Chronic Conditions
Neuropathy
Nerve damage causing burning, numbness and tingling, most often in the feet, legs and hands.
What neuropathy is
Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Diabetes is the most common cause in our region, followed by chemotherapy, nerve compression, alcohol use and inherited conditions.
Neuropathic pain does not respond well to standard analgesics. Treatment relies on nerve-specific medications, targeted blocks and, for advanced painful diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation — which has strong evidence for durable relief.
Common symptoms
- Burning, electric or pins-and-needles sensation
- Numbness in a stocking or glove distribution
- Pain worse at night or when at rest
- Sensitivity to light touch such as bedsheets
Common causes
- Diabetes, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in our region
- Chemotherapy medications that damage peripheral nerves
- Chronic alcohol use, which impairs nerve nutrition and function
- Nerve compression, such as from a herniated disc or a tight space at the wrist
- Inherited conditions or vitamin deficiencies affecting nerve health
How it is diagnosed
The evaluation maps exactly where the burning, numbness or tingling occurs, since a stocking-and-glove pattern affecting both feet or both hands suggests a metabolic cause, while a one-sided pattern suggests localized nerve compression.
Blood tests can identify or rule out diabetes, vitamin deficiency and other metabolic causes. Nerve conduction studies or electromyography may be used to measure how well specific nerves are conducting signals.
When compression at a specific site is suspected, imaging or a diagnostic nerve block at that location can confirm it, which changes the treatment approach from broad nerve-pain medication to a targeted procedure.
Treatment options we offer
Which of these applies depends on your examination and, where appropriate, a diagnostic block confirming the source of your neuropathy.
- Spinal Cord StimulationAn implanted device that modulates pain signals before they reach the brain, trialed first so you know it works.
- Nerve BlocksTargeted injections that interrupt pain signals along a specific nerve or nerve plexus.
- Medication ManagementCareful, monitored use of the right medication class for your pain type, with clear goals and safety oversight.
- Intrathecal Pain PumpAn implanted pump delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, achieving relief at a fraction of the oral dose.
When to see a specialist
- Burning, tingling or numbness in the feet, legs or hands lasting more than a few weeks
- Pain that is worse at night or interferes with sleep
- New sensitivity to light touch, such as bedsheets on the feet
- Neuropathy symptoms that are not responding to your current medication regimen
- Rapidly progressing weakness or numbness, or an open sore on the foot that does not heal, which need urgent medical attention
Common questions
Can neuropathy be cured?
Why don't regular pain relievers work well for neuropathy?
Is spinal cord stimulation only for back pain?
Will controlling my blood sugar help my neuropathy?
Related conditions
- ArthritisDegenerative and inflammatory joint disease of the spine, hips, knees and shoulders.
- Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA disproportionate pain response after injury, with skin, temperature and swelling changes in a limb.
- FibromyalgiaWidespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep disturbance and heightened pain sensitivity.
- Cancer PainPain from tumor, treatment or nerve involvement, managed alongside the patient's oncology team.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.