NEUROPATHIC PAIN PASADENA

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels from diabetes.
• Postherpetic Neuralgia: Persistent pain after a shingles (herpes zoster) infection.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage from conditions like vitamin deficiencies, infections, or exposure to toxins.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Nerve pain resulting from damage to the spinal cord.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune disease affecting nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
• Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: Nerve damage from cancer treatments.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: Severe facial pain from irritation of the trigeminal nerve.

The symptoms of neuropathic pain can vary widely but generally include:

• Burning Sensation: A common symptom, often described as a feeling of burning or heat.

• Stabbing or Shooting Pain: Sharp, shooting pain that can be intermittent or constant.

• Tingling or Pins and Needles: A sensation of tingling or prickling, known as paresthesia.

• Numbness: Reduced or loss of sensation in the affected area.

• Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes, where even light touch can be painful.

• Electric Shock-Like Pain: A sudden, intense pain that feels like an electric shock.

• Pain in Response to Non-Painful Stimuli: Known as allodynia, where normally non-painful stimuli (like light touch) cause pain.

• Difficulty with Coordination: In some cases, neuropathic pain can affect motor function and coordination.

Preventing neuropathic pain involves addressing risk factors and managing conditions that can lead to nerve damage. Key strategies include maintaining good control of chronic conditions like diabetes through regular monitoring and medication, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and seeking timely treatment for infections and injuries. Additionally, incorporating healthy lifestyle practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can support overall nerve health. At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, treatment options for neuropathic pain are tailored to each individual's needs and may include advanced therapies such as medications specifically for neuropathic pain, physical therapy to improve function, interventional procedures like nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation, and comprehensive pain management strategies. Our holistic approach aims to alleviate symptoms, enhance quality of life, and address the underlying causes of neuropathic pain.

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition and needs. Our goal is to alleviate pain and restore function through personalized care plans, which may include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants to manage pain.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function.
• Nerve Blocks: Injections to block pain signals from affected nerves.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: Devices that use electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain.
• Psychotherapy: Counseling to help manage the emotional impact of chronic pain.
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At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we utilize a thorough diagnostic process to identify and understand neuropathic pain:

• Comprehensive Medical History: We review your medical history, including any conditions, injuries, or treatments that could contribute to neuropathic pain.
• Detailed Physical Examination: We assess the affected areas for signs of nerve damage, such as changes in sensation, reflexes, and muscle strength.
• Diagnostic Tests: These may include nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to identify nerve damage and its extent.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. If you suspect you have neuropathic pain, contact Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert care and guide you on your path to recovery.