Sunday 26 July 2015

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy & Post Herpetic Neuralgia Affect Nerves

Referred to as a medical syndrome, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is characterised by pain, swelling, and extreme vasomotor dysfunction. Its cause is usually unknown but is considered a result of trauma or surgery. Immobility of the limbs may cause RSD. An individual after suffering a stroke may develop RSD in the upper limb and this is usually called as shoulder-hand syndrome. One may also develop this condition in the absence of a particular impulsive event. Studies categorises RSD as type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and usually occurs due to a nerve injury. 

At present, medical professionals offer various treatments to relief patients suffering from RSD. Sympathetic blockade and anti-inflammatory therapy are two major approached used in the treatment of patients with this condition. Doctors recommend surgical sympathectomy to patients with refractory Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) that has shown response to sympathetic blockade earlier. Another surgical option for patients with this condition is spinal cord stimulation. Another condition that affects your nerve fibers and skin is the Postherpetic neuralgia. It is a problem of shingles caused by the virus of chickenpox (herpes zoster). 

Usually, a person get relieved of shingles complications within a few weeks, but if one suffers from pain even after rashes and blisters have disappeared then it is postherpetic neuralgia. It also causes severe pain that may further impede your sleep and appetite. Elderly people are more at risk to get affected with this condition. Though medical science fails to offer cure for this condition, it has many treatment options easing symptoms. Some of the common symptoms include: 

  • Pain: It is commonly described as burning, sharp and poking, and aching.
  • Itching and insensitivity: It causes a feeling of itching or deadness making the affected are insensitive.  
  • Weakness or paralysis: One may also suffer from muscle weakness or paralysis; however, it happens in rare cases.

Friday 10 July 2015

Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve Damage Caused Due To Diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which diabetes is the main cause of nerve damage in your body. The nerve fibers all over your body can be damaged due to high blood sugar but if you suffer from diabetic neuropathy than usually, the nerves in your legs and feet are damaged. Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of this condition can vary from pain and deadness in your extremities to issues with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. While these symptoms may be mild of some patients, for others they can be painful, uncomfortable and even fatal. It is a most common and serious complication of diabetes. 

Nerve damage may also cause other health issues like spondylolisthesis; it is a painful health situation in which one bone in your spine slips ahead of the bone underneath it. It usually occurs in the lower spine and in some cases, this may further results in squeezing your spinal cord or nerve roots. People with this condition may suffer from back pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs. Patients in exceptional cases may also lose control over their bladder or bowels. Sometimes people with spondylolisthesis may have no symptoms at all or until years later. 

If you are suffering from long term lower back pain or any nerve damage then you should immediately consult a doctor. You should first look for a reputed spine center and if you already looking for one then you can opt for Spine Center of Texas. This is an organization of independent medical professionals and practices that offer complete spine care, including diagnostic services, traditional treatment modalities, spine surgery and chronic pain management. The center is supported by a comprehensive team of doctors who work together to deliver the best care doable for patients with neck and back pain.