What You Need To Understand About Back Pain and Neuropathy

While most people associate neuropathy with pain in the lower legs, feet, arms, and hands, it’s also possible to have neuropathy in your back. This is because neuropathy can occur in any nerve, including those in the back, neck, and hips. Any time a nerve is compressed or damaged, it can begin sending pain signals to the brain. If you have such pain, you need to seek out Broomfield neuropathy treatment. If you haven’t dealt with this type of neuropathy before, here are some of the basics.

How Does Neuropathy in the Back Occur?

While peripheral neuropathy can occur from a number of different conditions and diseases, neuropathy in the back typically occurs because the nerve is compressed. There are a number of different injuries that can cause this. One of the most common causes of neuropathy in the back is a herniated disc. The disc presses in on the nerve, causing it to send pain signals to the brain. That’s not to say conditions such as diabetes or thyroid conditions can’t cause neuropathy in the back—they can, though peripheral neuropathy is more common.

In addition to herniated discs, there are a number of other things in the back that can press on a nerve, leading to neuropathy. These include bone spurs and even the spine itself. Tumors, while rare, can also press on a nerve and lead to nerve damage.

Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain the Back

One of the reasons most people don’t immediately think about neuropathy in their back is because the pain often doesn’t occur there. Instead, those who have nerve damage or compressed nerves in their back often feel the pain in areas such as one leg or arm. For example, sciatica is a type of neuropathy that is known for causing pain that radiates down one leg. However, that pain actually comes from a nerve in the back.

If you have had surgery on your back and later begin to experience chronic and gradually increase pain, you may also have nerve damage. Most people assume that the back surgery was not entirely successful, which is true to some extent. You may need to have surgery again to repair the damaged nerve or release the pressure that was put on it.

Most people who have neuropathy that originates in the back describe the same symptoms that those who suffer from peripheral neuropathy do. This includes sudden, sharp shooting pains, persistent tingling, a burning feeling, and weakness in the affected area.

How Is Neuropathy in the Back Treated?

Treating neuropathy in the back depends on what is causing it. If it is caused by a condition such as diabetes, the only real way to eliminate the pain is by dealing with your blood sugar levels. There are methods we can use to help you get the pain under control while you work to lower your blood sugar so you don’t have to live in pain for months.

In some cases, a realignment can help relieve the pressure on the nerve. Spinal decompression can help to stretch the spine and release pressure caused by damaged discs or from a misaligned spinal column. In extreme cases, surgery is the only option, but we reserve that as a last resort. There are many treatment options that are non-invasive and do not rely on medication to mask the pain.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re suffering from back pain, give Fox Integrated Healthcare a call today. We will determine the cause of the pain and, if it’s neuropathy, work with you to get it under control so you can enjoy your life. Contact us today to set up an appointment.