Neuropathic Pain
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Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness
Savitri Gopaul, FNP-BC
Pain Management Nurse Practitioner & Mental Health located in Richmond, VA
If you experience tingling, burning pain, or numbness, help is available at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness in Richmond, Virginia. Family nurse practitioner Savitri Gopaul, FNP-BC, and her team can relieve neuropathic pain and other bothersome symptoms. Call the office to learn more about your options, or book an appointment online today.
Neuropathic Pain Q & A
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is a type of nerve pain that can hinder your quality of life when left untreated. It develops when your nervous system doesn’t work properly because of nerve damage, injuries, or diseases.
Nerve pain could result because of issues with your spinal cord, brain, or peripheral nerves. About 30% of neuropathic pain develops because of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?
The most common symptoms of neuropathic pain include:
- Shooting or burning pain
- Stabbing discomfort
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Electric shock-like pain
- Pins and needles feeling
- Pain with cold or touch
You might also experience difficulty sleeping and a poor quality of life. Your pain may come and go or gradually worsen over time without treatment.
What are the risk factors for neuropathic pain?
Your chance of developing nerve pain increases due to the following risk factors:
- Diabetes
- Facial nerve issues
- Alcoholism
- AIDS or HIV
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Shingles
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy medicines
- Amputation
- Trauma
- Surgeries
- Nerve compression
- Inflammation
- Amputation
- Tumors
- Disc herniation
You might have multiple risk factors for neuropathic pain. Seek treatment at the first sign of a problem to reduce the chance of complications and worsening symptoms.
How does my specialist diagnose neuropathic pain?
To find out if you have neuropathic pain and its underlying cause, the Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness team reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and checks your vital signs. They complete a physical exam, including a neurological exam, along with nerve tests, blood tests, imaging procedures, or other diagnostics.
How is neuropathic pain treated?
Your personalized treatment for neuropathic pain might include treating the underlying cause, physical therapy, counseling, and sometimes surgery. You may take medicines to reduce unpleasant symptoms or better manage the source of the nerve discomfort.
Topical treatments can also reduce painful areas of your body. Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness offer nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and other highly effective pain-relieving solutions. Your pain specialist tailors each treatment to best match your needs.
To get relief from neuropathic pain, call the Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness office or schedule an appointment online today.
