Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the ends of the nerves in the upper and lower extremities. Peripheral neuropathy can be the result of chemotherapy, diabetes and thyroid problems, but can also be idiopathic in nature with no obvious cause. Symptoms can include pain, feelings of numbness, tingling or burning, which can be debilitating. Experiencing these symptoms can be a sign of neuropathy, cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, or myofasical pain syndrome. One out of every two people with diabetes will suffer from diabetic neuropathy at some point in their life. Similar symptoms can also be caused by disc herniations and spinal stenosis.
At NorthEast Spine and Sports Medicine, our experienced staff can diagnose and treat these conditions with plans that are custom tailored to each patient’s needs. One way we treat neuropathy is with Micro-Vas Therapy, which relieves pain non-surgically.
Micro-Vas Therapy (also known as micro-vascular) is a form of electrical stimulation commonly used to stimulate blood flow in feet and hands. It is often performed in conjunction with physical therapy for maximum improvement. This is a treatment designed for patients who have chronic pain caused by poor blood circulation. Pain can be so bad they have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Common causes of poor blood circulation include: diabetes, smoking, being overweight, sitting for long periods of time, and even genetics.
Each Micro-Vas treatment lasts 10-20 minutes and is often painless for patients. Some patients have reported feeling a tingling sensation in their feet during treatment.
Treatment is done in our Jackson, Point Pleasant, Barnegat, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Tinton Falls offices.
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed with an extensive medical history, considering risk factors and genetic predisposition. Nerve studies, physical examination, reflexes and sensation testing are used to confirm the diagnosis.
For more information on peripheral neuropathy and to see if you are a candidate for Micro-Vas therapy, contact Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine at 732-653-1000 or visit www.northeastspineandsports.com.