About 24 to 30% of adults suffer from neuropathy, often a debilitating, painful condition. Steven Ferrer, MD, and Kevin McElroy DO, at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, offer a comprehensive neuropathy diagnosis using innovative muscle and diagnostic nerve tests at their office in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The available treatment options for neuropathy include, but are not limited to, physical therapy, pain management, and many more. Take a step towards restoring or enhancing your overall health and wellness today with a Glen Rock neuropathy specialist. To book an appointment, call Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine’s office or use the online scheduling tool.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the normal functioning of the nerves in your peripheral nervous system. The body’s peripheral nervous system links your spinal cord and your brain to the rest of your body. In the case any of these nerves are damaged, it affects the relay of information between your brain and body.

 The peripheral nervous system comprises three major nerves, including:

Ø  Sensory nerves– They carry signals which help you to realize sensations such as cold and hot.

Ø  Motor nerves- Relay messages from your brain to the muscles to act on stimuli.

Ø  Autonomic nerves– Manage important body functions, including digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Even though neuropathy affects people of all ages, senior adults are at greater risk of developing this condition.

What Are the Common Causes of Neuropathy?

Neuropathy can be passed down through your genes or might develop later in your life. The non-hereditary causes include trauma, medications, autoimmune disorders or infections, alcoholism, vascular disorders, exposure to toxic substances, vitamin imbalances, diabetes, or other systemic conditions. At times, neuropathy’s actual cause is not determined, which accounts for about 30-40% of all neuropathy cases.

How to Diagnose Neuropathy?

Your provider at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine cross-checks your medical history to establish whether you have a hidden disorder causing your neuropathy. The providers often recommend muscle and nerve testing, which is conducted in two sections. The first involves a nerve conduction study, whereas the second is a test known as electromyography.

•   Nerve Conduction Study

   A nerve conduction study tests the nerves. The test utilizes electrical signals to trigger your nerves and measure their extent of functionality.

•   Electromyography

Electromyography tests the muscles. Your provider uses a tiny wire to evaluate the electrical activity in your muscles.

Both diagnostic tests for neuropathy are offered at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine. These procedures give your specialist vital information about the location of your condition, its extremity, and for how long it has been.

What Are the Available Treatment Options for Neuropathy?

Your provider at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine customizes your treatment depending on the cause of your condition. He mainly recommends physical therapy to alleviate pain, improve your body’s natural healing ability, and monitor your progress. The main aim is to reduce the pain and offer you relief for any other symptoms.

For a precise diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy in Glen Rock, NJ, partner with the board-certified providers at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine. To request a consultation, call the office or use the online booking tool today.