Podiatrist Dr. Robert Schergen, an independent physician, spoke at the August 13, 2026 Lunch & Learn about neuropathy and nerve pain. Dr. Schergen practices at SSM Health in Centralia and visits Salem Township Hospital once a month to see his patients. He explained that neuropathy often affects the feet and hands, usually starting in the toes and soles of the feet. He also discussed several possible causes of nerve pain, including diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, and back problems.
Dr. Schergen reviewed common neuropathy symptoms, including tingling, burning, numbness in the feet, dizziness, and balance problems. He explained diagnosis techniques, which may involve light-touch testing and nerve conduction studies and treatment options including medication, topical creams, therapies, and diabetes management, if applicable. He also described a newer Peripheral Nerve Stimulator option as a potential long-term solution for nerve pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation is an outpatient procedure for chronic pain. It involves your doctor implanting a small electrical device called an electrode near the damaged peripheral nerves surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The device works by disrupting pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain. It’s small enough to be placed directly under the skin and can provide quick relief from chronic pain symptoms. *
*https://www.pennmedicine.org/treatments/peripheral-nerve-stimulation
Disclosure: Dr. Robert Schergen is an independent contractor and is not an employee of Salem Township Hospital. The information shared during this presentation reflects the presenter’s discussion and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any particular provider, procedure, or treatment by Salem Township Hospital.