure to certain poisons, and the use of prescription medications, particularly those used to treat cancer.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Each of your peripheral nerves has a different function, so your symptoms depend on the nerves affected.

You have three different types of peripheral nerves: sensory nerves that receive sensations, motor nerves that control muscle movement, and autonomic nerves that control functions like your heartbeat and respiratory rate.

Common symptoms associated with neuropathy include:

• Stabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to touch

If the damage reaches your autonomic nerves, you may also experience heat intolerance, fluctuations in your blood pressure, or excessive sweating.

How is neuropathy treated?

When treating neuropathy, it’s important to address any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, that could be causing your symptoms. Managing chronic health problems better improves nerve health and function, as does making lifestyle changes such as exercising more and eating a healthier diet.

Medications may be helpful for some forms of neuropathy, including anti-seizure medicines. There are also therapies such as applying capsaicin cream, using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and undergoing pain management counseling.

The Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center team finds that one of the most successful ways of treating neuropathy is using multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy. 

How does MLS laser therapy help with neuropathy?

MLS laser therapy uses light energy to help damaged nerves to heal. It also assists with the removal of toxins and brings oxygen and healing cells to the painful tissues.

In addition, MLS laser therapy helps to block pain signals the affected nerves are sending to your brain and promotes the release of natural painkillers such as endorphins and encephalin.

To benefit from MLS laser therapy for relief of your neuropathy, call the office or use the online booking tool to request a consultation with the caring, compassionate team at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center today.