Peripheral Neuropathy Info and Treatment

Pain Treatment Centers of America Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment and FAQs

The peripheral nervous system encompasses a vast network of motor and sensory nerves. These nerves connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body and control complex functions like movement, sensation, breathing, bladder control and motor function.

When the peripheral nerves are damaged by injury or disease, it can lead to a condition known as peripheral neuropathy .

Here’s what you should know about this condition, including symptoms and treatment.

Different Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

There are two main types of peripheral neuropathy: mononeuropathy (including multiple mononeuropathy) and polyneuropathy .

Mononeuropathy affects only a single peripheral nerve, while polyneuropathy affects multiple nerves. Multiple mononeuropathy can affect single nerves in different areas of the body.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Physical injury is the leading cause of peripheral mononeuropathy in the United States . Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common form, is caused by trauma to the median nerve in the wrist. Car accidents, serious falls and sports injuries can also cause physical trauma that leads to mononeuropathy.

Polyneuropathy, which affects multiple nerve cells, is commonly caused by acquired diseases.

Diabetes is the leading cause of polyneuropathy in the United States. Diabetic neuropathy occurs when chronic high levels of blood sugar attack the nerves throughout the body. Up to 70% of people with diabetes have some form of this condition.

Other common causes of neuropathy include:


  • Systemic Auto-Immune Diseases. Sjogren’s Syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the body’s own immune system to attack nerve cells throughout the body, leading to neuropathy.
  • Infections. Viruses like herpes simplex, HIV, the varicella-zoster virus and West Nile virus can attack nerve tissues which can then lead to neuropathic symptoms.
  • Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can be damaging to nerve tissue in various parts of the body.
  • Exposure to Toxins. Toxic neuropathy can occur with exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as mercury, lead, brevetoxin, and hexacarbons, among others.
  • Nutritional Imbalances. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of Vitamin B12 , have been linked to peripheral neuropathy.
  • Cancer Treatment. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can damage the peripheral nerves.
  • Genetics. Inherited neuropathy is passed from parent to child and may be diagnosed early in life. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is the most common inherited neuropathy, although genetic neuropathy overall is extremely rare.

What Are The Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Motor, sensory and autonomic nerve damage are the hallmarks of peripheral neuropathy.

Damage to motor and sensory nerves can lead to a host of symptoms:


  • Numbness, prickling, and tingling in the hands and feet
  • Stabbing or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Muscle weakness
  • A feeling of wearing an “invisible” sock or glove
  • Inexplicable pain in arms, legs, hands or feet
  • Lack of coordination
  • Muscle weakness

Autonomic neuropathy can cause the following symptoms:


  1. Excessive sweating
  2. Bladder, bowel and digestive issues
  3. Dizziness
  4. Sudden changes in blood pressure
  5. Lightheadedness or faintness

How is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin by taking a full medical history and performing physical and neurological examinations.

Additional diagnostic tests may include:


  • Blood tests - Typically, these tests check for levels of Vitamin B12, thyroid and kidney function, and immune function, among other things.
  • Nerve function tests - Electromyography and nerve conduction tests measure nerve health and function.
  • Nerve and skin biopsies can check nerve endings
  • Imaging tests - CT scans and MRIs can check for abnormalities in the skeleton or muscles.

Because every individual’s symptoms are different, your doctor may recommend other tests in addition to these.

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?

Peripheral neuropathy pain and muscle weakness can be debilitating. For many people, the condition has a negative impact on work, family life and personal goals.

It’s important for individuals with this condition to find effective pain management options, so they can get back to living their lives.

While there is no cure for neuropathy, there are treatments available to decrease pain, strengthen muscles and improve coordination:


  • Physical therapy
  • Traditional medicines used to control pain
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Therapeutic nerve blocks
  • Topical medications like pain-relieving creams

Explore treatment options with a pain management provider you trust.

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America

At PTCOA, we’re proud to offer treatment for a range of pain conditions, including peripheral neuropathy.

We specialize in a number of treatment options for neuropathic pain, including physical therapy, nerve blocks, and traditional pain treatments.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment: (844) 215-0731.

July 31, 2026
Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, looking down at a phone, or driving between appointments without realizing how these habits affect their bodies. Over time, poor posture places excessive stress on muscles, joints, and the spine, leading to chronic pain that interferes with daily life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients identify the causes of persistent pain and develop bespoke treatment plans that improve function, mobility, and well-being. How Poor Posture Leads to Chronic Pain Proper posture keeps your body aligned, allowing muscles, ligaments, and joints to work efficiently. When posture is compromised—whether from slouching, hunching over a computer, or standing unevenly—certain muscles become overworked while others weaken. Such imbalance places unnecessary strain on the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, poor posture leads to chronic pain in several areas of the body, including: Neck and shoulders Upper and lower back Hips and pelvis Knees Head, leading to tension headaches Many people don’t notice the effects immediately, but repeated poor posture can gradually cause inflammation, muscle fatigue, nerve irritation, and reduced flexibility. Common Signs Your Posture May Be Causing Pain Poor posture often develops slowly, making it hard to recognize until discomfort becomes persistent. Typical symptoms include: Frequent neck or shoulder stiffness Ongoing lower back pain Muscle tightness after sitting for long periods Headaches which start at the base of the skull Rounded shoulders or a forward head position Fatigue from standing or sitting throughout the day If these symptoms continue despite rest or over-the-counter treatments, it may be time for a medical assessment. Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture Improving posture doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily changes can greatly reduce pain and prevent future problems. Consider these healthy habits: Sit with both feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Keep computer monitors at eye level to reduce neck strain. Take regular breaks to move your body throughout the day. Strengthen muscles in your core to better support your spine. Practice posture awareness while standing, walking, and lifting objects. Try not to look down at your phone for longer periods of time by raising the screen closer to eye level. These simple adjustments can reduce stress on your body and improve comfort during daily activities. When Professional Treatment Is Needed While posture correction helps many people, chronic pain may require additional medical care, especially if poor posture has caused joint dysfunction, nerve irritation, or long-term muscle imbalances. A complete evaluation can determine whether posture is causing your symptoms and identify other underlying conditions that may be involved. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include: Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation Interventional pain management procedures Trigger point or joint injections Medication management when appropriate Personalized exercise recommendations Education on body mechanics and ergonomics Combining posture correction with targeted treatment often provides the greatest long-term relief. Personalized Chronic Pain Care at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand chronic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. Our experienced providers evaluate the whole person to identify the root cause of discomfort and create individualized treatment plans that support lasting relief. Whether your pain stems from poor posture, repetitive strain, or another underlying condition, we’re committed to helping you improve mobility, restore function, and return to the activities you enjoy.  If chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, let’s customize a treatment plan that helps you stand taller, move more comfortably, and live with less pain.
June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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