NEUROPATHY PAIN DOCTORS IN CHICAGOLAND
PROVIDING THE BEST NEUROPATHY TREATMENT
Innovative, Minimally Invasive & Effective Solutions for Neuropathy
Tingling, burning, icy-hot pain, or the numbing of hands and feet – the typical symptoms of neuropathy can be distressing and disruptive to a person’s life.
The double-board certified and fellowship-trained physicians at MAPS are experienced in treating chronic neuropathic pain and finding a solution that works for the patient. Our practice focuses on achieving long-term results with an emphasis on comprehensive treatment plans.
If you experience neuropathy, contact the team at MAPS Centers For Pain Control to schedule your appointment:
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a nerve condition that causes pain and muscle weakness. It occurs when the peripheral nerves, which are located outside the brain and spinal cord, become damaged. Studies show that neuropathy affects over 20 million Americans, making it a fairly common condition.
What are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?
Neuropathy symptoms vary based on the underlying cause and severity, but many people experience a combination of the following:
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Numbness: A loss of sensation, often affecting the hands, feet, and extremities, is common with neuropathy.
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Tingling: A “pins and needles” feeling, particularly in the limbs, is a frequent symptom.
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Burning Pain: Sharp, burning pain may be felt in the hands or feet.
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Stabbing Pain: Some individuals experience a sharp, stabbing pain, similar to being pricked with a needle.
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Muscle Weakness: Neuropathy can cause muscle weakness, impacting movement, balance, and coordination, making walking or performing tasks difficult.
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Reduced Reflexes: Slower response times and diminished reflexes often accompany muscle weakness.
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Increased Sensitivity: Neuropathy can heighten sensitivity to touch, temperature, and pain, making everyday sensations more intense.
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Skin Changes: Changes in sweat production can lead to dry, irritated skin.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Neuropathy can result from various medical conditions or environmental factors that damage nerves. Here are some of the most common causes:
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Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over time can damage peripheral nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy.
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Nerve Compression: When a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues, such as herniated discs or bone spurs, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness.
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Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can sometimes damage nerves, resulting in neuropathy as a side effect.
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Excessive Alcohol Use: Chronic alcohol consumption damages nerves and causes nutritional deficiencies.
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Exposure to Drugs or Other Toxins: Long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as heavy metals or certain drugs, may disrupt normal nerve function.
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Hormonal Disorders: Conditions like thyroid imbalances can interfere with nerve health and function.
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Infections: Viral infections such as shingles or HIV can cause nerve damage and lead to neuropathy
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Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can damage nerves and impair their ability to function properly.
How is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Since neuropathy varies from person to person, effective treatment requires a personalized approach. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we focus on minimally invasive, customized treatments that target the root cause of your neuropathy. To accurately diagnose your condition, we follow a comprehensive process:
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Medical Consultation: We’ll start by reviewing your symptoms and learning more about your pain and medical history.
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Physical Examination: A light physical exam is conducted to evaluate your muscle strength, nerve function, and overall physical health..
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Neurological Examination: To gain deeper insights, we may perform a neurological exam, which tests cognitive function, motor skills, reflexes, and sensory response.
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Advanced Testing: For a precise diagnosis, we may recommend additional testing. Blood tests can detect conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, while imaging tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, can help identify nerve compression or other issues.
What Neuropathy Treatments Do We Offer?
MAPS is Chicago’s leaders in conservative treatment for chronic pain. Each of our patients undergoes a comprehensive exam so that our physicians can note their symptoms and medical history prior to determining an appropriate treatment plan. Many treatments may include or be a combination of responsible medication management, physical therapy, acupuncture, an injection-based protocol, or other innovative treatments:
Medication Management and Supplements
Neuropathic pain is unresponsive to opioids and managed medications, but other drugs can work for patients. Your physician may recommend an anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, or anti-depressant medication, in addition to herbs and dietary supplements to address any vitamin or nutrient deficiencies that could be causing neuropathic pain.
At MAPS, we specialize in ethical medication management, which involves carefully prescribing and monitoring medications to prevent adverse effects.
