Neuropathy

Neuropathy, or nerve pain, is a common disorder most often seen in people with diabetes but can be associated with other conditions. It’s most commonly described as numbness, tingling, and burning. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, treats neuropathy using advanced modalities that alleviate pain and restore your quality of life. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to learn more and get started today.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy involves nerve damage and pain that is often associated with diabetes or another disease or injury. Symptoms of neuropathy may include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Sensory changes
• Lack of coordination
• Sharp, jabbing, or burning pain

These symptoms often occur in your hands and feet but can affect other areas of your body too. 

What causes neuropathy?

You might experience neuropathy if you have diabetes, an infection, a traumatic injury, or you’ve been exposed to toxins. Rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases may also contribute to neuropathy. 

Other possible causes include nerve pressure, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, tumors, and some medications. 

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

Dr. Pecoraro can diagnose neuropathy after reviewing your symptoms and medical history and completing a neurological examination. 

He may use blood tests, imaging tests, nerve function tests, and nerve or skin biopsies to make a final diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan.

What is the treatment for neuropathy?

Dr. Pecoraro might recommend one or more of the following neuropathy treatments to reduce symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes helps alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Examples include not smoking, getting regular exercise, properly managing diabetes, eating healthy foods, and avoiding excessive alcohol. 

Alternative medicine

Acupuncture and taking herbal or other dietary supplements may relieve numbness, tingling, pain, and other neuropathy symptoms. 

Physical therapy

Dr. Pecoraro may recommend physical therapy, so you can complete stretches and strength exercises that improve your overall health and reduce nerve pain.

Electrical nerve stimulation

Sending electrical impulses to nerves helps block pain signals to your brain to relieve discomfort naturally.

Spinal cord stimulation

Dr. Pecoraro can place a special device beneath your skin to deliver electrical impulses to the spine for pain relief.

Radiofrequency ablation

During noninvasive radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Pecoraro emits radiofrequency energy to painful areas and nerves to reduce pain signals to your brain.

Don’t live with neuropathy pain when you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, over the phone or online to find a treatment plan that’s right for you.