Neuropathy

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition caused by inflammation, dysfunction or degeneration of one or more nerves. It can manifest as sharp pain from a light touch, numbness, balance problems, muscle cramping, twitching, and reflex abnormalities (typically the hands and feet) in the affected area. It most commonly occurs in the hands and feet, however, other parts of your body can be affected too.  Peripheral nerves are responsible for relaying signals from the brain and spinal cord to the peripheries, hands and feet, if the connection is severed, it causes weakness, pain, and numbness, known as neuropathy.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain, also known as neuralgia, is a kind of neuropathy that feels like a sharp shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation. Neuralgia can manifest as persistent aching or burning pain, tingling or numbness, or involuntary muscle twitching or cramping.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of Neuropathy, caused by constant untreated high blood sugar levels. Diabetic Neuropathy occurs when there is nerve damage in people with diabetes. It usually first appears in the feet and legs and may occur in the hands and arms later. Symptoms can range from pain and numbness to problems in nerves supplying the internal organs.

How Do We Treat Neuropathy?

When treating neuropathy, we tailor our treatment depending upon the individual needs. We use a combination approach including medical treatment, physical therapy, and functional medicine to target the root cause of your neuropathic pain. Other treatments include cutting-edge shock wave therapy, PRP injections, Wharton’s Jelly allografts, dietary counseling to help target inflammation, red light therapy, and nutritional supplementation.

Traditional Treatment Options for Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is medically treated with pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, anti-depressants, and topical treatments. Other therapies that help with peripheral neuropathy, include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), plasma exchange, and intravenous immune globulin.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can also improve the outcome when used along with other treatments; exercise can effectively preserve nerve function and promote nerve regeneration. The most recommended regimens are aerobic exercises, Balance training, and dynamic stretches for about 30 minutes a day, thrice a week for optimum results.

Functional Approach

Peripheral neuropathy can also be treated with natural remedies. A number of different supplements can be utilized based on the individual patients needs indicated by their lab results. Lifestyle changes are a significant contributor to treating neuropathy; dietary modifications and eliminating other detrimental habits are very helpful in treating neuropathy. Some cases of peripheral neuropathy are due to vitamin B complex and D deficiency. In such cases, something as basic as replacing vitamins can help with neuropathy. Call us today for a consultation to learn more about what may be causing your neuropathic pain.