Muscle and Nerve Disorders

A variety of muscle and nerve disorders cause weakness, numbness and pain that may progress to an incapacitating condition. These conditions may continue to worsen unless the cause is found and proper treatment is begun. Some of these conditions include:

  • Polyneuropathies, also called peripheral neuropathy (disease of the nerves)

  • Myopathies (disease of the muscles)

  • Nerve compressions

  • Myasthenia (disease of the connection of the nerve and muscle)

  • Fibromyalgia (also called fibrositis), a condition of unknown cause

At the NeuroCenter, we have been very successful in the treatment of fibrositis. In addition, peripheral neuropathy and myopathies are studied extensively. The patient undergoes a diagnostic test called an electromyogram (EMG) that will help evaluate nerve and muscle function. This information helps inform a diagnosis and an effective treatment. A comprehensive approach to study these conditions is essential to reach a final diagnosis and find a suitable treatment.

Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Peripheral neuropathy is due to the inflammation or other type of damage of the peripheral nerves. This condition can give rise to symmetrical pain in the distal part of the extremities. It occurs more often in the lower extremities than the upper extremities, causes moderate to severe burning pain in the feet, hands, or both and is associated with numbness and tinglin.

Sometimes the neuropathy is localized and the pain may be restricted to the area of the body where the damaged nerve fibers used to provide sensation. This condition may affect the lateral aspect of the thigh (meralgia paresthetica), leg, forearm, hand, or foot.

A subtle type of peripheral neuropathy may also give rise to some cases of restless leg syndrome. The condition sparks off movements of the legs to relieve a distressing tension and discomfort than besieged the patients mostly at night when they are in bed. Sometimes the symptoms may also occur during the day.

Neuropathy pain is treated by treating the cause when it is known. It can also be alleviated by decreasing the irritability of the nerves with medications. Nerve blocks may also help those patients who fail to respond to medications or have partial improvement with them. Following is a case study exemplifying how we diagnose and treat this condition. Please click on CASE STUDY.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes pervasive, fatiguing pain in multiple areas, located on both sides of the body, where no demonstrable damage can be detected. It seems to be a chemical disorder and is often associated with fatigue and insomnia. Areas of the muscle may react forming painful muscle knots commonly referred to as trigger points. The chronic, tiring pain, may give rise to depression, which can worsen the disorder and create a vicious cycle.

Often a traumatic event like a car accident or work injury can trigger the beginning of the condition.

Fibroamyalgia can co-exist with other conditions such as nerve injuries, radiculopathies, arthritis, tendinitis. These dueling conditions end up fueling one another’s pain.

A thorough evaluation of all the factors involved is needed. Medications to improve chemistry of pain control, nerve irritability, and trigger point injections may be needed. Coexistent conditions must be treated in parallel. Here is a case study exemplifying how we diagnose and treat this condition. Please click on CASE STUDY.