Neuropathic pain, also known as nerve pain, can cause terrible disruption to your life. If you are one of the estimated 40 Million Americans suffering from nerve pain, you know that nerve pain can make it difficult to sleep, to concentrate at work, or to enjoy yourself. Nerve pain presents as stabbing, burning, tingling, prickling sensations of pain, and/or ultimately numbness/loss of sensation.

Fortunately, there is treatment for men and women in Los Angeles suffering from nerve pain. Dr. Ryan Peterson, Board Certified Pain Management Specialist treats patients with nerve pain by devising a custom treatment program designed to maximize your relief from neuropathic pain.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Neuropathic pain - also called nerve pain - is results from an injury, disease, underlying condition, or infection. It is a chronic pain condition. Nerve pain is the result of a malfunction between the messages being sent from nerves in your body to your brain. In other words, your brain receives a “pain signal” so you feel pain, even though there is no clear or obvious cause. However, just because there is no obvious cause, doesn’t mean there isn’t a cause. Nerve pain may be mildly annoying or can be so severe that even laying a sheet across your body in bed can hurt. In either case, neuropathic pain should not be left untreated.

Causes of Neuropathic Pain

Nerve pain is generally caused by disease, injury, underlying condition or infection. Common diseases which result in nerve pain include: Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Shingles, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, Lupus, Celiac Disease, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, and Alcoholism. Injuries which can cause nerve pain include everything from spine injuries (caused by trauma, previous surgery, or degenerative disorders such as arthritis) to injuries of the brain or limb. Medical conditions which may lead to nerve pain may include previous amputation, tumors, thyroid problems, bone marrow disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Infections causing nerve pain may include Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme Disease Hepatitis B, and others.

Treatments for Neuropathic Pain

Because nerve pain can be caused by so many different things, for some people, it can take time to determine the cause. Fortunately, others may experience some, or a great deal of relief quickly, with simple medications.

Once a cause has been identified, that underlying cause must be addressed, along with the nerve pain. It’s also important to note that not all people will respond the same way to various treatments. In many cases, it will take a combination of treatment modalities to achieve relief from nerve pain. Treatments may include a combination of some or all of the following:

• Alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture
• Implants
• Nerve blocks (injections)
• Over the counter pain medication
• Prescription medication, including anti-depressants and anti-convulsants.
• Topical medicines which include local anesthetics (lidocaine, etc.)
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

How You Can Help Reduce Nerve Pain

In order to get the fastest relief from nerve pain, Dr. Ryan Peterson, top Los Angeles Pain Management Specialist will also ask for you to help treat the pain through living a healthy lifestyle. To this end, concurrent with treatment, those suffering from nerve pain should aim to:

• Lose weight if necessary
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Document any “triggers” which seem to spark pain
• Get plenty of sleep

Nerve pain can make day-to-day life difficult, so treatment should never be delayed. If you are suffering from chronic nerve pain, schedule a consultation with to Los Angeles Pain Management Specialist Dr. Ryan Peterson today. With offices throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Ryan Peterson is dedicated to you gain relief from pain and improve your quality of life.

To schedule a consultation with Los Angeles Pain Management Doctor Dr. Ryan Peterson, call 818-200-8192