Treatment For Neuralgia and Neuropathy
In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia
Neuropathy and neuralgia are nerve conditions that often result in pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. These can be quite challenging to live with and disrupt your daily activities. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we're committed to helping you manage these symptoms effectively with our comprehensive neuropathy and neuralgia treatments.
Pain Management for Neuropathy or Neuralgia
Neuropathy and neuralgia can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. These conditions are more prevalent than most realize, impacting millions across the globe and often leading to a significant decrease in quality of life. It's common for these symptoms to disrupt daily routines and activities, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress.
If you'd like to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for neuropathy and neuralgia, use the navigation buttons below. We believe knowledge is power, and understanding your condition is the first step toward effective management.
If you're ready to take control of your health, our neuropathy and neuralgia specialists are available for new patient consultations. You can reach us by submitting a contact form or giving us a call. Remember, early intervention is key in managing neuropathy and neuralgia effectively, so don't delay seeking help.
Neuropathy Treatment
Dr. Sudhir Rao | Medical Director
What Patients Are Saying
Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.
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Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.
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Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.
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Neuropathy Treatment Treatment Guide
Neuropathy Treatment Digital Guide
Our comprehensive digital guide on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these nerve conditions while addressing frequently asked questions. Equip yourself with the knowledge to reduce pain and improve your everyday life.
Neuropathy vs. Neuralgia
Neuropathy and neuralgia are both related to nerve damage. The difference between neuralgia and neuropathy lies in the symptoms and causes of each condition. Neuropathy refers to general diseases or dysfunctions of the nerves. Neuralgia involves severe, localized pain along a specific damaged nerve, often triggered by mild stimulation of the area.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to a range of conditions involving damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, typically causing numbness, pain, or weakness in various body parts. It's essential to understand neuropathy because it affects daily living and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Neuropathy is also called peripheral neuropathy because it involves the peripheral nervous system, the nerves outside the brain, and the spinal cord, better known as your central nervous system. The nerves in the peripheral nervous system branch out from the brain and spinal cord into all other parts of the body, including your muscles and organs. The two systems, the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, work together by the nerves in the central nervous system sending information throughout the body via the nerves of the peripheral system so that these areas can react to stimuli.
When these nerves are damaged, they can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Neuropathy is a progressive condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing neuropathy effectively and reducing the risk of further complications.
More than 20 million people in the United States are estimated to have some form of peripheral neuropathy.
Approximately 2.4% of the general population is affected by peripheral neuropathy. The prevalence increases to 8% in older populations.
Amongst patients with diabetes
What causes neuropathy to flare up
Neuropathy can stem from multiple causes, and comprehensive pain management is vital to a patient's healing process.
Some of the most common causes include:
- 1Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, particularly in the legs and feet, leading to diabetic neuropathy.
- 2Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation that damages nerves.
- 3Infections or Viruses: Certain conditions and viruses, such as shingles, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C, can damage nerves.
- 4Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, particularly B12 and E, can cause nerve damage.
- 5Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nerve damage and worsen existing neuropathy.
- 6Chemotherapy Drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs used for treating cancer can cause neuropathy.
- 7Metabolic Syndrome: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase neuropathy.
Risk Factors: What Makes Neuropathy Worse
Neuropathy is prevalent, impacting approximately 20 million people in the United States alone. While it can affect anyone, the demographic most affected by neuropathy includes individuals over 55 and those with underlying health conditions.
Neuropathy risk factors are:
- 1Age: Older adults are at a higher risk due to the natural aging process that can affect nerves.
- 2Medical History: People with diabetes, kidney disorders, certain cancers, and autoimmune diseases have an elevated risk.
- 3Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol use can damage nerves, increasing the risk of neuropathy.
- 4Physically Demanding Jobs: Highly active jobs can be risk factors for neuropathy.
- 5Exposure to Toxins: Heavy metals, certain chemicals, and certain medications can lead to nerve damage.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Pain
Neuropathy can present a variety of symptoms, depending on the nerves affected. While these symptoms can vary in severity and duration, early signs of neuropathy include:
The severity of these symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may experience mild numbness or tingling that comes and goes, while others may have severe pain, weakness, or other symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Does neuropathy get worse?
It's important to note that the first signs of neuropathy can also differ. For some, the beginning stages of neuropathy may appear suddenly and progress rapidly, while for others, they may develop slowly over many years.
Types of Doctors for Neuropathy
When it comes to managing neuropathy, several types of neuropathy doctors may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment process, depending on the underlying cause and associated symptoms.
