Encouraging news for Neuropathy sufferers

The loss of ability of the nerves to function properly is termed Neuropathy.

Extremity pain, numbness and tingling of the hands and or feet with
possible tightness, cramping swelling or pressure are signs of peripheral
neuropathy. This can cause weakness in the arms or legs, feelings of
walking on pins and needles, electric shock-like feelings or a loss of feeling
in hands or feet.
In peripheral neuropathy, the tiny nerves which supply sensation to the skin
fail in their ability to transmit normal sensations to the brain and spinal cord.
Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, medications such
as statins or mechanical nerve entrapments. Mechanical neuropathy is
caused by nerve compression and is treated with a combination of
chiropractic adjustments and traction, such as spinal decompression. Now
pulsed laser treatments may also help with this and other types of
neuropathy.
People suffer for years with these symptoms and are told by their medical
doctors that there is nothing that can be done, or they are often prescribed
pregabalin or Lyrica. Pfizer abruptly ended its double-blinded placebo
controlled study for post traumatic nerve pain, stating that the study did not
meet its primary efficacy endpoint. It is approved to treat post-herpetic
neuralgia caused by shingles and spinal cord injuries. The study found that
it worked no better than the placebo for controlling chronic nerve pain
caused by traumatic accidents or surgery.
As for statin use and neuropathy, long term use of Cholesterol lowering
drugs have been linked to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The most
common side effects range from muscle pain and fatigue to liver damage,
memory loss and increased risk of diabetes.

Polyneuropathy is another complication which affects many of the

peripheral nerves. Chiropractic has had success with chronic peripheral
neuropathy after lumbar trauma and surgery resulting in spinal stenosis.
Theres also been success for post-surgery cases that were undertaken for
the reduction of spinal stenosis in which the patient was left with peripheral
neuropathy. Chiropractic combined with physical therapy has had success
with reducing restless leg syndrome and loss of sleep due to leg and foot
pain. Pulsed laser and pulsed electromagnetic frequency treatments can
begin healing the peripheral nerves by increasing oxygenation and
circulation to the nerves and tissues of the extremities.
These treatments may decrease the need for amputations in diabetics,
decrease falls and fractures of neuropathy patients and decrease infections
caused by cuts and sores not felt by the sufferer. The risk of developing
diabetic neuropathy and amputation increases with age. Excess weight
and hypertension (having high blood pressure), as well as smoking
increases these risks.
I hope that this insight encourages you to make lifestyle changes to improve
diabetes and hypertension. Just remember that you can lessen the
chances and severity of peripheral neuropathy by lowering your blood
sugar, your cholesterol and your blood pressure naturally.