Peripheral Neuropathy

Relief for nerve pain, numbness, and sensory changes affecting the extremities

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, leading to altered sensation, weakness, pain, or coordination problems. Symptoms most commonly affect the feet and hands but may involve any region supplied by peripheral nerves.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of nerve dysfunction and providing targeted treatments that reduce symptoms, improve nerve health, and restore function.

Common Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy may present with:

• Numbness or decreased sensation

• Burning, tingling, or electric-like pain

• Hypersensitivity to touch

• Muscle weakness

• Balance difficulties

• Temperature sensitivity

• Pain that worsens at night

Symptoms often begin gradually and may progress over time depending on the underlying cause.

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Sensory Neuropathy

• Predominantly affects sensation

• Burning, tingling, numbness, and hypersensitivity

• Often begins in the feet and progresses upward

Motor Neuropathy

• Affects muscle strength and control

• Weakness, cramping, and muscle wasting

• Difficulty with coordination or fine motor tasks

Autonomic Neuropathy

• Involves nerves controlling involuntary functions

• Changes in blood pressure, sweating, digestion, or heart rate

Mixed Neuropathy

• Combination of sensory and motor involvement

• Most common presentation

Common Causes

Peripheral neuropathy may result from a wide range of conditions, including:

• Diabetes (most common cause)

• Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)

• Alcohol-related nerve damage

• Autoimmune disorders

• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy

• Nerve compression syndromes

• Chronic kidney disease

• Thyroid disorders

• Infections and inflammatory conditions

• Idiopathic (unknown cause)

In many cases, neuropathy develops from metabolic stress affecting nerve health and blood supply.

Common Patterns of Neuropathy

Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy

• Gradual onset in both feet progressing upward

• Often described as a “stocking-glove” pattern

• Common in metabolic and diabetic neuropathy

Focal Neuropathy

• Involves a single nerve

• May result from compression or injury

Radiculopathy

• Nerve root irritation at the spine producing peripheral symptoms

Entrapment Neuropathies

• Localized nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Understanding the pattern helps guide evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically includes:

• Comprehensive neurologic and musculoskeletal examination

• Assessment of sensation, strength, and reflexes

• Laboratory evaluation for metabolic causes

• Imaging when nerve compression is suspected

• Electrodiagnostic studies when appropriate

Diagnosis focuses on identifying both the nerve dysfunction and the underlying cause.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Treatment aims to reduce symptoms while addressing contributing factors.

Conservative Management

• Optimization of underlying medical conditions

• Physical therapy focused on balance and strength

• Lifestyle and nutritional optimization

• Pain-modulating medications when appropriate

Interventional and Supportive Treatments

• Targeted nerve blocks when focal irritation is present

• Treatment of contributing spine or joint pathology

• Trigger point or soft tissue interventions for secondary pain

• Coordination with neurology or primary care when needed

Management is often multidisciplinary, focusing on nerve health, symptom relief, and functional preservation.

Potential Consequences if Untreated

• Progressive numbness or weakness

• Balance impairment and fall risk

• Chronic neuropathic pain

• Reduced mobility and activity tolerance

• Skin injury due to decreased sensation

Early management helps prevent functional decline and complications.

When to Seek Evaluation

Evaluation is recommended when:

• Persistent numbness or tingling develops

• Burning or electric pain interferes with sleep or activity

• Weakness or balance problems occur

• Symptoms progressively worsen

Prompt evaluation improves the likelihood of identifying reversible causes.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Expertise in differentiating nerve pain from spine, joint, and muscle conditions

• Comprehensive evaluation of neuropathic and mechanical contributors

• Advanced targeted treatments for focal nerve irritation

• Individualized care focused on maintaining mobility and quality of life

• Compassionate approach recognizing the complexity of neuropathic pain

Peripheral neuropathy often overlaps with spine and musculoskeletal conditions, making integrated evaluation particularly valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?
Some causes are reversible, while others can be managed to prevent progression and reduce symptoms.

Is neuropathy always painful?
No. Some patients experience numbness without pain, while others have significant burning discomfort.

Does exercise help neuropathy?
Yes. Targeted activity improves circulation, strength, and balance.

Why is neuropathy worse at night?
Reduced distraction and altered nerve signaling can increase symptom awareness during rest.

References

• American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

• American Diabetes Association (ADA)