You may have heard of neuropathy or neuropathy pain in the past but never really considered what it was. It is a common enough condition that you may have even heard it on TV during a commercial or even on one of your favorite medical dramas.
Want to learn more about this condition and how to recognize its symptoms? Keep reading below to learn what it is, what its symptoms are, and whether it is treatable.
What Exactly Is Neuropathy and What Can I Do to Start Managing It Now?
Neuropathy, known more commonly as nerve damage, can result from many different conditions and circumstances, such as diabetes, surgery, and chemotherapy. In and of itself, it is not a single condition but a catchall for nerve damage that occurs because of other conditions.
Using the information in the rest of this article and working with your doctor, you can determine whether you have neuropathy so that you can begin thinking about how to take care of it.
Read on for the symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?
To better understand how this condition might affect the body and present symptoms, it helps to talk about how the nervous system works. First, the nervous system is divided into two different categories: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (all other nerves). The peripheral nervous system allows the brain and spinal cord to communicate with the rest of the body.
The peripheral nervous system breaks down further into the somatic nervous system, which controls functions that we can consciously control, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like digestion, heartbeat, and sometimes breathing.
The symptoms of nerve damage depend on the underlying condition that caused it as well as the individual being diagnosed. In short, however, you can check for these symptoms to when in the process of diagnosis:
- Temporary or permanent numbness
- A tingling or burning sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Pain
- Organ dysfunction
- Urinary or sexual dysfunction
While these symptoms do not represent an exhaustive list, they are a good place to start. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about whether nerve damage might be the cause.
Is Neuropathy Treatable?
While there is no cure for this condition, patients can find relief from neuropathy. Early detection makes controlling it much easier, so it is critical that if you believe you might suffer from it that you seek the advice of a medical professional.
Find Relief Today: Talk to Us about Diagnosis and Treatment
Tired of dealing with your neuropathy symptoms on your own? Want to make a change for the better? Talk to us today to learn how we can help.