Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain can cause shooting, burning sensations that may be constant or occur randomly. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, offers advanced treatments for neuropathic pain, including spinal cord stimulators. If you’re among the 10% of Americans who suffer from neuropathic pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is neuropathic pain?

Usually, you experience pain after an illness or injury, such as twisting your ankle during a fall. Neuropathic pain is different because it occurs without an event or injury to cause the pain.

For example, if you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer, your nervous system sends pain signals to your brain immediately after the hammer hits. With neuropathic pain, your body sends these pain signals without an incident to prompt them.

What causes neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain results from damage to your nerves. Discovering the cause of your nerve damage is the first step toward treating neuropathic pain. There are many possible causes of nerve damage, such as:

• Accidents and injuries that affect the spine
• Infections such as HIV or syphilis
• Nerve compression, such as a herniated disc
• Diseases such as multiple sclerosis
• Prolonged, excessive alcohol use
• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Hormonal problems such as thyroid insufficiency
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis in the spine

Diabetes is also a major cause of neuropathic pain, accounting for about 30% of cases. People with diabetes often experience numbness, tingling, and pain in their limbs.

How do you diagnose and treat neuropathic pain?

First, Dr. Pecoraro performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. Sometimes, the exact cause of neuropathic pain can’t be determined or reversed. If this is the case, Dr. Pecoraro will develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Pecoraro may recommend one or more of the following treatments for neuropathic pain:

• Epidural blocks
• Medications
• Spinal cord stimulator

Epidural blocks involve injecting medications into a specific location on your spine to block the transmission of pain from a particular part of your body. Epidural blocks are temporary, so you may need additional treatments.

Spinal cord stimulators are implanted devices that send electrical impulses to your spinal cord. These devices provide continued relief from pain by disrupting the abnormal nerve signals.

Neuropathic pain is a complex issue that may require a combination of treatments. To learn how Dr. Pecoraro can help you achieve a pain-free life, call Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.