Month: December 2022

Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Treatment Through The Next Generation Of Neurofunctional Pain Management Approach

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Peripheral neuropathy, while typically a condition that results from type 2 diabetes and the insulin resistance cycle found in patients with diabetes, is one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Unfortunately, while we are familiar with the condition, that does not mean many people have been able to find an effective or lasting treatment. 

If there is one thing that patients can take away from the long and arduous history of treating peripheral neuropathy, it is that it is difficult to treat. Most patients never get full relief from the pain, and the condition gets worse over time as medications become less effective. Now, with knowledge obtained from ongoing research on the condition, we are now able to specifically target the painful symptoms of peripheral neuropathy with concentrated and effective treatments. 

Patients can take heart in knowing that as medical advancements are made, the options for treatment are also improved. Patients must also keep in mind that because there is a variety for treatment, they not only have the options for choice but the responsibility to make the best choice possible in seeking an effective treatment for chronic peripheral neuropathy.

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about an innovative, non-surgical, and non-invasive treatment for peripheral neuropathy offered at Neuragenex: Neurofunctional Pain Management.

The Extent Of Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe a degenerative neurological disease that affects over 20 million people in the US alone. 

This condition causes progressive damage to the nerves belonging to the body’s peripheral nervous system, or the ones located outside of the brain and spinal cord. 

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information from the brain to the body’s organs, muscles, and extremities – and vice-versa. When the peripheral nerves are damaged, this transmission is interrupted, which causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling sensations, and pain. 

As the nerve damage progresses, peripheral neuropathy can cause disabling pain and extreme fatigue. It may also lead to complications like ulcers or abnormalities in bodily functions such as the heartbeat, sweating, and digestion. 

The nerves in the peripheral nervous system can become damaged as a consequence of several reasons, including diabetes, infections, traumatic injury, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to toxins, and medications. 

Peripheral neuropathy affects every person differently, and the set of symptoms you’ll experience is directly correlated to what kind of nerves are affected. Let’s look at the different groups of nerves that can become damaged below.

Motor Nerve Damage

Motor nerves are nerves in the peripheral nervous system responsible for transmitting signals relating to muscle movements. These nerve endings are located within the muscle mass and supply information to the brain about muscle contractions, coordination, and the body’s positioning within the surrounding space. 

When these muscles become damaged you may experience involuntary muscle movements – such as spasms, cramps, and fasciculations – as well as impaired coordination and balance. Motor nerve damage can also make falls more likely and, when it impairs muscle movement, can lead to muscle shrinking and atrophy.

Sensory Nerve Damage

The sensory nerves of the peripheral nervous system are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain relating to sensations such as temperature, touch, vibration, and pain. Sensory nerve damage prevents these signals from traveling to and being processed by the brain. 

This translates into numbness and abnormal sensations such as tingling or burning and stabbing pain. 

Sensory nerve damage may also cause several symptoms, including:

  • Loss of feeling
  • Paresthesia pain (“pins and needles” sensations)
  • Hyperesthesia (extreme sensitivity to touch)
  • Allodynia (experiencing pain in response to stimuli that should be painless)

The sensory nerves in the fingers, toes, hands, and feet are usually the first ones to be affected.

Autonomic Nerve Damage

The autonomic nerves are responsible for carrying signals to the brain relating to the body’s autonomic functions, or those functions we don’t have direct control over. For example, these nerves regulate processes such as blood circulation, heartbeat, sweating, digestion, and bowel and bladder function.  

When these nerves are damaged, you may develop what’s known as autonomic neuropathy, a serious condition that can lead to irregular heartbeat, digestion problems, excessive sweating, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. 

Patients with autonomic nerve damage may need medical interventions to address their condition, such as the implantation of a pacemaker.

What Do We Know About Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Most patients may live with the condition of peripheral neuropathy, experience its daily inhibiting power, and believe they know all there is to know about their options for treatment because they have only ever talked to one medical provider about it. The reality is that not even the greatest minds who have studied the condition for their entire careers know all there is to know about peripheral neuropathy, and there is more research being published every year on the subject with new and better ideas for therapy.

Below, we’ll look at what we know about diagnosing, preventing, and treating neuropathy.

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

As seen above, neuropathy is considered to be a clinically challenging condition to diagnose. This is because there are no definitive diagnostic tests for it and because its “invisible” nature makes symptoms appear subjective at first. 

