Medical Treatment for Neuropathy in Monmouth County

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist in Red Bank, NJ helps patients increase functioning and reduce pain associated with neuropathy.

Understanding Neuropathy: Causes and Symptoms

On a very basic level, the term neuropathy refers to any disorder or injury that affects the nerves or nerve cells of the body. The type of neuropathy discussed in this article is known as peripheral neuropathy, which can result from any sort of traumatic injury but is primarily caused by diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can also be experienced by patients with peripheral vascular disease (which occurs in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients) or as a side effect from certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation.

The body’s nervous system is divided into two basic categories: the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves include sensory nerves, which experience sensations such as heat, pain, or touch; the motor nerves, which control the muscles; and autonomic nerves, those that control automatic functions such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, then, can relate to any of these functions.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy usually start in the longest nerves, such as the ones that reach the toes. Peripheral neuropathy may be experienced as numbness and tingling in the hands or feet that eventually spreads upward toward the legs and arms. This numbness/tingling may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Burning pain;

• Sharp or stabbing pain:

• Sensitivity to touch;

• Bowel or bladder dysfunction;

• Muscle weakness; and

• Coordination problems.

Medical Care for Neuropathy in Monmouth County: Physiatry for Pain and Symptom Management

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for patients with neuropathy. It’s important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible when any of the above symptoms are present; this action may help to control symptoms and prevent additional damage to the nerves.

Physiatrists are specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). This type of doctor helps patients with chronic disease, pain, and disability. The purpose of treatment with a PM&R doctor is to relieve pain, increase functioning, and prevent further injury.

At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, our Medical Director (a Physiatrist) acts as the head of a team of specialists that includes physical therapists. Basically, this medical doctor designs and implements pain management and rehabilitation programs for neuropathic patients.

For example, a physical therapy program may be used in cases of neuropathy that involve muscle pain and weakness. Working in conjunction with our Physiatrist, a physical therapist may implement an exercise program designed to help patients maintain mobility and strength.

Some patients with neuropathy require the use of assistive devices such as a walker or wheelchair. Physiatrists can help these patients learn to use these devices, and provide support for the accompanying emotional challenges of dealing with pain, lifestyle changes, and treatment. A Physiatrist may also prescribe medications to reduce the pain associated with neuropathy.

Pain Management and Rehabilitation for Neuropathy at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation