Peripheral – adjective, pe·riph·er·al – pəˈrifərəl/
Neuropathy – noun, neu·rop·a·thy – n(y)o͝oˈräpəTHē/
Peripheral Neuropathy is not a single, identifiable disease. Really it is it is a complication found in a number of different medical conditions from cancer to degenerative disk disease or diabetes. Neuropathy can also be seen without any particular cause being diagnosed. This is referred to as idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. Any number of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord may be involved. Three main types of nerves can be involved in peripheral neuropathy: Autonomic nerves (not under conscious control, “automatic” or “involuntary” nerves), motor nerves and sensory nerves. Some of the specific names of nerves that fall into these groups include
- Phrenic – C3-C5 – diaphragm
- Radial – C5-C8, T1 – skin and muscles of posterior arm, forearm, and hand, plus thumb and first two fingers
- Median – C5-C8, T1 – skin and muscles of anterior arm, forearm, and hand
- Ulnar – C8, T1 – skin and muscles of medial arm, forearm, and hand, plus little finger and ring finger
- Intercostal – T2-T12 – intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles, and skin of trunk
- Femoral – L2-L4 – skin and muscles of anterior thigh, plus medial leg and foot
- Sciatic – L4-S3 – skin and muscles of posterior thigh, leg, and foot.
(source:www.innvista.com/health/anatomy/spinal-and-major-peripheral-nerves/)
Approximately one dozen different conditions related to nerve damage and pain can commonly be found throughout medical literature. Other very rare Peripheral neuropathy-related pain scenarios sometimes do present in certain hard to identify or treat situations. The most common types of neuropathy include:
- Autonomic Neuropathy
- Cancer-Related Neuropathies
- Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy
- Compressive Neuropathies
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Drug-Induced Neuropathy and Toxic Neuropathy
- G.I. and Nutrition-Related Neuropathies
- Hereditary Neuropathies
- Infectious Diseases and Neuropathy
Because each different type of Peripheral Neuropathy can have a very unique expression of symptoms, it is important to have a conversation about any of your questions, symptoms or concerns with your doctor.
We have treated countless numbers of patients with Peripheral Neuropathy at Michigan Spine and Pain. Your symptoms might include intense pain – or even a lack of appropriate sensation. The range of sensation intensification and/or sensation loss can be very large from one patient to another with a Peripheral Neuropathy diagnosis. With our team at your side you can be confident that we are here to support you throughout your journey with Peripheral Neuropathy pain management. We are familiar with a wide range of traditional, complementary and alternative practices that have helped many of our patients. Have you been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy? Are you looking for some additional treatment perspective or options? Don’t stay on the edge of knowledge about this complex issue. We’re here to talk and here to help.