The term neuropathy defines damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. More specifically called peripheral neuropathy, this progressive and chronic condition causes many life-limiting symptoms.
Let’s explore the symptoms and causes of peripheral neuropathy, how innovative treatments manage it to improve quality of life, and where you can go for neuropathy treatment in Jacksonville, FL.
Peripheral Neuropathy–Symptoms
Your sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems control your ability to see, hear, feel, walk, breathe, digest your food, and more. When damaged, your nerves cannot provide the movement, sensation, and physiological processes your body needs to thrive and survive.
Unfortunately, about 20 million people in the United States alone suffer with chronic peripheral neuropathy–the kind of nerve damage which impacts the extremities. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:
- Numbness
- Tingling (pin prick sensations0
- Pain
- Burning sensations
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Cramping
- Muscular weakness and atrophy
- Foot drop
- Paralysis
- Spontaneous and uncontrollable muscle movements
These symptoms may coexist with conditions that are all too familiar to many adults–restless leg syndrome, pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and sciatica nerve pain along the buttocks and back of the leg.
Peripheral Neuropathy–Causes
Nerve damage stems from a variety of sources. Perhaps the best publicized is peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes with high blood sugars and impaired circulation. Other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, may play a role in its development.
Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Overdosage of certain vitamins and supplements
- Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
- Nerve entrapment (as with carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist)
- Infections, such as shingles and HIV/AIDS
- Trauma to the affected body parts
- Vascular insufficiency
- Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
- Tumors
- Alcohol abuse
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments
Fortunately, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be controlled by managing the underlying cause. For instance, diabetics must keep their blood glucose levels within the normal range as much as possible.
Other treatments are:
- Prescription oral medications
- Customized footwear and orthotics (shoe inserts) available from a podiatrist
- Use of assistive devices, such as walking boots
Also, your regenerative medicine clinic evaluates patients for treatment with drug-free options, such as:
- Red light therapy, low wavelength light applied to the extremities
- FDA-cleared electrical energy stimulation
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy prepared from the patient’s own blood components
These therapies improve blood flow, speed healthy tissue growth, and help decrease the pain and inflammation characteristic of neuropathy and the health conditions which cause it. Also, they can help you sleep better, improve blood sugar and cholesterol and lower your blood pressure while eliminating accumulated toxins safely and effectively.
The Neuropathy Program in Jacksonville, FL
At NIVA Health, our physicians and support staff are dedicated to improving health and quality of life in the most natural way possible. Our therapies, including our neuropathy program, are patient-centered and promote overall wellness as the key to conquering the symptoms of acute and chronic health conditions.
To learn more, please contact one of our nine locations for an in-depth consultation about your neuropathy symptoms or request your visit online.
