What is it? How did I get it? What are the Symptoms?

This is a simple answer about a not so simple disorder:

Neuropathy is a collection of disorders that occur when damage or injury is done to the peripheral nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system is the part of the body’s nervous system that is outside of the brain or spinal cord. It can affect the muscles that control movement in the arms, hands, feet or legs. It also affects the sensory nerves that detect cold, hot or pain and as well as the internal organs such as the heart, bladder or intestines.

How Does Neuropathy Occur?

There are a variety of reasons that a person might develop a neuropathic disorder:

• Trauma or repeated pressure on nerves such as typing on a keyboard
• Nutritional or vitamin deficiencies – often a lack of  B Vitamins
• Alcoholism can be a contributing factor
• Tumors that can press on the nerves
• Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Traumatic injuries
• Exposure to toxins
• Metabolic problems
• Diabetes

What are the symptoms?

• Pain
• Tingling sensation
• Burning sensation
• Biting, stabbing or shooting pains
• Weakness in the arms and legs
• Loss of sensation in the feet, ankles or toes
• Some symptoms get worse at night

If you are experiencing these or other symptoms, don’t try to diagnose yourself, leave that to those who are trained to help you.

At the Bellevue Pain Institute, we focus on rehabilitating the nerves and reducing the pain with Neuropathy Laser Treatment, which is non-invasive, drug free and pain free.

We have had great success with this treatment, and often in short periods of time.

Contact us for your first treatment.

**originally published 12/19/10