Treatment FAQ

what kind of doctor for nerve treatment

by Tom Dickens DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Treatment

  • Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve.
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve pain.
  • Surgery. If the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve.

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles.Jan 24, 2020

Full Answer

Which Doctor is best for muscle and nerve pain?

Specialists who can treat muscle pain, depending on its cause, include:

  • Physiatrists, also known as a physical medicine or rehabilitation doctors
  • Orthopedic specialists, medical doctors (MDs) trained to treat musculoskeletal conditions, especially surgically
  • Neurologists, MDs trained in brain diseases and conditions, some of which can cause muscle pain

More items...

What kind of Doctor treats muscle problems?

These include:

  • Inflammatory arthritis: Pain and swelling of joints, generally worse with inactivity and early in the morning, associated with prolonged stiffness. ...
  • Interstitial lung disease: Inflammatory lung disease, leading to cough or shortness of breath
  • Rash: There are several characteristic rashes in dermatomyositis, often with a dark red or purple hue. ...

More items...

What kind of Doctor do you see for nerve pain?

People often think of a chiropractic doctor for chronic pain, but neurologists also diagnose and treat back pain and neck pain. Neurologists specialize in conditions and diseases that affect the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system; this often includes chronic pain in the back and neck.

What kind of Doctor treats muscle pain?

Treatment

  • Self-Care Strategies. Rest: Rest the injured muscle (s) as much as possible to allow the acute inflammation to subside. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Complementary and Alternative Therapies. ...
  • Physical Therapy. ...
  • Surgery. ...

image

What is the treatment for neuropathy?

These treatments can include tissue regeneration technologies (TRT) shockwave therapy, which can help encourage regeneration so you can begin to experience healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injections of your own platelets to also encourage healing. Other treatment styles include laser treatments, mechanical spine and extremity treatments, and physical therapy.

How does a chiropractor treat neuropathy?

Because chiropractors only use natural approaches to treatment for neuropathy, the goal is to help encourage your body to naturally manage the pain and discomfort through a variety of therapies. Chiropractors take a holistic view of you and your body, so treatment options can include lifestyle and nutritional consultations in an effort to help your body function at its best. These treatments are more than just about reducing pain; you may also notice improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and a positive change in your quality of relaxation and sleep. You may start seeing results after just a few visits with these types of therapeutic techniques and the goal is to experience greater relief within a year of beginning treatment.

Can a neurologist treat peripheral neuropathy?

You might be wondering whether or not your doctor is the best option for treating neuropathy. While neurologists are the most obvious choice to treat peripheral neuropathy, you might feel like you have exhausted your treatment options with a neurologist and want to try something different. Chiropractors who specialize in neuropathy treatment provide natural and effective treatment options that don’t require medications and can still manage your pain.

Can you put on socks with neuropathy?

If you know the agonizing pain and discomfort that comes with peripheral nerve dysfunction, then you have likely sought out a number of neuropathy treatment options. The simple act of putting on a pair of socks can lead to painful tingling and even numbness, which can affect every part of your day. Finding a peripheral neuropathy treatment that works for you is so important to getting back to doing so many things you used to without foot pain.

Can neuropathy be treated with chiropractic care?

Neurologists offer traditional approaches to treating various disorders and pain symptoms, often relying on medications that may not slow the progression of your peripheral neuropathy. Chiropractic care can offer a more innovative approach to treating your pain and discomfort so you don’t have to live with this agony anymore. Peripheral neuropathy may not have a cure, but with the right treatments it can be managed and it doesn’t have to affect you for the rest of your life. There are different kinds of neuropathy. Whether your neuropathy is due to diabetes, a post-surgical response, or is so far undiagnosed, there are Broomfield chiropractors who will provide peripheral neuropathy treatments that can help.

What type of treatments can a nerve doctor specialist provide?

A lot of these treatments do not require invasive surgery, and are considered better alternatives to pain relief than options such as oral medication. The majority of these treatments focus not only on reducing the pain that is felt by a nerve condition, but also fixing the nerve issue itself where possible.

What is a nerve specialist?

A nerve doctor specialist is another name for a doctor who has trained in the field of nerve conditions and treatment. Many doctors train in this area including neurologists, anesthesiology pain doctors, and neurosurgeons. Nerve specialists are able to diagnose the cause of your nerve pain, and provide different types of treatment ...

How to treat pinched nerve in neck?

Steroid injections can be used to reduce neck and back pain. Also known as a cervical epidural steroid injection, the injection is placed in the spine, in the painful area, to reduce inflammation and the feeling of pain. This type of treatment is ideal for a pinched nerve, because it provides the nerve with adequate space in the spinal cord, reducing the pressure and therefore the feeling of pain. While mainly used to treat pain in the spine and neck region, it can also be used to target pinched nerves in the wrist, shoulder, hip or knee.

What is the treatment for knee pain?

Genicular Nerve Block. This is a type of treatment that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively stopping you from feeling pain. Also known as a G block, is a type of treatment that is focused on reducing pain that is felt in the knee joint. A nerve doctor specialist will inject local anesthetic into the genicular nerve ...

What is the nervous system?

The nervous system is the network of nerves that run throughout your body. These nerves are what send signals to different parts of the body, allowing you to move and feel sensation. There are two main parts of the nervous system – the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system.

What to do if you don't know what is causing your nerve pain?

