Understanding peripheral neuropathy causes can help you decide what the best method for pain management. The peripheral nervous system is the area that connects the nerves from your brain and your spinal cord (also known as the central nervous system) to the rest of body including your arms, hands, feet, legs, internal organs, mouth, and face. These nerves serve to deliver signals about any physical sensation that you feel back to your brain. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when these nerves malfunction due to damage and eventually become destroyed, which ultimately disrupts the nerves normal functioning. The nerves may begin to send signals of pain, even when there is no stimulus causing pain, which can lead to chronic pain. Or on the other hand, the nerves may not send pain signals when something is harming you. There are various types of treatment for the pain management such as topical compounds.
Peripheral Neuropathy Causes & Chronic Pain Management
Some of the causes of peripheral neuropathy include an injury, a systemic illness, an infection, or even an inherited disorder. A person will be at an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy if they have family members who have the disorder as well. Another cause is nerve damage done by diabetes, so those who are overweight, have high blood pressure, are over the age of forty, and have diabetes are at an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. There are also a wide variety of other chronic disorders that can lead to peripheral neuropathy as well. Another cause is injuries. Physical trauma is the most common cause of nerve damage. Alcohol and toxins can also put users at increased risk due to affecting nerve tissues, potentially in a harmful way. Viruses and bacteria can also have the potential to attack nerve tissues. There are even some medications, such as anticonvulsants, drugs to fight bacterial infections, certain blood pressure medications, and some medications used to treat cancer, have the potential to lead to nerve damage.
Learn more about peripheral neuropathy by reading 6 Tips for Living with Diabetic Neuropathy and Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Need to Know.
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy Causes
Peripheral neuropathy is a serious disorder that can lead to chronic pain, which will create a very painful life. But know that there are many different options for your pain management. Pain medications, whether prescribed or over the counter can be very helpful, but you must be careful not to miss use them. Another option is topical compounds that will be able to add a more direct method of pain relief. And there are many, many more treatment options available. Just talk to your doctor and you will be able to find the perfect treatment to help manage your peripheral neuropathy.