When we get injured the typical recommendation for recovery is R.I.C.E., an acronym that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate. If that’s not enough we may even take over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to help with the symptoms. But, what do you do when you fall victim to an injury of the nervous system? It’s not something you can put ice on or wrap with an ACE bandage.
Injury and disease to the nervous system can cause what we refer to as Neuropathic pain. Studies have yet to identify an obvious cause but some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
Alcoholism
Amputation
Chemotherapy
Diabetes
Facial nerve problems
HIV infection or AIDS
Multiple myelomas
Multiple sclerosis
Nerve or spinal cord compression from herniated discs or from arthritis in the spine
Shingles
Spine surgery
Syphilis
Thyroid problems
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms often include changes in sensations including burning pain, tingling, or numbness, and some describe their pain as a “pins and needles” sensation. If you are experiencing any such symptoms, some of the more common treatments for neuropathic pain include:
Antidepressants and anti-epileptics
Topical ointments like lidocaine or capsaicin cream
Botox Injections
NMDA antagonists like ketamine and dextromethorphan
Physical Therapy
If you’ve already tried these treatments without success or are looking for an alternative, one often overlooked treatment is Neuromodulation.
Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body. In simpler terms, imagine applying two heart-monitor-like electrodes to your skin and running an electric stimulus between them for about a half-hour. This stimulus over time has shown to “reboot” a patients nerve activity and reduce chronic pain.
Other conditions that benefit from Neuromodulation?
Aside from chronic pain, Neuromodulation has shown to be beneficial for many other illnesses and conditions including:
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Spasticity
Movement Disorders
Epilepsy
Ischaemia
Cardiac
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Spinal Injuries
Visual Illnesses
Specific Psychiatric Disorders
Could neuromodulation be a solution for you or a loved one? Call our office to learn more at 704-752-8100 or click below to schedule your free phone consultation.
