The most common type of chronic pain is neuropathic pain, caused by damage or injury to the nervous system. It can include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, and nerve damage from diabetes. When it comes to peripheral nerve surgery San Bernardino for chronic pain, the goal is to relieve pressure or repair the damage.
It can be difficult to find relief when you suffer from chronic pains. You may have tried different medications, physical therapy, and even injections. But if these treatments have not worked, you may be a candidate for peripheral nerve surgery.
Peripheral nerve surgery is a type of operation that treats chronic pain by relieving pressure on the nerves or repairing the damage. It can be done as an outpatient procedure, so you will not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
There are several types of surgery that can be effective for treating chronic pain, depending on the cause:
Carpal tunnel release
It is a common type of surgery for chronic pain. It involves cutting the ligament that holds the wrist bones together, relieving pressure on the median nerve. This type of surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
Trigeminal neuralgia
This surgery may involve cutting the nerve that sends pain signals to the brain. It can be done through the cheek or skull. Surgery for this condition is usually done as an inpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
Surgery for nerve damage from diabetes
It is usually done to relieve pain from neuropathy, which is common in the feet and legs. The goal of surgery is to remove the damaged nerves and repair any damaged blood vessels. This type of surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
Spinal cord stimulation
It is a type of surgery that involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord. It can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Surgery for this condition is usually done as an inpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
Epidural steroid injection
It is a type of injection used to relieve pain in the lower back, neck, and legs. The goal of this injection is to reduce inflammation around the nerves. This injection is usually done as an outpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
Many medical specialists recommend this type of surgery because of these reasons:
- Relief from chronic pain
Chronic pain can be debilitating and interfere with your quality of life. Surgery can provide relief from chronic pain to enjoy your life again.
- Improve function
Chronic discomfort might make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. Surgery can improve your function and allow you to return to your normal activities.
- Reduce dependence on pain medication
If you take pain medication for chronic pain, surgery can reduce your dependence on medication. It can help improve your quality of life and reduce the side effects of medication.
- Improve the quality of life
Chronic pain can severely affect your mental health. Surgery can improve your quality of life by relieving your chronic pain.
If you live with chronic pain, peripheral nerve surgery may be an option. Talk to Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, about the risks and benefits of this type of surgery to see if it is right.