Peripheral nerves are those outside of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves which can cause weakness, numbness, and pain. This usually occurs in the hands and feet. People with peripheral neuropathy usually explain the pain as burning, stabbing, or tingling. Let’s learn more about neuropathy stages and pain management.
Recognizing the Stages
If you have peripheral neuropathy, you don’t always recognize any changes to your symptoms. Treatment will, of course, help to relieve any pain as long as you begin treatment as soon as possible. Catching it early gives you and Northwest Wellness Center the opportunity to reverse and stop more damage to the nerves.
Stage One: Intermittent Numbness
When someone experiences stage one of peripheral neuropathy, it is so subtle it can be forgotten about within a few minutes. Maybe you feel some numbness climbing steps or a little pain when getting up from a chair. You might not have those symptoms again for weeks or months, so they are quickly overlooked.
Stage Two: Symptoms Become More Regular
Once you reach stage two of peripheral neuropathy, you notice some changes. You feel the numbness and/or pain more frequently, and you become more aware of these changes. Many patients see Northwest Wellness Center at this point wanting to know the causes.
Those who seek care at this stage and discover the cause early are going to see the reversal process a lot quicker than a more severe case.
Stage Three: Pain Is Relentless
By the time a patient reaches stage three, the pain is almost constant. In addition to pain, the numbness has also progressed to the point where you don’t feel injuries to your feet and legs. If they are not treated in a timely manner, infections can occur.
Stage Four: Numbness Increases, Pain Decreases
You may think this is a positive thing, but it is not. You feel no pain because the nerves no longer communicate with your brain. Numbness is all you have.
Your ability to walk can be compromised, balance may become an issue. Temperature sensitivity is decreased, and reflexes are damaged. Your nerves are dying.
Stage Five: No Feeling At All
At this stage the patient may need a wheelchair. Any injury or minor cut to the feet or legs can become infected necessitating amputation.
Even in this stage, there is still a chance the nerve damage may be reversed with Northwest Wellness Center’s treatment program.
Causes and Pain Management Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy
Finding the cause is the beginning. It could be one of the following:
- Diabetes and unchecked blood glucose. 60-70% of diabetics have peripheral neuropathy. Under-managed diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common cause of limb amputations each year, totaling 64,000.
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- HIV-related peripheral neuropathy
Risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, repetitive stress, vitamin deficiency, toxic substances, and immune system disorders.
Northwest Wellness Center has a complete peripheral neuropathy treatment plan proven to reverse and stop peripheral neuropathy. These treatments include:
- Nerve Stimulation therapy
- Light therapy
- Vibration therapy
- Anti-inflammatory supplements
- Nutritional and lifestyle consultations: avoid smoking,avoid alcohol, engage in regular exercise, consuming an anti-inflammatory diet
Don’t wait to ask for treatment. As soon as you have reached stage two, ask Northwest Wellness Center for a peripheral neuropathy exam and the best treatment options for you. Call (614) 792-3444 to schedule an appointment in Dublin, OH today.
