Peripheral neuropathy refers to a range of nerve diseases that affect the nerves anywhere in the body (outside the brain and spinal cord).
In peripheral neuropathy, there is damage to a vast communication network transmitting the messages between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body.
Managing peripheral neuropathy and its frustrating symptoms can be overwhelming – especially if you have been recently diagnosed with it. However, knowing some facts about peripheral neuropathy can help you understand and manage symptoms more easily.
Let’s discuss four important things you should know about peripheral neuropathy and where you can go for peripheral neuropathy treatment in Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Michigan, or Illinois.
Fact#1 Peripheral Neuropathy Has Many Types
Peripheral neuropathy has more than 100 types – and each type has its own symptoms. For classification purposes, doctors have classified peripheral neuropathy into:
- Motor Neuropathy – A type in which motor nerves (control muscles and movement) are damaged
- Sensory Neuropathy – A type in which sensory nerves(pathways to the brain that communicate the five senses) are damaged
- Autonomic Nerve Neuropathy – A type in which autonomic nerves (nerves that control involuntary functions) are damaged.
- Combination Neuropathy – A type in which more than one type of peripheral nerve is damaged.
Fact #2 Symptom Include More Than Pain and Tingling
While pain and tingling (pins and needles) are the most common and easy-to-recognize symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, they aren’t the only ones.
As mentioned before, peripheral neuropathy symptom varies depending on the types of peripheral nerve (sensory, motor, autonomic, or mixed) that get damaged. For example, sensory neuropathy causes pain, numbness, and tingling; motor neuropathy causes difficulty walking or moving your arm; and autonomic nerve damage affects breathing, sweating, etc. Combination neuropathy can show mixed symptoms.
Fact #3 Peripheral Neuropathy Can Happen for Many Reasons
While up to half of diabetic patients experience symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, there are many other health conditions that may be associated with peripheral neuropathy, such as shingles, autoimmune diseases, cancer, infection, traumatic injuries, etc.
Your peripheral nerves can also be damaged by vitamin and nutrient deficiencies and certain medications, such as antibiotics and medications for arrhythmia and gout.
Fact #4 Diet Can Worse Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
The type of food you eat can either help your nerves heal or make your peripheral neuropathy symptoms worse. So, in your diet, incorporate foods that help fight nerve damage and have antioxidant properties.
To help fight peripheral neuropathy, incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, omega-3-rich food, and lean proteins in your diet.
Neuropathy Treatment at NIVA Health
If you have peripheral neuropathy symptoms and seek treatment, visit our healthcare provider at NIVA Health. Our highly trained healthcare providers offer a drug-free, all-natural neuropathy program, consisting of electric nerve stimulation, platelet-rich plasma therapy, red light therapy, dietary modifications, etc.
To learn more about our superior neuropathy program, call us today at our clinic nearest you or by filling out our convenient appointment request form now.
