Nerve Damage

Nerves are essential to healthy physical functioning; they carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body, making muscles move and allowing us to feel heat, pressure, and pain. Nerves are comprised of a bundle of small fibers, encased by an insulating, protective outer layer. The fibers carry the messages to the brain; when nerves are damaged, these messages are interrupted, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. Nerves can be damaged by an excess of pressure, by stretching out, or as the result of a deep cut. When an excess of pressure is applied consistently for a prolonged period of time, conditions such as carpal tunnel are liable to occur. When a nerve is mildly stretched, it may result in a mild, short-term injury – one that will resolve on its own. If a nerve is stretched a great deal, it may result in a more serious, long-term injury – one that requires professional medical treatment. When a nerve is cut, it can no longer send vital signals to the brain. The type of injury and the severity of the nerve damage will dictate what type of intervention is necessary.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage

Because there are so many nerves within the human body, the symptoms of nerve damage vary significantly. The symptoms that you experience will depend heavily on the location of the affected nerves. In general, three main categories of nerves may be affected – sensory nerves, autonomic nerves, or motor nerves. If you suffer sensory nerve damage, you may experience:

  • Increased sensitivity
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Burning or tingling sensations in affected areas
  • Issues with positional awareness

If your autonomic nerves undergo damage, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Changes in sweat patterns (sweating excessively or not sweating at all)
  • Constipation
  • Bladder dysfunction
  • Dry eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Inability to sense issues involving chest pain (such as the onset of a heart attack)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

If motor nerves are damaged, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Paralysis
  • Fasciculation (commonly known as twitching)
  • Increased muscle weakness
  • Eventual muscle atrophy

Treatment for Nerve Damage

Nerves within the peripheral nervous system will often heal themselves over a short period of time; however, in many cases, nerve damage can never be entirely repaired. Fortunately, there are many treatment methods designed to greatly reduce symptoms. If nerve damage is related to diabetes, regulating blood sugar levels may work to reduce nerve damage, in turn reducing pain levels. Nerve damage can also be prevented and controlled by changes to diet, increased physical activity, and physical therapy. Many have also experienced decreased pain by making changes in medication (some medications can cause nerve damage). While certain medications can be used to prevent pain associated with nerve damage, there are also many conservative, alternative methods of treatment.

How Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Heals Nerve Damage

When treating nerve damage and related pain, we first look into all conservative treatment options. These may include physical therapy, acupuncture, meditation, and therapeutic techniques like biofeedback. If such methods of treatment prove ineffective, we may treat nerve damage using pharmaceutical intervention. Certain medications, such as pain relievers, specific anti-seizure drugs, and tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to greatly reduce pain related to nerve damage. We will determine the best course of treatment for your specific case, and develop a personalized plan of recovery based on your symptoms and medical history.

If you are suffering from nerve damage, we can help. Call (561) 434-7577 and let the caring staff at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches get you on the path to healing.

Request an appointment

Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Specializes in Nerve Damage Pain.

Call (561) 434-7577 or click the link below so we can get you feeling better today.

Better Doctors. Better Care

We are dedicated to quality patient care. Our goal is to provide effective pain relief and functional recovery to facilitate return to an active lifestyle.

Meet The Doctor

DR.-GATZ-33p7kea4zi9y7hqpiq4gsg@2x

Dr. Gatz

Pain Management Specialist

Dr. Gatz has been practicing Pain Medicine for nearly 2 decades. He began his medical education by earning his Bachelors in Arts from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1991. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska in1993.

After completing his internship at Creighton University Medical Center, in 1994, Dr. Gatz completed his Anesthesiology residency at Kansas University Medical Center and his Anesthesiology and Pain Management fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, in 1998.

Why Choose Our Clinic?

Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches uses a patient centered approach to develop an appropriate treatment plan to help each patient overcome their pain.

  • State-of-the-art Digital Imaging System
  • High Quality Pain Diagnosis
  • Nearly 2 decades of Pain Management Experience
  • Fellowship Trained in Pain Management
  • Board Certified in Anesthesia
  • On-site Procedure Rooms
  • Non-surgical and Surgical Care Customized to Your Needs
  • Individually Tailored Pain Management Treatment
  • Results Oriented Treatment
  • South Florida’s Dedicated Full-service Pain Management Clinic

Are you ready for a consultation?

Your treatment will be performed by licensed physician. Schedule your appointment now!

Are you ready for a consultation?

Your treatment will be performed by licensed physician. Schedule your appointment now!