Living in pain daily due to a chronic condition is difficult. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy causes those who suffer from it to experience numbness, tingling, and/or burning in their extremities. Treatments such as spinal cord stimulation can help manage pain associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY?
Peripheral diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged due to chronically high blood sugar and diabetes, and is the most common complication of diabetes. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy causes a host of symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to extremely painful. These symptoms can include:
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Numbness
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Sharp pains and cramps
- Foot problems such as infections, ulcers, and bone and joint pain
There is no known cure for peripheral diabetic neuropathy. It can only be treated and managed. This can cause distress in those suffering from it as they struggle to find ways to manage their pain. Many doctors will recommend starting with medications that can help relieve pain before trying more intensive pain management methods such as surgery. Pain management medications can be over-the-counter or prescribed, depending on the patient's needs. Another important aspect of peripheral diabetic neuropathy pain management is treating the cause, diabetes.
HOW CAN SPINAL CORD STIMULATION HELP?
A spinal cord stimulation device delivers mild electrical currents to nerves along the spinal cord. Spinal cord stimulation can help treat chronic pain caused by many different things, including peripheral diabetic neuropathy. This device will send low levels of electrical currents through the spine to relieve pain. SCS is not usually the first line of defense against managing chronic pain, as it requires a surgical procedure to place a permanent device under the skin. Most patients who try SCS have tried other pain medications and surgery to manage their pain before choosing SCS. If you have exhausted all other options for peripheral diabetic neuropathy pain management, talk to your doctor to see if you are eligible for spinal cord stimulation. This type of treatment is not for everyone but can provide amazing pain relief for those who need it.
WHERE CAN I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
If you are experiencing pain caused by peripheral diabetic neuropathy, The Pain Center may be able to help. Contact us today to discuss treatment options for your chronic pain. We can help create a plan to help manage your pain caused by peripheral diabetic neuropathy, as well as other chronic conditions you may also have.