- Neurologists: Doctors specializing in disorders of the nervous system, such as neurologists, can perform neuropathy tests to diagnose neuropathy and monitor its progression.
- Neurologists: In cases where neuropathy has a clear underlying cause, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, nuerologists are typically enlisted to help.
- Pain Management Specialists: A neuropathy specialist can play a crucial role in helping patients manage the pain, numbness, and discomfort associated with neuropathy. Through a variety of treatment methods, including medications, physical therapy, and sometimes interventional procedures, these specialists strive to improve life for individuals coping with this chronic condition.
Finding Neuropathy Doctors
Finding a doctor who treats neuropathy is crucial in managing this condition effectively. At Pain and Spine Specialists, our neuropathy doctors have in-depth knowledge and understanding of nerve-related disorders, equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. They can tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms, condition severity, and lifestyle needs. We have neuropathy treatment centers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
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What Is Neuralgia Pain?
The term "neuralgia" is defined as sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Recognizing and understanding neuralgia is crucial as it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Neuralgia is more common than you might think. The most well-known form, trigeminal neuralgia, affects approximately 12 out of every 100,000 people annually, but other forms of neuralgia are also widespread.
Some people wonder "Can neck problems cause trigeminal neuralgia?" Yes, your neck problems can indeed lead to trigeminal neuralgia. Various neck issues, including compressed nerves due to spinal misalignment, have been identified as potential triggers for this condition.
Other people might be thinking "What is neuralgia and neuritis?"They're both related to your nervous system, but they describe different conditions. Neuralgia refers to severe, sharp, often shock-like pain that follows the path of a nerve. On the other hand, neuritis is an inflammation of the nerves. It can cause pain, but it also often leads to other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or changes in sensation.
What Are the Different Types of Neuralgia?
There are several neuralgia types, the two most common: postherpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia.
- Postherpetic Neuralgia This type of neuralgia causes pain in the nerves located in the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and is one of the leading complications of having shingles. Shingles is a viral infection that is known to cause rashes and blisters and is the result of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles can manifest anywhere on the body, although it usually appears along one side of the torso, and neuralgia will often appear where the shingles outbreak was. The pain from postherpetic neuralgia can range from mild to severe and last anywhere from a few months to years.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This type of neuralgia that is related to the trigeminal nerve. This nerve starts in the brain and travels down into the face, branching into different areas, including the nose, mouth, and teeth. Those with pain from trigeminal neuralgia often experience a stabbing or burning sensation or even an electric-shock-like feeling that can be very painful and typically happens on one side of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia can stem from enlarged blood vessels that press down on the trigeminal nerve to cause irritation or damage. Multiple sclerosis is also associated with causing trigeminal neuralgia.
What Causes Neuralgia?
A variety of health conditions or outside factors may cause neuralgia. Some common neuralgia causes include:
- Diabetes: Diabetes is the number one cause of neuropathy in the United States, with 60%-70% of those diagnosed with diabetes having neuropathy. Diabetes can damage the sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves, which range in severity and lead to the typical symptoms, such as tingling, burning, and numbness, associated with neuropathy. Foot problems can easily occur in those with neuropathy caused by diabetes.
- Trauma: Physical injuries sustained from incidents, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, medical procedures, and bone fractures, can lead to severe nerve damage. Injuries can also cause nerves to become compressed or stretched, which results in pain. Repetitive motions, where ligaments and tendons swell from stress, are another way nerves can become compressed, as the spaces where the nerves run become significantly narrower.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune disorders that trigger neuropathy include lupus, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren Syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Autoimmune diseases are disorders where the immune system, which usually protects against germs, bacteria, and viruses, mistakenly starts to attack the body. These disorders can directly affect the nerves or lead them to be compressed when surrounding tissues are attacked.
- Infections: Infections both viral or bacterial that can cause neuropathy include Lyme Disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), West Nile Virus, herpes, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, and diphtheria. Infections can target nerve tissues and cause neuropathic symptoms, like sharp pain. HIV, which is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), can potentially severely damage both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Medications and Toxic Substances: Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can damage nerves and cause polyneuropathy in about 30% of people. Radiation can also damage nerves, triggering symptoms as much as months or even years later. Exposure to toxic substances, like lead and mercury, or other chemicals, such as strong household cleaners, in large enough amounts or for long periods can impede nerve functioning.
- Vascular Problems: Neuropathy can occur when blood flow is reduced, and oxygen supply to the peripheral nerves is decreased, resulting in nerve tissue damage or even nerve cell death. Vascular problems can be derived from blood clots, smoking, vasculitis, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis damages the protective covering of nerve fibers, which can cause neuralgia.
