Treatment options for painful peripheral neuropathy

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is intense pain usually in the hands and feet caused by damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. When medications, patches, or injections don’t work, spinal cord stimulation may an effective treatment at stopping your pain.

What are nonsurgical peripheral neuropathy treatments in Denver?

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause. The first line of treatment for neuropathies is often medication. In addition to prescription medications aimed at treating neuropathy, you may also be prescribed pain relievers, antiseizure medication, or antidepressants.

Medications don’t work long term for everyone though. Also, many patients don’t like the side effects of the medications. If these situations apply to you, you may want to consider neuromodulation to treat your peripheral neuropathy.

What medications may be used to treat peripheral neuropathy?

Over-the-counter pain medications may be an effective treatment for mild peripheral neuropathy, while more severe pain may benefit from prescription pain medications. When possible, opioids and dependence-leading medications are avoided.

Anti-seizure medications like gabapentin may be effective in relieving nerve pain in some patients. Other patients may benefit from topical medications for their peripheral neuropathy treatment.

Antidepressants have also been found to provide relief in some patients with peripheral neuropathy as these medications can interfere with pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.

What types of therapy may be used to treat peripheral neuropathy?

For patients with muscle weakness, physical therapy may provide relief for peripheral neuropathy. Various braces and devices to aid in walking may also help provide relief.

What minimally invasive procedures are used to treat peripheral neuropathy?

Neuromodulation is a form of peripheral neuropathy treatment that delivers stimulation to a targeted site. It can be done through medications and also through electrical stimulation. The most common neuromodulation treatment is spinal cord stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain. Spinal cord stimulation uses a device, that is implanted near your spine to send mild electrical pulses that prevent pain signals from getting to your brain.

With spinal cord stimulation, you can expect your peripheral neuropathy pain to be rapidly reduced by 50 to 75 percent. Learn more about spinal cord stimulation in Parker, Littleton, Lakewood, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, Colorado.

Is neuromodulation right for treating your peripheral neuropathy?

• Do your feet hurt at night? Are sheets irritating?
• Do you feel like you are walking on nails or marbles?
• Do you feel like ants are stinging your feet?
• Is your neuropathy causing so much pain that it prevents you from engaging in normal activities of daily living?

If you answered yes to any of these questions and medication isn’t helping relieve your discomfort, you may be a candidate for neuromodulation.

Are spinal cord stimulators effective in treating peripheral neuropathy?

Yes, spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy pain. People with spinal cord stimulators report an average 6-point drop on a 10-point pain scale.

Where can I learn more about spinal cord stimulation treatment in Denver?

Your questions about spinal cord stimulation as well as a video about the peripheral neuropathy treatment option can be found on our spinal cord stimulation page. Neurosurgery One’s board-certified Denver neurosurgeons and physiatrists provide customized treatment plans for our patients with painful peripheral neuropathy. To help provide faster availability to our patients, we have recently opened a specialty clinic that has appointments available within 10 days, often sooner. At this 30-minute appointment, which is available in person or via telehealth (for Colorado residents), our nurse practitioner will evaluate your condition and treatment options and answer your questions. If you are a candidate for neuromodulation or another peripheral neuropathy treatment option, she will schedule your tests, appointments, and procedure. This will save you time and help ensure a smooth and seamless process.

Call 720-638-7500, Option 1, to schedule your appointment within the next 10 days at our Littleton or Lakewood offices or via telehealth (for Colorado residents). Or submit this form:

Is surgery an option for treating my peripheral neuropathy?

If your peripheral neuropathy has been linked to pressure on nerves caused by tumors, cancer, or a pinched nerve, you may be a candidate for surgery. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of surgical options with your Neurosurgery One pain management specialist.