The Benefits of a Multifaceted Treatment Approach for Peripheral Neuropathy

With an estimated 20 million or more people in the United State suffering from peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to treat the disease in a manner that will provide the best relief for patients.

Though some doctors may focus primarily on just one treatment approach (i.e. medication), our approach at the Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas is to look at multiple facets of the issue to try to reach the best possible outcome for each patient.

Here’s why we think that’s the best approach.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Think of the nervous system as the command center for your body. It controls your movements, thoughts, and responses, along with body systems and processes. Your nervous system is made up of two parts: the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system, which includes the many nerves that branch out from your brain all over your body, relaying information from your brain and spinal cord to your organs, arms, fingers, legs, and toes.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when these nerves in the peripheral nervous system are damaged, often causing weakness, numbness, or pain. More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, and symptoms will vary depending on the type of nerve that was damaged. 

Symptoms can include muscle weakness, loss of your ability to feel vibrations and touch, problems with coordinating complex movements like walking, changes to your ability to feel pain and temperature change, and much more.

People may acquire peripheral neuropathy as a result of some sort of trauma, or it can be associated with an underlying condition. 

How should it be treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms are not always the same — they can vary widely from person-to-person. The most important thing is to see a doctor committed to finding the root cause of the problem rather than one who just prescribes medicine to treat the symptom.

The search for the cause can include a wide variety of treatments that can each be effective. The more facets of the disease you explore, the better chance you have of resolving the issues. Fixing the underlying issues can even result in the condition resolving on its own as nerves regenerate and recover.

Treatment starts with a comprehensive medical history and physical exam. A multi-faceted treatment approach will then include physical medicine techniques such as physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and nutrition counseling. Quitting smoking is also beneficial, along with exercise, and medicine can be helpful as well.

All these practices will lead to better overall health and wellness as well. If you have peripheral neuropathy and you’re ready to look at it from all angles to try to find the best solution for you, contact the Neuropathy and Pain Center of Texas. We have four offices to serve you. Just call the one closest to you to schedule an appointment, or use the convenient online scheduler to book the appointment yourself.