Approximately 24 million Americans wrestle with the devastating effects of peripheral neuropathy. Although it is most common among older adults, it can occur at any age. The Neurology Clinical Practice Journal reported in 2013 that about 12% of Medicare recipients have peripheral neuropathy. Even more go undiagnosed due to not being tested. Thanks to new technology and a better understanding of peripheral neuropathy, there is now an effective natural approach to beating it.
Peripheral neuropathy can be very painful and uncomfortable. The symptoms can be slow and gradual or advance very quickly. Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are: numbness in the hands or feet, electrical sensations, restless legs, pins and needles sensation, fatigue in the legs, burning in the hands or feet, balance problems, temperature sensation difficulties, cold sensations in hands or feet, or shooting pains.
Here’s the problem. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves become damaged and they begin to die. There are over 100 different causes that lead to neuropathy. Approximately 30% are from unknown causes. Some of the most common causes are: diabetes, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, exposure to poisons, infections, tumors, vitamin deficiencies, spinal stenosis/degeneration and medications. Some of the medications that may lead to neuropathy include those used for: blood pressure, cancer, infections, seizures, anti-alcohol, autoimmune, gout and HIV/AIDS.
A common approach by allopathic doctors is to start with medication. The most common medications prescribed are pain relievers (OTC and opioids), anti-seizure medications (Neurontin, Lyrica), anti-depressants (amitriptyline), and topical creams or patches. Other therapies that may be used are: nerve stimulators, plasma exchanges, intravenous immune globulin or surgeries. If the condition worsens, the treatment can lead to using foot braces, using a walking cane, using a wheelchair, and at its worst surgical amputations. Peripheral neuropathy is a devastating condition that many are just trying to get through each day.
Traditionally, medicine was the only option for treatment for peripheral neuropathy. This is not true any longer. Now there are new cutting-edge protocols and natural approaches to improving it.
Natural treatment protocols aim to address the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy. Just like a plant needs water, sunlight and nutrients, your nerves have vital needs to help them thrive and to be healthy. Your body never stops trying to heal itself as long as you are living and give it what it needs to thrive.
The first step to improving nerve health involves improving capillary blood flow around the nerves. This is called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is where the body develops and grows new blood vessels to improve blood flow to the nerves. Without blood flow, your nerves will not be able to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to get and stay healthy.
A common way to improve angiogenesis is to utilize light therapy. Low-level light therapy has been FDA approved for over two decades. It has been shown through many studies to reduce pain, improve immune function, accelerate wound healing, speed up the healing of fractured bones, increase DNA and collagen production (the building blocks of human tissue), and increase fibroblast activity.
There are many different devices and manufacturers of light therapy. This results in a big difference in their overall effectiveness. Using the right low-level light therapy can make all the difference in your results.
The second step is to re-educate the nerves. When nerves begin to die, they forget how to work properly. It is important to use the right type of electrotherapy device. Some may block your pain but allow your neuropathy to continue to worsen. It is important to re-educate the nerves so that as they can heal and learn to function properly again.
The third step is to have a nutritional metabolic protocol that specifically supports neuropathy healing. Your diet should be neuropathy-focused to include specific natural nutrients which will help lower inflammation, decrease pain, increase blood flow, increase nutrients and increase oxygen to help heal the damage to the nerves.
The last step to naturally beating neuropathy is to support the nervous system. Your nervous system controls and coordinates every action in your body. Your nervous system is an advanced highway system that winds all the way through your musculoskeletal system. By aligning your spine and joints you allow your nervous system to create maximum healing.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a devastating condition that most often just gets worse and worse without the correct treatment. You don’t have to just live with neuropathy. Thankfully, now there is a way we can help defeat it naturally.
-by Brandon Crouch, D.C.
About the Author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic (www.crouchfamilychiro.com). Although his primary care is the spinal adjustment, Dr. Crouch also uses a cutting-edge natural protocol specifically for those suffering with Peripheral Neuropathy. If you have questions or comments Dr. Crouch can be reached at 270-842-1955 or via email at: office@crouchfamilychiro.hush.com.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. The information is meant for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or condition. Please consult your healthcare professional before changing or starting any new exercise routine, dietary, vitamin or mineral supplement.
