If you’re experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, early diagnosis and treatment from a qualified nerve pain specialist in Victoria, BC can help.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a dysfunction or disease of one or more nerves. Our nerves serve as communication routes from the brain to the rest of the body, silently conveying messages until they malfunction.
Usually, this communication is straightforward and happens without our awareness. However, when this communication is impaired, our body starts showing signs such as mild intermittent pain, muscle aches, increased warmth, and irritability in the affected soft tissues.
If this irritation persists and the nerve cannot rest and recover, symptoms can progressively worsen, ranging from mild and local to systemic depending on the degree of dysfunction.
Identifying the Injured Nerve: Traffic Systems in Your Body
Nerve pathways are like traffic systems in the human body. Detailed maps help healthcare providers understand where nerves originate, where they go, and if there are any detours along the way, such as bones or soft tissues.
These pathways are known as dermatomes (sensory map) and myotomes (motor map). Dermatomes are patches of skin on our body related to a specific nerve and its sensory connections to the spinal cord.
Similarly, myotomes are marked motor areas on the body supplied by a specific nerve.
Radiculopathy or radiculoneuropathy refers to symptoms in a particular nerve distribution and its innervated structures.
For instance, sciatica involves symptoms from the sciatic nerve, which exits the spinal cord at the lower back and runs down the back of the leg and foot.
Common Causes of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can stem from a variety of causes, each impacting the nerves differently.
Understanding these causes can help in seeking appropriate neuropathy treatment:
- Direct Nerve Trauma: This includes injuries such as fractured bones, spinal cord injury, or the aftermath of surgeries that directly damage nerves.
- Mechanical Causes: Prolonged postures, compression, or stretch-type injuries can mechanically damage the nerves over time.
- Chemical Causes: Certain medications, radiation/chemotherapy, and environmental toxins can chemically affect nerve function.
- Disease Processes: Chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, and chronic inflammatory diseases often lead to neuropathy.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of neuropathy early to prevent further damage.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult with a nerve pain specialist:
- Postural imbalance
- Meaningful movement/task dysfunction
- Decreased range of motion (ROM) compared with normal values or your normal
- Altered sensation: reduced sensitivity to touch (numbness), tingling, pins and needles, increased sensitivity
- Muscle weakness compared to normal values or your normal
- Hair loss, altered coloration, and temperature in the affected area
- Muscle tightness, knots, ropy muscles, mild to moderate intermittent ache, and altered contractile function (early fatigue with muscle strength testing)
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our physiotherapy services can help assess and treat your condition.
Everyday Activities That Can Cause Temporary Neuropathy
Certain daily activities can cause temporary neuropathy, leading to discomfort that usually resolves with rest:
- Sitting on an airplane for an extended period
- Prolonged standing without movement
- A bad night’s sleep
- Using a different/new pillow or bedding
- Introducing a new exercise/task into your routine
The human body performs physical tasks well when allowed to rest and recover. It’s normal to feel some low back discomfort after a long flight.
Our nerves and soft tissues typically recover in a couple of days. However, if stress is constant and inappropriate, dysfunction can develop over time.
A Closer Look at Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common example of neuropathy.
Symptoms start mild and local at the neck, forearm, and wrist, progressing to the hand.
If left untreated, it can lead to persistent symptoms, hand weakness, and progressive function loss.
Seeking early nerve pain relief can prevent such progression. Learn more about what causes carpal tunnel syndrome on our blog.
Don’t Let Neuropathy Slow You Down!
Neuropathy can be frustrating, but understanding the symptoms and causes is the first step to relief.
If you’re experiencing signs such as pain, numbness, or weakness, it’s important to see a qualified nerve pain specialist in Victoria, BC for diagnosis and treatment.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Neuropathy
A physiotherapist specializing in neuropathy treatment in can help to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve nerve function
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Improve balance and coordination
- Teach exercises to prevent further injury
Our hand therapy techniques for regaining strength can be particularly beneficial for neuropathy affecting the hands and arms.
Schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist today and take control of your health!
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Neuropathy
In addition to professional neuropathy treatment in Victoria, BC, making certain lifestyle changes can help manage neuropathy effectively:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put pressure on nerves, so keeping a healthy weight can help.
- Eating a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition supports nerve health and overall well-being.
- Managing Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, controlling blood sugar is crucial to preventing neuropathy.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking can affect circulation and exacerbate nerve damage.
- Wearing Proper Footwear: Good shoes can prevent nerve damage, especially in the feet.
By working with a healthcare team and making lifestyle changes, you can manage your neuropathy and live a full and active life. For more tips on managing discomfort, check out our guide on 10 tips to ease hand discomfort right at home.
Resources for Further Information
For more detailed information on neuropathy and its management, consider the following resources:
- NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- NIH: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
Don’t let neuropathy control your life. Take the first step towards nerve pain relief today by consulting with a qualified nerve pain specialist. Contact us to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.