- Unknown Causes: When the cause of neuropathy is unknown, it is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.
Risk Factors of Neuralgia
The demographic most affected by neuralgia varies with the type of this condition. Trigeminal neuralgia, for instance, is more common in people over 50 and tends to affect more women than men. Postherpetic neuralgia, another common type, usually affects older adults with shingles.
Neuralgia can affect different body parts, depending on which nerve is affected. For example, trigeminal neuralgia affects the face, while postherpetic Neuralgia can affect any body part where a shingles outbreak occurs.
Some specific factors to be aware of are:
- 1Age: Neuralgia is more common in older adults, particularly postherpetic neuralgia.
- 2Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis increase the risk of neuralgia.
- 3Previous Infections: If you've had shingles, you're at a higher risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
- 4Family History: Some types of neuralgia, like trigeminal neuralgia, may run in families, so there is a possible genetic link.
Symptoms of Neuralgia
Neuralgia is characterized by intense, sharp, often shock-like pain along the path of a nerve. Symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of Neuralgia, but common signs include:
- 1Sharp Pain: A sharp pain that is sudden and severe, often described as stabbing or shooting pain, can be an indication of neuralgia.
- 2Persistent Aching or Burning: After the sharp pain subsides, some people experience a more constant ache or burning sensation.
- 3Increased Sensitivity: The skin over the affected area can become extremely sensitive to touch, making even the weight of clothing painful.
- 4Muscle Weakness: In some cases, neuralgia can also cause a lack of muscle strength in the affected area.
The severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may experience mild, sporadic pain, while others may have severe, continuous pain. Additionally, certain triggers, such as light touch or movement, can provoke an episode of pain.
Finding a proficient neuralgia doctor is critical to the successful management and treatment of neuralgia. These neuralgia specialists possess an in-depth understanding of nerve-related disorders and are well-versed in the latest diagnostic tools and treatment modalities.
How to Diagnose Neuropathy and Neuralgia
At Pain and Spine Specialists, we employ a comprehensive approach to diagnose conditions like neuropathy and neuralgia. Our diagnostic process includes:
- 1Review of Medical History: Our first step is thoroughly reviewing your medical history. We assess your symptoms, their onset, intensity, duration, and any specific activities or factors that exacerbate or alleviate your pain. This review also includes evaluating your overall health, lifestyle, and any previous treatments or medications you've taken.
- 2Diagnostic Imaging: We may recommend diagnostic imaging based on your symptoms and medical history. This could include X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests can help us visualize the affected nerves and surrounding structures, providing crucial information for an accurate diagnosis.
- 3Nerve Tests: In some cases, we may conduct nerve conduction studies or electromyography. These tests measure the electrical activity in your nerves and muscles to gauge their health and function, aiding in the identification of neuropathy.
- 4Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: If applicable to your case, we may perform diagnostic nerve blocks. This involves injecting an anesthetic into a specific nerve or group of nerves to determine if they are the source of your pain. Procedures such as facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and medial branch blocks can be very beneficial in pinpointing the cause of your discomfort.
Our team is committed to accurately diagnosing your condition to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Treatments for Neuropathy and Neuralgia
At Pain and Spine Specialists, we offer a range of treatments to help manage neuropathy and neuralgia. Our comprehensive approach includes injection therapies, advanced interventional procedures, conventional treatments, and alternative therapies.
Injection Therapies
These involve injecting medication directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. For neuropathy and neuralgia, treatments might include:
- Genicular Nerve Block: A genicular nerve block can provide temporary relief for neuralgia by blocking nerve signals in the knee that contribute to pain.
- Facet Joint Injections: By delivering medication directly to the affected joint, facet joint injections can reduce inflammation and pain associated with neuropathy.
- Medial Branch Block: A medial branch block can help relieve neuralgia by blocking pain signals sent by the medial branch nerves.
- Stellate Ganglion Block: A stellate ganglion block can alleviate pain and improve blood flow in conditions like neuropathy by blocking sympathetic nerves in the neck.
- Epidural Steroid Injection: By reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves, an epidural steroid injection can help alleviate pain from neuropathy.
- Occipital Nerve Blocks: Occipital nerve blocks can provide relief from neuralgia by numbing the occipital nerves that carry pain signals to the brain.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Sacroiliac joint injections can help relieve neuropathic pain associated with the sacroiliac joint by reducing inflammation.
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block: Lumbar sympathetic blocks can help manage neuropathic pain by blocking the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar region.
