Peripheral Nerve Pain in Valencia & Encino

Peripheral nerve pain can be a debilitating condition that impacts your daily life, causing discomfort, numbness, and weakness in various parts of your body. At California Neurosurgical Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating peripheral nerve conditions to help you regain your quality of life.

Pain On the Perimeter

Peripheral nerve pain occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord—the peripheral nerves—are damaged or compressed. These nerves transmit signals between your brain and the rest of your body, including your limbs, hands, and feet. When these nerves are injured or under pressure, it can result in pain, tingling, weakness, or loss of function. Common conditions leading to peripheral nerve pain include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Tardy Ulnar Palsy): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to numbness and pain in the ring and little fingers.
Meralgia Paresthetica: Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, causing discomfort or numbness on the outer thigh.

Symptoms of Stressed Nerves

Peripheral nerve pain symptoms vary depending on the nerve involved but commonly include:

Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations
Numbness in the affected area
Burning or sharp pain
Muscle weakness
Sensitivity to touch

Diagnosis Identifying the Source of Pain

Diagnosis of peripheral nerve pain starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination. At California Neurosurgical Institute, our expert surgeons may use diagnostic tools such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography (similar to an EKG, but for your nerves), or imaging tests like MRI to pinpoint the exact cause of your nerve pain.

Non-Surgical Options

Before considering surgery, we will help you explore non-surgical options to alleviate your symptoms, which may include:

Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation.
Splints or Braces: Wearing a brace or splint to keep the affected nerve in a neutral position, especially during sleep.
Physical Therapy: Exercises designed to improve mobility and strength, which can help relieve nerve compression.

Treatment: Handling the Root

When conservative treatments are not effective, surgery can provide significant relief for peripheral nerve pain by addressing the root cause of compression. At California Neurosurgical Institute, we offer advanced, minimally invasive surgical options tailored to your specific condition.

Microscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

This surgery involves making a small incision at the wrist to release the transverse carpal ligament for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure is performed under a microscope, allowing for a smaller incision, less tissue disruption, and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. Patients typically experience significant relief from pain and numbness with a faster return to normal activities.

Ulnar Nerve Decompression at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

This simple outpatient procedure relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve, which often becomes compressed at the elbow. The surgery frees the nerve from any restrictive tissue, significantly reducing symptoms such as tingling and weakness in the ring and little fingers.

Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Decompression

For individuals with meralgia paresthetica, this procedure relieves compression on the nerve that affects the outer thigh. By carefully decompressing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, patients can experience relief from the burning pain or numbness commonly associated with this condition.

Take Back Control with California Neurosurgical Institute

Peripheral nerve pain doesn't have to control your life. If you're experiencing symptoms, contact California Neurosurgical Institute today to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore your treatment options and guide you toward lasting relief. The surgical interventions at California Neurosurgical Institute are performed using state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques. We aim to deliver world-class care so you can regain control of your life and well-being.