Neuropathy
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a condition resulting from damaged peripheral nerves. It often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet, but it can also affect other areas and functions of your body. Neuropathy can stem from various causes such as diabetes, infections, hereditary disorders, and exposure to toxins. Understanding the type of neuropathy and its root cause is crucial in finding the most effective treatment.
Acupuncture for Neuropathy
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are ancient healing techniques that can help relieve the symptoms of neuropathy, including pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of balance and mobility. These therapies work by stimulating specific points on the body with fine needles or by using herbal formulas to balance the body’s energy and promote healing.
At What’s Good Wellness, we specialize in helping patients with neuropathy, including those with diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Our goal is to improve our patients’ quality of life by reducing their symptoms and helping them regain sensation, balance, and mobility.
Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in relieving neuropathic pain. In a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,100 patients, researchers found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture or conventional treatments in reducing neuropathic pain.
Chinese herbal medicine can also help treat neuropathy. In a study of 36 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, those who received a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine had a significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity, a measure of nerve function, compared to those who received conventional treatment alone (source: here).
At What’s Good, our experienced practitioners will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies to address your specific symptoms and needs. We will also provide guidance on lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet modifications, that can help improve your neuropathy symptoms.
What Does Our Neuropathy Management Program Treat?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.
Various conditions can lead to neuropathy, including diabetes, certain infections, vitamin deficiency, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning sensation, pain, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination or balance.
Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, blood tests, nerve function tests, and imaging studies to determine the underlying cause and extent of nerve damage.
Treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet, as well as other areas, can include managing underlying conditions, medication for neuropathic pain, physical therapy, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
Yes, acupuncture for neuropathy can help relieve symptoms by promoting natural healing and nerve function. It is often used alongside other treatments.
While medical treatment is important, certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes can support nerve health, such as maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, exercising, and using supplements recommended by your healthcare provider.
Some types of neuropathy may improve with time, especially if caused by a treatable condition. However, many forms are chronic and require ongoing management.
Preventing neuropathy involves managing risk factors such as diabetes, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Managing neuropathic pain typically involves a combination of treatments, including medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and complementary treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Let us help you on your healing journey!
If you’re seeking neuropathy treatment, discover how our localized care can provide the support and treatment you need close to home. We are committed to serving our community with the highest standard of neuropathy care.