Advanced Interventional Procedures:
These procedures use advanced technology to target the source of your pain. Treatments that may be effective for neuropathy and neuralgia include:
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation is a therapy can treat chronic pain conditions like neuropathy by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
- Intrathecal Pain Pump: An intrathecal pain pump delivers medication directly to the spinal cord, which can be effective in managing neuropathic pain.
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Peripheral nerve stimulation manages neuralgia by sending electrical impulses to the peripheral nerves.
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD): MILD can alleviate pain from neuropathy by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation can help manage neuralgia by using heat to disrupt nerve function.
Conventional Treatments:
We also offer conventional treatments to manage neuropathy and neuralgia symptoms, such as:
- Medication Management Programs: Medication management programs can help manage neuropathic pain through the careful use of medications.
- Referrals to Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help manage neuropathy by improving strength and mobility.
Alternative Treatment for neuropathy or Neuralgia
In collaboration with our sister company, Shakthi Health and Wellness Center, we offer alternative therapies that can complement your treatment plan, such as:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: TMS can help manage neuralgia by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help manage neuropathic pain through the stimulation of specific points on the body.
- IV Therapy: IV therapy can help manage neuropathy by delivering vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
Please note that the choice of treatments will depend on the specific type of neuropathy or neuralgia, its cause, and the patient's overall health condition. It's a good idea to have a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Our Approach to Treating Neuropathy and Neuralgia
At Pain and Spine Specialists, we're committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for patients dealing with neuropathy and neuralgia. Our approach to treating these conditions is holistic, individualized, and rooted in the latest research and techniques.
Neuropathy and neuralgia are complex conditions that can have a profound impact on your life. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals utilizes various diagnostic tools and treatments to manage these conditions effectively.
We start with a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed physical examination, followed by advanced diagnostic tests if necessary. Our goal is to understand the root cause of your symptoms so we can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should consider seeing a neurologist, as they specialize in disorders of the nervous system. A rheumatologist may also be helpful, especially if your condition is related to an autoimmune disease. Lastly, a pain management specialist can provide targeted therapies to help manage your symptoms.
You should see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of Neuropathy or Neuralgia, such as tingling, numbness, burning pain, or loss of sensation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further nerve damage.
A pain specialist can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that targets your specific symptoms. They have specialized knowledge in managing chronic pain and can offer treatments like nerve blocks, physical therapy, and medication management.
Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. Some plans may cover both minimally invasive and traditional treatments. It's best to contact your insurance provider for detailed information.
You can use online resources like the American Chronic Pain Association's resource guide or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' health center locator. You can also ask for referrals from your primary care doctor.
You can use the American Academy of Neurology's "Find a Neurologist" tool or ask for a referral from your primary care doctor.
Comprehensive pain management involves a holistic approach to treating your pain. This could include medication, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments as appropriate.
Board certification ensures that the doctor has received extensive training in their specialty and stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in treatment. This means they're well-equipped to provide high-quality care.
Minimally invasive treatments typically involve less pain, faster recovery times, and lower risk of complications compared to more invasive procedures.
First-line treatments often include medications to control pain and other symptoms. Physical therapy and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, may also be recommended.
If first-line treatments aren't effective, your doctor may recommend more advanced procedures. These could include nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or other minimally invasive procedures.
Neck problems can cause trigeminal neuralgia if they put pressure on or irritate the trigeminal nerve. This could include spinal degeneration, herniated discs, or trauma to the neck. Seeking treatment for any underlying neck issues is key to relieving your trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Neck problems can cause trigeminal neuralgia if they put pressure on or irritate the trigeminal nerve. This could include spinal degeneration, herniated discs, or trauma to the neck. Seeking treatment for any underlying neck issues is key to relieving your trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
That includes Medicare and state Medicaid.
How to Get Started with Us
Beginning your journey to pain relief with Pain and Spine Specialists is simple. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, our team will take the time to understand your symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss potential treatment options.
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition and the available treatments, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health. With the right treatment plan, we aim to reduce your pain, improve your function, and enhance your overall day-to-day life.
About Us
We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board certified Neuropathy Treatment doctors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
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Meet Our Neuropathy Specialists
At Pain and Spine Specialists, we're proud to have a team of board-certified nerve pain specialists who are experts in diagnosing and treating neuropathy and neuralgia. With over 20 years of experience managing chronic pain conditions, our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care.
Our specialists have undergone extensive training and stay updated with the latest advancements in pain management techniques. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our practice, ensuring you receive the most effective and up-to-date treatment options.
