Neuropathy is a painful and debilitating neurological condition that results from damage or compression to nerves, or because they are defective. The condition can progress over the course of days, weeks or even years, and according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, neuropathy symptoms that affect up to 20 million Americans annually include:
- Sensations like stabbing pain, burning, or “prickles” like pins and needles
- Weakness or paralysis of muscles
- Numbness or constant pain
- In extreme cases, organ or gland dysfunction or failure
Neuropathy symptoms have numerous causes, and determining the source requires a thorough evaluation. Neuropathy may be caused by structural issues like a compromised spine or joints that press on nerves, trauma, injury, or compression by things like tumors, viral or bacterial infections or autoimmune diseases, diabetes, endocrine disorders, or even severe malnutrition or exposure to toxic chemicals or metals. Here are the most common types.
Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common type of neuropathy in patients, and it is caused when the nerves that pass motor, sensory, or autonomic information from the body, or “periphery,” to the spinal cord and brain are damaged. This kind of neuropathy:
- Affects the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes
- Can be acute or chronic, or present in different forms or follow different patterns
- Can be inherited, but is usually the result of a disease process, trauma, or repetitive stress
Cranial Neuropathy
There are 12 main cranial nerves that connect your brain to your brainstem, and cranial neuropathy results from damage to any of these nerves.
- Cranial neuropathy symptoms affect the nerves that control the movements of the eyes and the face
- Bell’s Palsy is a common condition that presents when the 7th cranial nerve is damaged
- Microvascular neuropathy is caused by diabetes or high blood pressure
- Multiple Cranial Neuropathies (MCN) results from multiple affected nerves
Autonomic Neuropathy
This type of neuropathy presents when nerves that control the involuntary or “autonomic” nervous system are compromised.
- These nerves control the heart, circulation, digestions, sweating, elimination, sexual organs
- Diabetes is the most common cause, but other health conditions, infections, or even side effects from medications can lead to neuropathy
Proximal Neuropathy
This is actually the second most common type and results from damage or compression to nerves in the hips, seat or thighs. This type of neuropathy:
- Is usually present on one side of the body, although it can spread to the other
- Is characterized by muscle wasting, weakness, or changes to sensation or numbness
Focal Neuropathy
This is probably the least common type because it affects just a single nerve:
- Usually in the wrist, thigh or foot, but can sometimes be in the back, chest, or even eye muscles
- Diabetes is the most common cause of this type of neuropathy
Synergy Health Can Provide Neuropathy Treatments in Naples
Effective treatments for neuropathy can be determined by correctly identifying the underlying cause of the condition. Dietary and lifestyle choices can help provide some relief, but Synergy Health also recommends and provides a combination of laser therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, and other treatments to treat the problems. Contact us today to learn more about how you can live without neuropathy symptoms.
