Types of Nerve Pain and How Orthopedics Helps

August 3, 2023

Pain getting to your nerves? Literally? Orthopedic treatment can help. Nerve pain is also known as neuropathy. As a common type of chronic pain, it’s caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves.

Neuropathy might sound like something that happens to other people — especially people who are surely much older than you — but the reality is that it’s a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and affects all ages. Whether you’re experiencing tingling, numbness, or shooting pains in your extremities, neuropathy often interferes with your daily life, causes debilitating pain, and leaves you searching for answers.

There are several types of nerve pain, each with its own unique symptoms and causes, which this article explores.

Autonomic Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy controls involuntary functions of the body. That includes everything from heart rate to blood pressure, sweat, temperature control, and digestion Those who develop this kind of neuropathy sometimes develop an irregular heartbeat or difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. Symptoms include lightheadedness, constipation, dry cracked skin, and impotence.

Cranial Neuropathy

The eyes, ears, face, and scalp are impacted by cranial neuropathy, which can eventually lead to vision problems, loss of hearing, and even difficulty with speech or swallowing. Double vision, hearing loss, and facial weakness are all symptoms of this kind of neuropathy.

Focal Neuropathy

When one specific nerve or area of the body is caused by nerve pain, it’s typically diagnosed as focal neuropathy. Symptoms might include muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the area that’s affected.

Peripheral Neuropathy

The most commonly diagnosed nerve pain is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the limbs. It can cause weak muscles, issues with balance and coordination, and that can ultimately result in difficulty walking. Someone experiencing numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the feet and hands could be suffering from symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Proximal Neuropathy

Pain in the nerves closest to the trunk of the body can be caused by proximal neuropathy Pain in the hips and/or shoulders can indicate this kind of neuropathy as well as the following symptoms: weakness in the hips, thighs, and shoulders; difficulty rising from a seated position; and difficulty climbing stairs.

Neuropathy Treatment

Lessening or resolve nerve pain all together is possible. Treatment can include medication, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and nerve stimulation therapies, such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) or PNS (peripheral nerve stimulation). In more serious cases, surgery might be required to repair, release, or remove damaged nerves.

Orthopedic Specialists in Cincinnati

Your orthopedic specialist at Beacon will work with you to determine the best care plan for your individual needs to get you back to living the life you love. Schedule an appointment online now.