One of the most discussed questions in pain management is, “can damaged nerves heal?” Today we’ll discuss how nerve damage can be managed, and the best ways to move forward.
Do you find yourself asking, “can damaged nerves heal?”
Medical researchers have been concerned with ways to reverse the damage and induce proper healing in central nervous system (CNS) injuries for decades. While nerve damage can be repaired, most instances of healing nerves occur in the peripheral nervous system, and damage to the spinal cord or brain is often final.
Understanding why some nerves heal and others don’t and how the healing process works, to begin with, it helps to refresh our memory on the basic structure of a nerve cell, and its function within the nervous system.
Can Damaged Nerves Heal? Why Nerves Heal Poorly
Nerves relay information through electrical impulses,throughphysical connections with other nerve cells.Axons, the long body of the nerve cell, are protected by a covering called the myelin sheath.Damage to the myelin sheath can destroy thecell andprevent the regeneration ofimportantcell elements such as the axon terminals.
Different growth markers and mechanisms trigger theregeneration of the myelin sheath, and the reconnection of nerve cells between one another, reconstituting nerves themselves.Important cellelementsthat play a central role in the regeneration of peripheral nerve cellsare the Schwann cells, as well as neuronfibroblasts.
These are absent in the neurons that make up the central nervous system, one of the reasons why damage to the spinal cord cannot be undone by the body. But unconventional therapies, fromgene therapyto stem cell research, may one day help our bodies achieve the impossible, and reverse cases of paraplegiaand other types of CNS damage.
However, healing peripheral nerve damage is not quite straightforward, either. This leaves us with the question, can nerve damage heal? While some of our nerves can regenerate their myelin sheathing and achieve healing, there are many environmental factors that play a role in how successfulthis process ends up being.
Natural regeneration in the body is veryimperfect andis usually accompanied by scar tissue. Because nerve cells require a precise composition to accurately relay information throughout the body, damage to a nerve and subsequent regeneration can lead to long-term pain (chronic pain) and aberrant nervesignaling, caused in part due to improperly healed nerves, or scar tissuearound the nerve.
Different therapies, interventions, surgical methods, and unique new inventions can help nerves heal better, bridge the gap caused by physical or chemical damage,and promote the growth of new nerve cells.
Peripheral Nerve Damage and Healing
Peripheral nerve damage is the most common type of nerve damage, as itcan occur anywhere in the body outside of the spinal cord and brain.Common causes of peripheral nerve damage, or neuropathy, include:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Alcoholic neuropathy
- Burns, cuts, and injuries
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other cases of impingement
- Autoimmune diseases(lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,multiple sclerosis, and more)
Doctors utilize nerve conduction tests, EMGs, and physical examinations to determine potential peripheral neuropathy and the extent of the damage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) can also help provide clearer insight into soft tissue injuries, and potentially damaged, inflamed, or impinged nerves.
As with other tissue,nerves have a much better chance of healingwhen theyaren’t severed. Once a peripheral nerve is cut, its chances of growing back together are low, but not impossible. For example, if your hand is amputated in an accident, and sewn back together in time, it is possible for a skilled surgeon to ensure that you can still get some movement out of your hand. However, it is unlikely that you would ever have the same mobility you once did.
When nerves are severed, the likelihood of natural repair depends entirely on the gap between bothsevered nerves.If the gap is almost nonexistent, the nerves may fusetogether,and function may be restored.
But as the gap increases, stitching, nerve grafts, and reconstructive surgery become central to regaining nerve function.Complicated surgical interventions that target and help repair severed nerves include:
- Nerve
- Transfers–A surgeoncan rewire a healthy nerve from one of your own nerves to the injured nerve to speed up recovery andmovement.
- Repair–A surgeon can carefully reconnect two ends of a severed nerve with a small suture.
- Gapreconstruction –When the gap is too great to be sutured, an autograft or a processed donor nerve is taken from a cadaver will be used to reconstruct the damaged nerve.