However, a specialized healthcare provider may use several tools and diagnostic tests to determine the nature, cause, and extent of the nerve damage. Some of these tools include the following:

  • A thorough physical examination. This includes an assessment of symptoms and a review of the patient’s medical history.
  • Blood tests. Blood tests are used to investigate nutritional imbalances, autoimmune disease, and genetic factors that may be contributing to neuropathy. 
  • Electrodiagnostic tests. Nerve conduction tests (NCS) and electromyograms (EMG) are used to assess how well the nerves work based on the strength and signals of the nerve signals. Quantitative Sensory Tests (QST) may also be used to determine how you respond to stimuli such as vibration, pressure, and temperature. 
  • Biopsies. Skin samples containing nerve fibers may be collected for examination. These tests are used to determine the nerve count on your hands or feet. 
  • Neurological examinations. During a neurological exam, a neurologist assesses your ability to feel pain and control muscle movements. 

Your doctor may also prescribe imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans. These tests are used to exclude underlying conditions and abnormalities that may be damaging or pressing on the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, such as tumors.

Can This Condition Be Prevented?

Some risk factors for neuropathy cannot be fully prevented. These include aging, genetic factors, and hereditary conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. 

However, some lifestyle choices can help you safeguard your nerves from further damage. 

You can reduce your risk of peripheral neuropathy through lifestyle changes, including:

  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
  • Preventing nutritional deficiencies through a balanced diet
  • Exercising regularly and leading an active lifestyle
  • Monitoring risk factors for diabetes, including obesity
  • Preventing exposure to toxins that may damage nerves, such as arsenic

If you have been diagnosed with nerve damage, it is crucial to find an adequate treatment program to slow down or prevent the progression of the disease. Additionally, if you experience numbness and pain, a self-care routine that involves regular exercise, massages, and inspections of your hands and feet can help you reduce the risk of severe complications, such as ulcers. 

What Researchers Say About The Condition

In an article published in May of 2021, Dr. Gordon Sloan et al. raised concerns over the fact that they are still learning about peripheral neuropathy, particularly when it is a result of diabetes which they term as “DSPN” or Diabetic Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy. Dr. Gordon and his associates in their key points note that, “The mechanisms of DSPN are not fully understood but involve downstream injurious pathways associated with hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and microvascular disease leading to neuronal inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death” (2021). 

Even as doctors attempt to fully understand peripheral neuropathy, the mechanisms involved in the damage caused by the condition are not precisely understood. It is as if a vehicle refuses to start and a mechanic suggests that they know something is wrong with the engine. This is said not to take away from medical providers and researchers–after all, the human body is infinitely more complex than a car–but the analogy serves to prove the point that even those studying the condition struggle to understand it completely and learn more things they did not know before year after year.

It is easy to blame physicians when we think they should have all the answers to our problems and solutions for our pain. Dr. Gordon and his associates seem to understand and share this frustration, especially when confronting the pain of their patients. And while there are those patients who do not experience pain from DSPN, the frustration continues to mount for both doctors and patients. 

Dr. Gordon continues in his analysis to state that “[t]he reasons why some patients develop painless rather than painful DSPN are unknown; however, alterations in the peripheral and central nervous system have emerged as potential explanations”. These “potential explanations” are often all we have to work with when it comes to understanding the mechanisms and treatment of peripheral neuropathy, but patients and doctors should take heart in knowing that the research continues at as fast a pace we can keep.

A Deeper Dive Into Possible Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy

Even if you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, understanding what’s causing this condition isn’t always easy. Today, up to 30% of neuropathy cases remain idiopathic, meaning that they have no known cause. Additionally, diabetes – and, in particular, poorly-managed blood sugar – is considered to be one of the main triggers of nerve damage. 

This is because sudden and drastic fluctuations in blood glucose levels can impair the functioning of the blood vessels responsible for supplying nerves with oxygen and nutrients. When this supply is disrupted, nerve endings can become damaged or die. 

According to a 2019 study, over 50% of people with diabetes have neuropathy. 

In the sections below, we’ll look in more detail at the possible causes and contributing factors to neuropathy.

The Relationship Between Diabetes And Peripheral Neuropathy

For the time being, it should suffice to know that peripheral neuropathy is a condition that typically results from diabetes and that managing diabetes will likely contribute to the management of peripheral neuropathy. In an article published in February of 2021, Doctors at the University of Milano-Bicocca surmise that all types of peripheral neuropathy, “. . . are characterized by nerves damage and axonal loss, and they could be classified in hereditary or acquired forms” (2021). 

