Peripheral Neuropathy

Restore Function and Reduce Nerve Pain

Peripheral neuropathy can make simple daily tasks feel impossible, causing sensations of burning, tingling, or "pins and needles". At Georgia Pain Management, Dr. James Ellner provides comprehensive evaluations and customized interventional treatments to help patients in Woodstock regain their mobility and quality of life.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body are damaged or diseased. This damage disrupts the normal signaling process, often resulting in severe pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the hands and feet.

The nervous system is complex, and peripheral neuropathy can affect three different groups of nerves: sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves.

What are the most common symptoms?

Symptoms vary depending on which nerves are affected, but many patients experience:

• Sharp, throbbing, or burning pain.
• Numbness or reduced sensitivity to touch and temperature.
• Muscle weakness or loss of coordination, which can lead to frequent falls.
• A feeling as if you are wearing invisible "socks" or "gloves".

Damage to your peripheral nerves may also cause difficulty feeling temperature changes, excessive sweating, or gastrointestinal distress.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is not a single disease but a result of damage caused by a variety of underlying health conditions and injuries. The most common cause is Diabetes, where chronically high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, often leading to diabetic neuropathy in the hands and feet. Other factors include alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, infections (like Lyme disease), spinal cord injuries, or even nutritional deficiencies (such as Vitamin B).

How is neuropathy treated at Georgia Pain Management?

While there is no universal "cure" for nerve damage, Dr. Ellner specializes in interventional techniques to manage symptoms effectively. Treatment plans may include minimally invasive procedures to interfere with pain signals, advanced spinal cord stimulation (such as the HF10), and customized physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance.