The funny bone didn’t just get its name because of the weird feeling after hitting it. In fact, the funny bone isn’t a bone at all. The tingling or burning sensation that is felt after hitting the region inside your elbow is actually from pressure of the ulnar nerve against the humerus bone (running from your elbow to your shoulder). Similar feelings of pricking or numbness may occur when you sleep on your arm or leg in a funny position.
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves from performing properly. In severe cases, neuropathy can cause paralysis, although it is very rare. For most people with nerve pain, symptoms depend on the severity but usually include pain and weakness.
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy is when damage is caused to the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves send transmitters to the brain of pain and temperature sensations. When the brain has received a signal, a person can sense they have injured themselves or they are going through bodily temperature changes. When the pain receptors in the skin become over-sensitized, people with neuropathy may feel debilitating pain from something that is normally painless (ie draping sheet over the body).
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our physicians and entire medical staff use state-of-the-art technologies and treatments to help patients get their life back. From simple tips to do at home, to minimally invasive procedures, our staff is prepared to care for each and every patient.
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. Like a telephone wire, nerves send signals through the nerve of the arm to and from the brain. Environmental changes such as hot and cold temperatures as well as the position your hand is holding a pen, for example, are signaled through the sensory nerves. The motor nerves send bioelectrical information to the muscles.
Individuals who suffer from nerve pain often feel weak, have muscle cramping, twitching, pain, and numbness, especially in the feet and hands. Motor nerve damage affects the muscles and bones in our bodies. People with this damage may have muscle loss, bone degeneration, and changes in their skin and hair. Sensory nerve damage affects the ability of the hands and feet. Damage to the fibers in our limbs can cause desensitization of pain or injury.
To relieve nerve pain, a doctor has to identify the underlying problem and clear up that problem. The following conditions could be the cause of nerve pain:
- Diabetes
- Vitamin deficiency
- Autoimmune disorder
- Nerve pressure
- Toxic medications
- Tumors
- Traumatic/ compressive conditions
Southwest Spine and Pain Center is conveniently located in locations across the state of Utah. Our wonderful state undergoes extreme weather changes and our medical team understands the severity of colder temperatures on nerve pain. If you or someone you know has nerve pain that is worsened in cooler weather, contact a Southwest Spine and Pain staff member today.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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