Neuropathic pain is a condition that causes extreme discomfort to those who suffer and can be very disruptive to daily lives. Affecting one in ten people in the UK over the age of 55, peripheral neuropathy leads to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, from mild to severe pain and mobility issues, which significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for this condition, however, you will be relieved to know that there are steps you can take to help you live with neuropathy more comfortably. Treatment focuses on managing the condition and preventing it from becoming worse.
Whether you’re looking for traditional neuropathy treatments or you’re looking for alternative methods such as the groundbreaking technology: red light therapy, at Active Care Chiropractic we’ve got you covered!
We understand that living with any type of chronic pain can be incredibly frustrating for people, and can often leave them feeling helpless as they are trying to find ways to manage the pain they are living with. Peripheral neuropathy is no different. Which is why in this blog we explore what neuropathy is and the different treatment options are available to help you get back to a normal quality of life. If you think you have this condition make sure that you see a doctor before starting any treatment.
What is Neuropathy?
Primarily, neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves on the outside of the brain and spinal cord become damaged, this causes pain, weakness and numbness in the hands and feet. This happens because the central nervous system, or peripheral nervous system, is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the spinal cord to every other part of the body by sensory and motor nerves. When these peripheral nerves become damaged, this disrupts the normal functioning of the nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms and pain that can significantly affect a person’s life.
The impact of peripheral neuropathy on daily life can be profound. For some, it’s a source of discomfort, while for others it can lead to severe neuropathic pain and in some cases disability. It can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, reduce their mobility, and significantly impair their quality of life. Not only that, but the effects of neuropathy can also have psychological effects, leading to stress and depression because of the chronic pain and disability.
Neuropathy Causes
Damage to the peripheral nerves can have a number of different causes. Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices you make can unknowingly lead to neuropathy. Although it can be difficult to pinpoint the direct cause of developing this condition in some people, it’s important to know the potential risks so you can not only do your best to prevent neuropathy from occurring, but also stop the condition from getting worse if you have it. Here are some of the peripheral neuropathy causes to watch out for:
- Diabetes
The most common factor that puts you at high risk of developing neuropathy is diabetes. Whether you have type 1 or type 2, around 1 in 4 people with diabetes experience nerve damage. This is due to damage to tiny blood vessels that supply your nerves caused by having high amounts of sugar in your blood. If you have diabetes it’s important that you don’t smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol, as this increases your risk of neuropathy. Those over the age of 40 with diabetes are also more at risk of nerve damage.
- Autoimmune diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and more can all potentially lead to neuropathy. These autoimmune diseases lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow causing nerve damage. It’s important that if you have an autoimmune disease that you see a doctor, although some have no cure, they can give you medications and advice on how to manage the disease and prevent you from more serious complications like developing neuropathy.
- Infections
Some neuropathy causes can be because of infections. Lyme disease, shingles and HIV can all lead to nerve damage, resulting in pain and potentially problems with motor skills. Catching an infection like this early is your best chance at seeking treatment, and preventing damage to the nerves caused by these infections.
- Tumours
Whether they are cancerous or not, tumours can disrupt the peripheral nervous system if they happen to grow on or press on your nerves. Surgery to remove the tumour can also leave lasting damage to nerves which then increases the likelihood of a person developing neuropathy symptoms.
- Trauma
Trauma to the nerves from accidents, falls, fractures or the compression of nerves (from repetitive movements as seen in carpal tunnel syndrome), can all lead to neuropathy. Surgery that involves nerve manipulation procedures can also result in accidental nerve damage that can lead to nerve pain and motor/sensory problems.
- Alcohol use disorder
Excessive alcohol consumption over several years is one of the neuropathy causes you should be aware of. Alcohol misuse can lead to low amounts of vitamins in the body. Only consuming alcohol in moderation or stopping drinking altogether can decrease your risk of neuropathy.
- Vitamin deficiency
Low levels of specific vitamins in the body such as B vitamins, copper and vitamin E can negatively impact the peripheral nervous system, as these vitamins are crucial for nerve health.
- Medications
Certain medications are known to be neurotoxic and can lead to neuropathy as a side effect in some people. These medications can include types of chemotherapy to treat cancer, some antibiotics (if taken for months), and epilepsy medication taken for long periods of time.
- Exposure to toxins
Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic, as well as certain industrial chemicals, can cause nerve damage. Having high levels of these toxins in your body can result in severe damage to your nervous system.
- Circulation problems
Poor blood circulation, particularly resulting from conditions like atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup, negatively impacts blood flow. Inadequate blood flow can deprive peripheral nerves of essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to nerve damage.
- Repetitive movements
One of the neuropathy causes is from repetitive movements. This can be from work-related tasks involving repetitive hand, wrist and arm motions, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Over time this can cause inflammation, swelling and nerve damage in the affected areas.