Physical Therapy
Many of our patients find positive results when they couple their neuropathy treatment with a physical therapy program. Our physicians work with primary care physicians as well as experienced, qualified physical therapists to ensure our patients benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan.
Through tailored exercises and expert guidance, people with neuropathy can build strength, enhance flexibility, and relieve pain.
Injection-Based Treatments
Injection-based treatments involve administering medication directly to areas of pain. These can include corticosteroid injections (which use anti-inflammatory medication), epidural steroid injections (which target spinal nerves), and trigger point injections (which treat painful muscle knots).
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Many patients have experienced rapid pain relief from minimally invasive, non-surgical solutions. One common treatment is peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), which involves implanting a small device that sends electrical impulses to block pain signals. Another promising treatment is cryoneurolysis, which uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze nerves that send pain signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek treatment for neuropathy pain?
You should seek treatment for neuropathy if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Early intervention is key to relieving pain and preventing further damage.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your first consultation, your healthcare provider may review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination to evaluate nerve function. They may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or imaging. At MAPS, we use the initial consultation to learn more about your unique condition, which allows us to create highly personalized, effective treatment plans.
What is the recovery time for neuropathy treatments?
Recovery time for neuropathy treatments varies depending on its severity, the underlying cause and the type of treatment. After starting treatment, many people see results within a few weeks or months. At MAPS, we help achieve quick pain relief without replying on complex surgeries.
Can neuropathy go away on its own?
Neuropathy can go away if the underlying cause is properly addressed. For example, if neuropathy is linked to a vitamin B sufficiency, taking supplements can help ease pain. However, if neuropathy is caused by a chronic condition or nerve compression, you may need professional support.
How does neuropathy impact daily life?
Neuropathy interferes with daily life by causing chronic pain, as well as problems with movement, coordination and balance. This makes it difficult to manage many regular activities, including work, school and household chores.
Can neuropathy affect mental health?
In addition to affecting physical well-being, neuropathy can impact mental health. Dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis may cause stress, depression and anxiety. It’s important to take care of your holistic wellness by balancing treatments with self-care and stress management.
Can lifestyle changes help manage neuropathy?
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can help manage many symptoms of neuropathy. For example, eating a balanced diet helps prevent complications caused by vitamin deficiencies and diabetes, while regular exercise promotes muscle strength and mobility. Proper stress management and self-care also promotes overall well-being. However, if symptoms persist, you may need to supplement these habits with professional treatment.
Which neuropathy treatment is right for me?
The best neuropathy treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history and condition. At MAPS, we’ll carefully consider these different factors to create a plan that works for you. This may include a combination of various treatments, including injection-based treatments, minimally invasive solutions, medical management, and physical therapy.
Why Choose the Neuropathy Specialists at MAPS Centers for Pain Control?
Are you looking for long-term neuropathy pain relief? At MAPS, we specialize in minimally invasive, non-surgical solutions that deliver results. We don’t just mask your symptoms with various medications; rather, we treat the underlying cause of your neuropathy. With every treatment, you can expect high-quality, personalized care that puts the patient first. Schedule a consultation with our neuropathy doctors in Chicago today!
Find a Neuropathy Doctor Near You
Read Our Latest Blog Articles About Neuropathy
Why Physical Therapy is the Key to Treating Neuropathy
Why Physical Therapy is the Key to Treating NeuropathyAccording to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than 20 million people in the US are affected by some form of neuropathy, a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nervous...
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy
At Centers for Pain Control,
Our Patients Are Our Priority
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy That Our Patients Have Come to Know and Expect
At MAPS, Our Patients Are Our Priority
What sets us apart from other clinics is our level of dedication and excellent patient advocacy that our patients have come to know and expect. We work with most major insurances and have processes in place that expedite paperwork - meaning we have more time to dedicate in person when assessing and treating our patients.
We work with most major insurances and have processes in place that expedite paperwork - meaning we have more time to dedicate in person when assessing and treating our patients.
We Are Here For You – Let Us Help Relieve Your Pain Today
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