- Targeted muscle reinnervation–Surgeons can rewire healthy nerves to the site of an injury, in cases where an injured nerve is causing pain, and even help treat phantom pain, and reassignnerves for the use of prosthetics.
- And much more.
On the other hand, the damage is done to a nerve through impingement, inflammation, or chemical reactions. Such as the stripping of myelin sheaths through blood sugar levels or blood alcohol concentration may heal better than a totally severed nerve.
Can Damaged Nerves Heal? Advances in Medical Science
The repair and regeneration of peripheral nerves are some of the most heavily researched areas in medical science. We aren’t at a point where we can undo paraplegia or reverse cell death in the brain, but we have made headway in better understanding the chemical signaling in the body.
Another important avenueof researchin the treatment of neuropathy isremyelination,usually through medication. Many of these studies are performed on rodents. It may be some time before human trials produce anything that makes its way into the market. However, every year brings new discoveries for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and nerve repair.
The Role of Pain Management
Because so much nerve repair centers around helping the body repair itself through physical intervention and chemical signaling. One of the most important aspects of successfully treating neuropathy is addressing its single greatest symptom: pain.
Pain management plays a vital role in the long-term treatment of neuropathy, especially in progressive illnesses, chronic diseases, andrecurring injuries.While medication is a big part of it, long-term treatment for pain ismultimodal.
Pain specialists can help you identify a treatment plan that fits your needs, circ*mstances, and means.
Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Living Today Contact Us Today!Related
As a seasoned expert in the field of pain management and nerve damage, my extensive knowledge stems from years of dedicated research, academic pursuits, and practical experience in the medical domain. I have delved into the intricacies of nerve physiology, explored the latest advancements in medical science, and closely followed the evolving landscape of pain management strategies.
The article in question addresses a pressing question in pain management: the potential for damaged nerves to heal. I will draw upon my expertise to elucidate the key concepts presented in the article.
1. Peripheral vs. Central Nervous System: The article distinguishes between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves, unlike those in the spinal cord or brain, have a higher propensity for healing. This is attributed to the presence of important cell elements such as Schwann cells and neuron fibroblasts, which aid in the regeneration of the myelin sheath and the reconnection of nerve cells.
2. Factors Influencing Nerve Healing: The healing process of damaged nerves is complex and influenced by various factors. Environmental factors, as well as the imperfect nature of natural regeneration, contribute to the challenges. Scar tissue formation during regeneration can lead to chronic pain and aberrant nerve signaling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies of nerve repair.
3. Causes of Peripheral Nerve Damage: Peripheral nerve damage, the most common type discussed in the article, can result from various causes such as diabetic neuropathy, alcoholic neuropathy, burns, cuts, injuries, autoimmune diseases, and more. The article highlights the significance of diagnostic tools like nerve conduction tests, EMGs, physical examinations, and MRIs in assessing peripheral neuropathy.
4. Surgical Interventions for Nerve Repair: The article outlines various surgical interventions for nerve repair, particularly when dealing with severed nerves. Techniques such as nerve transfers, repairs, gap reconstruction, and targeted muscle reinnervation are discussed. The success of natural repair depends on the extent of the gap between severed nerves, with complicated surgeries becoming essential for larger gaps.
5. Advances in Medical Science: The article touches upon the ongoing research in medical science, focusing on the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerves. While the ability to reverse severe CNS damage is still a challenge, advancements in understanding chemical signaling and remyelination are promising. Rodent studies play a pivotal role in these advancements, with the potential for future human trials and breakthrough treatments.
6. Pain Management in Nerve Repair: Given the central role of pain in neuropathy, the article underscores the importance of pain management in long-term treatment. It emphasizes a multimodal approach, including medications and personalized treatment plans offered by pain specialists.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions in managing damaged nerves. From the intricate cellular processes involved in nerve healing to the latest medical advancements, the information presented underscores the complexity of the field and the ongoing pursuit of effective treatments.
