GEORGIA'S top PM&R Doctors for Neuropathic Pain
Nerve Pain
Your nervous system is an unsung hero of the human body, quietly performing a multitude of tasks that make everyday life possible. However, when something goes wrong, the nervous system can cause a lot of pain.
Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, is a type of chronic pain that occurs when there is damage to the nerves. Nerve pain can be caused by injuries, infections, or other conditions.
Ankur Patel, DO, RPH, and the team at Southern Pain and Spine in Gainesville, Georgia, offer complete neurology care that can help improve your neurological condition, restore your body's function, and offer relief from nerve pain. Using our individualized, patient-focused approach, we can develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
If you're experiencing nerve pain, the top physiatrist Atlanta has to offer is here to help. Request your first appointment with the neurology team at Southern Pain and Spine today.
Joint Pain Treatments
Physical Therapy & Home Exercise Programs
One of the most important treatments for nerve pain is physical therapy. Physical therapists are specially trained to help people with nerve pain. They can teach you exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints, which can help relieve pain.
At Southern Pain and Spine, our team of physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized exercise program. This program may include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. We'll also teach you how to do the exercises at home so you can continue your rehabilitation even after you leave our office.
TENS, Compound Topicals, Biofeedback, and Meditation
In addition to physical therapy, there are a number of other treatments that can help relieve nerve pain. These include:
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): TENS is a treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. The electrical current stimulates the nerves and interrupts the pain signals that are sent to the brain.
- Compound topical treatments: Compound topical treatments are creams or ointments that contain a combination of medications that are absorbed through the skin. These treatments can help relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that uses sensors to measure the body's response to pain. The sensors are attached to the skin and connected to a computer. The computer then displays the information on a screen. This feedback can help you learn to control your body's response to pain.
- Meditation: Meditation is a technique that can help you focus on something other than the pain. It can help you relax and find inner peace.
Bracing
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use a brace or other assistive device. These devices can help support the joints and muscles, which can relieve pain.
At Southern Pain and Spine, we offer a variety of braces and assistive devices. We'll work with you to find the best device for your needs.
Psychological Evaluation
Chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health. That's why we offer psychological evaluations and therapy at Southern Pain and Spine. Our team of psychologists can help you deal with the stress and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain.
Additionally, your mental health can be a contributing factor to your pain. Our team can help you identify and treat any underlying mental health conditions that may be causing or aggravating your pain.
Peripheral Nerve Block and Stimulation
Peripheral nerve blocks are a type of injection that can help relieve pain. A nerve block is a local anesthetic that numbs the nerves. This can help interrupt the pain signals that are sent to the brain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation is another type of injection that can help relieve pain. In this procedure, a small electrode is placed near the nerve that is causing pain. The electrode sends electrical impulses to the nerve, which can help disrupt the pain signals.
At Southern Pain and Spine, we offer both peripheral nerve blocks and peripheral nerve stimulation. We'll work with you to determine which procedure is best for you.
Injections
Injections are another treatment option for nerve pain. Injections can help relieve pain by numbing the nerves or by reducing inflammation.
At Southern Pain and Spine, we offer injections to treat a wide variety of conditions that cause nerve pain, including:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists. It is caused by compression of the median nerve.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and arms. It is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet and ankles. It is caused by compression of the tibial nerve.
These injections can relieve the nerve compression caused by these conditions, which can help relieve the pain.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is a medication that can help relieve pain. LDN is made from naltrexone, a medication that is used to treat alcohol and drug dependence. Naltrexone works by blocking the body's opioid receptors.
At low doses, LDN can help reduce pain by interacting with the body's immune system and modulating it. This can help reduce inflammation, which can help relieve pain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that can help relieve pain. SCS is a type of electrical stimulation that is used to treat chronic pain. In this procedure, electrodes are placed on the spinal cord. The electrodes send electrical impulses to the nerves, which can help disrupt the pain signals.
SCS has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions that cause nerve pain, particularly painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). PDN is a type of nerve pain that is caused by diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Southern Pain and Spine diagnose a problem with the nervous system?
A neurology consultation is a visit with Southern Pain and Spine to determine the source of nervous system issues and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. If you notice new pain or unusual sensations, like tingling hands and face or numb hands and feet, a neurology consultation can help you find answers.
Your visit begins with a discussion about your overall health and your specific symptoms. A brief neurological exam follows, where your provider will check your:
- Coordination
- Reflexes
- Mental status
- Speech
- Vision
- Sensation
The team at Southern Pain and Spine may recommend additional testing to further clarify the source of symptoms. You might be advised to undergo blood testing, electroencephalograph (EEG), a spinal tap, muscle or nerve biopsy, electromyogram (EMG) or other advanced imaging.
The results of these tests and the information gathered during your neurology consultation will help your provider create a treatment plan designed just for you.
Do you provide peripheral neuropathy treatment near me?
You may have heard of peripheral neuropathy, which is a type of nerve pain that occurs when the peripheral nervous system is damaged. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that are not part of the brain or spinal cord. That’s why peripheral neuropathy in feet is most common.
There are many different causes of peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, injuries, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, and pain. In severe cases, peripheral neuropathy causes weakness and paralysis.
Getting treatment for peripheral neuropathy is vital as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Do your peripheral neuropathy doctors near me accept insurance?
Yes! In order to make leading-edge rehabilitative care accessible to as many patients as possible, Southern Pain and Spine proudly accepts insurance from most major providers across the state of Georgia. View our list of accepted providers on our Insurance page, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff.