Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy
WHAT IS IT?
Peripheral neuropathy is a complex and often painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that around 2.5% of the population have Peripheral neuropathy and this increases to up to 8% in the older populations.
Firstly, the peripheral nerves act as a communication network that transmit messages between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. This controls various bodily functions including our motor skills and our sensory perception.
Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system which includes the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It results from either damage or dysfunction of these peripheral nerves.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
When this happens it can lead to a wide range of symptoms which vary from person to person. The range of symptoms depend on things such as duration, cause but also which nerves are affected. Common symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
Burning or shooting pain
Muscle weakness
Loss of co-ordination
Sensitivity to touch
Difficulty with balance and walking
Changes in skin, hair, or nail texture
Other symptoms can relate to autonomic dysfunction like digestive issues, bodily temperature changes, changes in blood pressure and more.
CAUSES OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
There are a variety of potential causes which cover:
Diabetes: This is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Especially when blood sugar levels are not properly managed or controlled.
Traumas or injuries: This includes from repetitive stressors, often the case in some professions like construction, through to accidents or surgeries. There are a lot of potential traumas that can lead to damage of the peripheral nerves.
Infections: There are numerous viruses or bacterial infections that can cause peripheral neuropathy. These include HIV, herpes, Lyme's disease and more.
Toxins: Some chemicals, medications like chemotherapy drugs, and alcohol can cause neuropathy.
There are numerous other causes including genetic factors where some individuals may have a predisposition to neuropathy. It's also something that occurs more often due to the aging process.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
The treatment of peripheral neuropathy can depend on what the underlying cause is and the severity of any symptoms. Common treatment options include:
Management of the underlying conditions: This depends on the underlying cause but it could be controlling diabetes, treating infections, or addressing anything else.
Medications: Lots of patients take pain relief medications to help reduce the symptoms including over the counter pain relievers. It's also possible to have prescription drugs and anti-seizure medications that are able to help manage the neuropathic pain. There are also neuropathy focused medications that can be used in some cases like nerve growth factor inhibitors.
Physical therapy: This is often a good way of helping to improve both the muscle strength but also the co-ordination. Typically there is a good combination of exercises and stretches to help reduce the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: Sometimes things like improving your diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can have a positive influence on slowing down the progression of neuropathy.
Alternative therapies: Some individuals find relief through complementary approaches like acupuncture, massage, and reiki.
While it may not always be curable, managing the condition effectively can significantly reduce pain and improve your overall well-being.
