Using Diet & Acupuncture for Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Peripheral Neuropathy, which attacks the peripheral nerves of the body, is a neurologic condition that is much more common than one may think. Some well-known symptoms associated with the disorder include stinging fiery pain that emulates a sensation of sharp electricity.
People who suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy face intense bouts of pain when walking on cold surfaces and on flat surfaces. Many patients attribute the feeling of walking on Lego’s or strolling over bits of ground up glass. This ailment affects large nerve fibers and in cases where such fibers are affected, people are more prone to weakness in the feet and hands as well as sensory loss in the same areas. When smaller fibers are involved, the effect usually is restricted to pain, though thinning of the skin, loss of body hair and muscle degradation of the hands and feet are also symptoms commonly found in patients.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy in the United States is caused by many common factors. Thyroid disorders, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, cancer, infections, B12 vitamin deficiency, alcoholism and toxic exposure rank among the top causes. Treating Peripheral Neuropathy is very difficult, which patients and doctors alike understand. There were guidelines created by the American Academy of Neurology in 2011 that covered the treatment options for neuropathic pain, 4 of which included therapeutic agents that were deemed effective. Lyrica, Cymbalta, Neurontin, and Elavil, which are available by prescription only, help to manage the symptoms but do not change the course of the disease itself. Many of the side effects of these medications such as leg swelling, weight gain, lethargy, and paradoxical agitation.
Treatment by Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used as a treatment for a wide range of ailments, including peripheral neuropathy. According to recent clinical trials, acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment for neurological ailments such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, HIV-related neuropathy and Bell’s palsy.
Treatment through Diet Modification
At least a third of patients suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy have been reported as suffering from the inability to process gluten. Not all cases test positive for Celiac Disease among this number, and one way to address treating this ailment is by consuming a gluten-free diet. Many patients have also seen improvements in pain levels when changing over to refined carbohydrate-free and lactose-free meal plans. It’s a good idea to try these meal options for 6 weeks each to see if they work for you.
How Pro Motion Healthcare Can Help
Here at Pro Motion Healthcare of Barrie, we approach each of our patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy with care and consideration. We have vast experience in treating peripheral neuropathy and have had the most success with cases of idiopathic neuropathy in the entire region. Electro acupuncture treatment sessions usually consist of one visit per week for 8- 10 weeks tapered down to quarterly visits over time as your condition improves. There is no need to live with pain, give our office a call at 705-315-0111 to find out more information or to schedule a visit to speak with one of our doctors regarding treatment.