After the cause of your nerve condition has been determined, they can provide you with appropriate treatment, and ongoing support afterwards where necessary.

Is George Hanna a doctor?

Dr. George Hanna is a nationally recognized pain management specialist and Double Board Certified in anesthesiology and pain management medicine. Dr. Hanna is currently available at Pain Treatment Specialists in Manhattan. He is now accepting most major medical insurances, including Medicare.

What tests are done to determine nerve damage?

These tests might include: CT scan. MRI scan. Electromyography (EMG) Nerve and skin biopsy. Spinal tap or lumbar puncture.

What to do if you suspect neuropathy?

If you suspect you have neuropathy, a visit to your doctor is in order . Having a trustworthy, knowledgeable doctor in your corner is a big help when it comes to understanding and monitoring your condition. With your doctor’s guidance, there are many things you can do to live a happy, healthy life, despite the pain.

What tools do neurologists use to diagnose neuropathy?

Okay, so we’ve convinced you that these neurologist folks know what they’re doing. Now, what actually happens when you visit their office? How do they diagnose you? Good question! Let’s get into it.

How is neuropathy treated?

Generally, nerve damage is permanent and cannot be reversed, but there are some things that can be done to manage the pain and prevent it from getting worse.

What does it mean when your hands are numb?

If you have symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or pain in your extremities, particularly your hands or feet, you might be suffering from neuropathy. Neuropathy results when nerve cells are damaged or destroyed, which disrupts the way neurons communicate with each other and the brain. You may be asking yourself Which Type of ...

How long does it take to become a neurologist?

The education required to become a neurologist is quite grueling and requires a medical doctorate. Medical school is four years and includes courses such as medical diagnostics, disease management, and surgical practice. In the second half of a traditional four-year program, aspiring neurologists will complete practical rotations which allow them to examine and treat patients under the supervision of qualified neurologists.

What do you need to do after a neurologist residency?

They now must take and pass licensure and certification tests which have both oral and written components. These rigorous exams assess a student’s ability to put what they’ve learned into practice.

What is the best medicine for nerve pain?

Depending on the type and severity of your nerve injury, you may need medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin IB, others) to relieve your pain. Medications used to treat depression, seizures or insomnia may be used to relieve nerve pain. In some cases, you may need corticosteroid injections for pain relief.

What tests are done to determine if a nerve injury is a nerve injury?

If your neurological examination shows signs of a nerve injury, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests, which may include: Electromyography (EMG). In an EMG, a thin-needle electrode inserted into your muscle records your muscle's electrical activity at rest and in motion.

How to diagnose a nerve injury?

Your doctor will review your medical history, ask about any accidents or previous surgeries, and discuss your symptoms with you. Your doctor will also conduct a physical and neurological examination. If your neurological examination shows signs of a nerve injury, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests, which may include: 1 Electromyography (EMG). In an EMG, a thin-needle electrode inserted into your muscle records your muscle's electrical activity at rest and in motion. Reduced muscle activity can indicate nerve injury. 2 Nerve conduction study. Electrodes placed at two different points in your body measure how well electrical signals pass through the nerves. 3 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the area affected by nerve damage.

How to repair a nerve in your leg?

Surgery. To repair a damaged nerve, your surgeon removes a small part of the sural nerve in your leg and implants this nerve at the site of the repair . Sometimes your surgeon can borrow another working nerve to make an injured nerve work (nerve transfer).

How to restore function to critical muscles?

If you have a particularly severe nerve injury, your doctor may suggest surgery to restore function to critical muscles by transferring tendons from one muscle to another.

What is the name of the imaging device that measures how well electrical signals pass through nerves?

Electrodes placed at two different points in your body measure how well electrical signals pass through the nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the area affected by nerve damage.

How long does it take for a nerve to heal?

Nerves recover slowly and maximal recovery may take many months or several years. You'll need regular checkups to make sure your recovery stays on track. If your injury is caused by a medical condition, your doctor will treat the underlying condition.

What can a physical therapist do for a nerve?

A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve. He or she may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve.

What tests can be done to check for pinched nerves?

If your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, you may undergo some tests. These tests may include: Nerve conduction study. This test measures electrical nerve impulses and functioning in your muscles and nerves through electrodes placed on your skin. The study measures the electrical impulses in your nerve signals when a small current passes through ...

How long does it take for a pinched nerve to heal?

If the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve.

What is the best test for nerve root compression?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed views of your body in multiple planes. This test may be used if your doctor suspects you have nerve root compression. High-resolution ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body.

What is the best medicine for pain?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections, given by mouth or by injection, may help minimize pain and inflammation.

What to do before an imaging appointment?

At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet or wear loosefitting clothes in the event that you have an imaging exam.

How to remember an appointment?

Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

What is the treatment for vagus nerve?

The purpose of the treatment, called vagal nerve stimulation , is often to reduce incidents of seizures.

Is vagal nerve stimulation good for depression?

Vagal nerve stimulation is also sometimes a treatment for depression, says WebMD. In these cases, the neurosurgeon implants a battery-powered device similar to a pacemaker in the body and attaches it to a stimulating wire threaded along the vagus nerve. Impulses delivered to the nerve then travel to the mood-regulating centers of the brain, possibly altering its chemical makeup. The physician regulates the electric impulses as needed.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9