Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) damages the nerves responsible for sensing pain and temperature, frequently causing burning, tingling and electric-shock sensations. For patients whose neuropathic pain does not respond adequately to traditional pain management, FDA-cleared Calmare Scrambler Therapy offers a noninvasive, drug-free alternative treatment option.
By Dr. Jason Cooney, DC | Clinical Director
Burning feet.
Electric-shock sensations.
Pins and needles that intensify at night.
Pain from the light touch of a bedsheet.
These may be signs of small fiber neuropathy, a painful form of peripheral neuropathy that can be difficult to diagnose.
Because small nerve fibers are not evaluated well by standard nerve conduction studies, patients may have persistent neuropathic pain even when common test results appear normal.
A careful medical evaluation and specialized testing may be needed to identify the condition and investigate its cause.
What Is Small Fiber Neuropathy?
SFN develops when the body’s small sensory or autonomic nerve fibers become damaged or function abnormally. These fibers transmit pain, temperature and itching sensations and help regulate functions such as sweating, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure.
Symptoms often begin in the feet and move upward through the legs. Some people eventually develop symptoms in their hands, creating what clinicians call a “stocking-glove” pattern.
However, small fiber neuropathy can also produce scattered or widespread symptoms that do not follow this pattern.
What Causes Small Fiber Neuropathy?
Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are common causes.
Other possible contributors include autoimmune disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, certain infections, inherited disorders, alcohol exposure and some medications, including particular chemotherapy drugs.
In some cases, testing does not uncover a clear cause.
This is known as idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. Even when the cause cannot be identified, treatment may still help manage symptoms and protect a patient’s quality of life.
How Is Small Fiber Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis generally begins with a medical history and neurological examination. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate larger nerve fibers and rule out other conditions.
However, these tests can be normal when damage is limited to the small fibers.
Specialized testing may include a skin biopsy that measures small nerve fiber density. Autonomic testing may be used when sweating or other involuntary functions are affected. Blood tests can help identify diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and other underlying causes.
How Is SFN Treated?
Treatment should address an identifiable cause whenever possible, such as improving blood glucose control or correcting a vitamin deficiency.
Traditional pain management providers may prescribe oral or topical medications for neuropathic pain. Physical activity, protective foot care and condition-specific lifestyle changes may form part of the care plan.
Unfortunately, some people with diagnosed small fiber neuropathy continue to experience significant nerve pain despite traditional medical treatment or medication.
In these cases, a physician may recommend exploring additional pain-management approaches.
How Calmare Scrambler Therapy May Relieve SFN Pain
Calmare Scrambler Therapy is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive, drug-free medical device designed to change how the nervous system processes chronic neuropathic pain.
During treatment, electrodes are placed on healthy skin surrounding—but not directly on—the painful area. The Calmare device then transmits a series of customized electrical signals through the skin’s nerve fibers. These signals are designed to replace the brain’s established pain message with new information that the area is not experiencing pain.
Unlike conventional electrical stimulation, Scrambler Therapy is not intended to temporarily block or mask pain. The goal is to retrain the brain’s response to persistent pain signals and help restore more normal communication between the nerves and brain.
Treatment is painless to undergo and does not involve medication, injections or surgery. Patients remain awake and comfortable throughout each session, without the systemic side effects associated with many pain medications.
Calmare Therapy does not repair damaged small nerve fibers or treat the underlying medical condition responsible for small fiber neuropathy. However, it may help reduce the chronic burning, stabbing, tingling or electric-shock pain associated with the condition.
Research has shown encouraging results for chronic neuropathic pain more broadly, although published evidence focused specifically on small fiber neuropathy remains limited.
A detailed consultation is necessary to determine whether a patient’s pain pattern, diagnosis and medical history make treatment appropriate.
READ: Learn more about how the scrambler therapy device combats treatment-resistant nerve pain.
Discuss Any Treatment-Resistant Neuropathic Pain With Dr. Jason Cooney
If small fiber neuropathy pain continues to affect your sleep, mobility or quality of life despite conventional treatment, contact Scrambler Therapy NJ USA to discuss your case directly with Clinical Director Dr. Jason Cooney, DC, a Certified Scrambler Therapy expert.
Request a no-fee phone or video consultation or call 201-933-4440. Dr. Cooney will review your medical history and symptoms to help determine whether Scrambler Therapy may be appropriate for you.
