What Is Neuropathy?
Dysfunctional or damaged nerves create a condition called neuropathy. It’s often called peripheral neuropathy because it points to a problem in your peripheral nervous system: all the nerves outside of your spinal cord and brain. Peripheral neuropathy leads to symptoms that include:
- Numbness
- Pins and needles sensations
- Weakness in a specific area of the body
- Sharp, stabbing pains
- Burning and throbbing pain
For exceptional diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy and other painful conditions, seek the expertise of Dr. Ilana Etelzon, a Tri-State expert in the most advanced forms of pain relief. One of the most effective treatments for peripheral neuropathy is the spinal cord stimulator, for which Dr. Etelzon is a recognized expert.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
While there are a number of causes of this painful nerve condition, diabetes is the number one culprit. In fact, nearly 70 percent of people with diabetes suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Other causes include:
Alcohol abuse
Chemotherapy
Obesity
Compromised immune system
Trauma
Dr. Etelzon identifies the underlying cause of your neuropathy to ensure your treatment is most effective. To help her correctly diagnose your condition and find the source of your discomfort, tell your pain management specialist about additional symptoms you’re experiencing, such as:
Changes to how your hands or feet feel, especially during the night
Extra sensitivity to touch
Loss of coordination and frequent falling
Cramps, spasms or twitching muscles
Excessive sweating that isn’t associated with changes in temperature
Ulcers or infections on your feet
Your primary physician may have prescribed medication and lifestyle changes to help you manage your diabetes and prevent further complications. You may continue to experience the painful side effects of your disease, especially in your hands and feet. Some neuropathies are curable, but others require continuing pain management.
Dr. Etelzon determines the treatment that’s right for you, based on your diagnosis. Most treatments are painless and safe, but not all are effective for everyone. Recommended treatments that may reduce your discomfort include:
PHYSICAL THERAPY, to help you prevent falls and strengthen your coordination
MECHANICAL DEVICES, such as braces and shoe supports, to keep your feet aligned, reducing pressure on the affected nerves
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (TENS) THERAPY, which stops pain signals from reaching your brain by delivering very small electrical impulses to damaged nerve pathways
ACUPUNCTURE, an alternative methodology that also doesn’t have side effects, but also rarely offers immediate relief
SPINAL CORD STIMULATORS, which provide you with the most effective, long-lasting pain relief
Chronic pain from diabetic neuropathy affects your quality of life. Because it’s safe and effective for long-term use when implanted and monitored by an experienced pain management specialist such as Dr. Etelzon, this device has proved to be a game-changer for those suffering with the debilitating effects of diabetic neuropathy.
A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted neurostimulation device that inhibits pain sensations by sending electrical impulses to nerve fibers, effectively masking the pain signals to your brain. The process of getting a spinal cord stimulator includes two stages:
A trial period, during which thin wires are inserted and positioned over the areas determined to be causing your pain. This trial period lasts for about a week. If it’s successful, meaning you had significant pain relief, you can have a permanent device implanted.
A permanent device, is implanted in your spine while you’re under general anesthesia. You usually go home the same day and can continue your regular activities within about 10 days.
The device is FDA-approved to treat neuropathy associated with diabetic nerve pain. Studies show that you continue to experience pain relief for years. A new rechargeable device can last 25 years or longer. You receive a programmable handheld device that allows you to change the frequency and width of the stimulation. The procedure is reversable at any time if you choose to have it removed.
Don’t live with chronic pain as you work to keep your diabetes under control. Instead, contact Dr. Ilana Etelzon in NYC for complete neuropathy diagnostic tests and the best treatment. Get long-term relief for diabetic peripheral neuropathy with a spinal cord stimulator.