Jul 26th, 2017
Peripheral Neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Most cases are acquired causes, with diabetes being the most common factor in 60-70% of cases. Other factors include, cancer treatments (radiation and chemo), pressure on the nerve root or nerve impingement, poor circulation, Vitamin B deficiencies, thyroid/liver/kidney disease, alcoholism, repetitive injuries, and idiopathic causes.
All of the above mentioned causes are factors, and they can all contribute to the effect of having nerve damage or neuropathy. The nerve damage causes the extremities not to function normally. Common symptoms can include:
Burning
Numbness
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Muscle Weakness
Restless Leg Syndrome
Muscle Loss
Bone Degeneration
Loss of Balance
Loss of the Sense of Touch
Irregular Heartbeat
Impaired Breathing
Digestive Problems
Heat Intolerance
Inability to Sweat Normally
Loss of Bladder/Bowel Control
Unable to Maintain Blood Pressure
Dizziness
Trouble Swallowing
Most patients have been experiencing these symptoms for years and are usually on strong prescription medication to dull the nerve symptoms but rarely do these drugs take away all off the symptoms. These patients are eager to find something that would stop the symptoms or fix the problem.
Although they have been under the care of Doctors, these patients usually don’t understand what is causing their nerve problem. It's important to let the patient know by educating them that the painful and or annoying symptoms are their nerves screaming, “I can’t breathe” or “I need food”. The blood capillaries that feed those nerves aren’t as elastic nor wide enough to carry food to the nerves so that they can function, and therefore don’t provide good oxygenated and nutrient rich blood that is needed by the Peripheral Nerves to thrive.
Conservative treatments that encourage improved circulation of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the nerves could be the answer to some patients initial start in treating the root of their pain. Patients should consider non-invasive treatments to stimulate the blood capillaries and to promote blood flow instead of trying to get rid of the symptoms by trying to mask the main problem with prescription pain medications.