- Underactive thyroid
Having an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, can lead to metabolic changes that cause swelling in the body’s tissues. This swelling can exert pressure on the nerves which in many cases then leads to the development of peripheral neuropathy.
- Family history of neuropathy
It is thought that some forms of neuropathy are hereditary, therefore those with a family history are more susceptible to developing this condition. Knowing your family’s medical history allows you to make any lifestyle changes to help you prevent this condition.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Neuropathy can manifest in a number of ways, depending on which nerves are affected. If you’re unsure whether you are suffering from this condition or not, here are some common peripheral neuropathy symptoms to look out for:
- Tingling or numbness (especially in the hands and feet)
- Sharp, throbbing or burning pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Feeling pain when you shouldn’t – e.g. when you put weight on your feet
- The sensation of wearing gloves and socks when you’re not
- Inability to move (if the motor nerves have been affected)
- Intolerance to heat
- Excessive sweating or the inability to sweat
- Digestive problems
- Bowel and urination issues
- Circulation problems
- Low blood pressure
If you think you have this condition it’s important to see a doctor to not only see how severe the condition is but to pinpoint the best treatment plan for you. Receiving an early diagnosis means you can start treatment as soon as possible, which gives you a better chance at controlling your symptoms as well as preventing more damage to the peripheral nerves.
Neuropathy Treatments
Although there is no definite cure for neuropathy, there are certain steps you can take to help you manage this condition. Neuropathy treatments are diverse, aiming to manage symptoms, address underlying causes and improve the quality of life for those affected. Before you start treatment options it’s important to seek medical advice so you have all the necessary information about your condition to help you decide what treatment route to go down. Here are some neuropathy treatments you can explore:
- Medications
Taking painkillers such as over the counter medications can help relieve mild neuropathic pain, helping you live with the condition more comfortably. For severe pain, stronger painkillers can be prescribed – although they come with a higher risk of side effects and dependencies. Certain antidepressants can also be effective for managing neuropathic pain, as they work by altering the brain’s perception of pain.
- Chiropractor for neuropathy
Seeing a chiropractor for neuropathy treatment offers a holistic approach to managing this debilitating condition. Techniques focus on enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities and improving overall function without the side effects that come with traditional medication. Soft tissue therapies such as massaging or myofascial release, can improve circulation in areas affected by neuropathy. This increased blood flow can help reduce pain and promote healing of nerve tissues.
We at Active Care Chiropractic have experience in treating patients with chronic pain, with our specialist techniques we have helped them get back to feeling themselves again, giving them a new lease of life! If that sounds good to you then contact us today and get some expert advice from a chiropractor you can trust!
- Physical therapy
Physical therapy can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and decrease pain. Techniques might include stretching exercises, massages and low-impact exercises to help maintain muscle and reduce discomfort.
- Lifestyle changes
Adopting lifestyle modifications can help manage neuropathy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins can support nerve repair and maintenance. Foods such as: lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables should be an integral part of your diet. Moreover, regularly exercising helps in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes, a common cause of neuropathy. It also helps improve circulation (which is vital for nerve health) as well as reduce pain. Furthermore, by minimising exposure to environmental toxins and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption you can prevent additional nerve damage and the deterioration of neuropathic symptoms.
- Addressing underlying conditions
The key to managing neuropathy is by addressing any underlying conditions. For diabetic patients, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is essential. Nutritional deficiencies should be addressed through your diet as well as taking helpful supplements. Furthermore, autoimmune conditions may require more specific treatments which a doctor will be able to advise you on.
Red Light Therapy For Neuropathy
If you’re familiar with us at Active Care Chiropractic then you will know how much we love red light therapy!
However, if this is the first time you’ve heard of this treatment then you may be pleasantly surprised to know about the amazing benefits just a little bit of light provides! Red or infrared light therapy for neuropathy is a fantastic option to use alongside other treatment options or as a natural alternative to traditional medications. Since treatment for neuropathy focuses on managing pain and uncomfortable symptoms as there is no cure for this condition, red light therapy works to reduce pain and inflammation in the body which makes it perfect for treating this condition. It works by changing the chemical activity in your body including stimulating the mitochondria within cells, boosting their energy production and leading to improved nerve function. This can lead to significant reductions in pain and improvement in nerve sensitivity in patients.
If you’re struggling with managing this condition, giving infrared light therapy for neuropathy a try, whether on its own or alongside other treatments, will help you live more comfortably.
Choosing Active Care Chiropractic
Wanting to try red light therapy? Seeing us at Active Care Chiropractic will ensure that you are treated by experts with this technology, who know what they’re doing. We are proud owners of three red light machines that work to target specific problematic areas or the whole body. Not only that, but our team of friendly, expert chiropractors are guaranteed to make you feel comfortable as you start your journey towards becoming pain free!