Patients can imagine that sugar is a crystal structure with non-conforming shapes and edges that rub against everything it touches. Many people have seen a power washer with added sand particles in the water flow to enhance the destructive force of the water by having the sand particles and their sharp edges grind away at a surface like sandpaper. 

Sugar acts largely the same way in our bodies, with concentrations of sugar in the blood creating a directly observable destruction in the body. Insulin is the hormone required to trigger cellular uptake of sugar where it is metabolized. 

Insulin resistance results in cells not responding to the command to take up sugar, and leaving that sugar circulating in the blood, grinding away at everything it touches throughout the body like a power washer with sand in the water flow. 

If the body experiences a higher intake of sugar, more insulin is required to clean the blood and uptake the sugar. Over time, after a meal, the level of blood sugar should decrease to normal levels and the insulin may be lowered to match it, but the damage is done. 

This is a contributing factor to why doctors ask for a fasting blood test. They don’t want to test your blood sugar after you eat because it’s full of sugar. However, if you have not eaten in 8 hours, that blood sugar test has a lot more value to your doctor in learning about your insulin resistance condition. The body is unable to handle a high level of sugar in the blood and damage will result, damage pointed directly to the body’s most sensitive structures like microvascular passages and other delicate tissues. 

Most likely the first noticeable systems affected by this extreme insulin resistance are at the edge or periphery, hence the small delicate microvascular tissues, and directly affecting the peripheral nerves that report sensations and pain. Thus, the term peripheral neuropathy has been used to describe the condition as patients who suffer from it feel it in their fingers and toes where the nerves are at the edge or peripheral of their body.

Acrylamides: A Possible Contributing Factor

Peripheral neuropathy is not only a condition that results from diabetes, but it can result from several factors such as prescription medications, oncology and chemotherapy regimens, and even environmental chemicals including what researchers are calling acrylamide. 

In an article published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, doctors Bin-Jumah et al. found that, “[a]crylamide is a chemical monomer; its polymer compounds are used in the manufacture of plastic, papers, adhesive tapes, dyes, and food packaging. Lately, scientists found that cooking (mainly roasting, baking, and frying) yields acrylamide” (2021). 

The research continues and suggests that, “[a]crylamide has toxic effects on different body systems [including] genitourinary, reproductive, nervous system, along with being a carcinogenic substance. The neurotoxicity of acrylamide includes central and peripheral neuropathy. In humans, the clinical manifestations include sensory or motor peripheral neuropathy, drowsiness, or cerebellar ataxia”. 

While the effects of acrylamide, including peripheral neuropathy, are indeed terrifying, it is imperative that patients stay optimistic in the face of potential exposure or worsening of their condition.

Other Contributing Factors To Peripheral Neuropathy

While a lot is yet to be understood about the causes of peripheral neuropathy, research is shedding light on risk factors that may be contributing to or aggravating this disease. 

Below, we’ll explore the known causes of nerve damage.

Injuries And Trauma

Direct trauma is one of the leading causes of damage to a single nerve, a condition known as mononeuropathy. Traumatic injuries can interrupt a nerve’s connection to the brain, which can lead to neuropathic pain and numbness. 

Medical conditions such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome may also lead to nerve damage. In these cases, the structures around the nerve press on and irritate major nerves that connect the limb to the brain and the spinal cord, thus causing temporary or permanent neuropathy.

Autoimmune Diseases

A 2018 study shows that genetic factors contribute to 1 in every 2500 cases of neuropathy. Additionally, some forms of neuropathy – such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease – are hereditary. 

Beyond genetic and hereditary factors, autoimmune diseases may also lead to nerve damage. This is the case of degenerative or chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are triggered by an overactive immune system, and cause the body to sustain high levels of inflammation for prolonged periods. Such high levels of inflammation can damage nerve fibers and cause neuropathy.

Hormonal Imbalance

Some hormonal imbalances may contribute to neuropathy. You may be at greater risk of nerve damage if your body produces too much or too little of certain hormones, including:

  • Estrogen and testosterone. Sex hormones play a role in regulating inflammation levels. A sudden drop in these hormones, which may occur due to health events like menopause, can lead to inflammation-induced nerve damage. 
  • Thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism (having an underactive thyroid) can cause nerve damage by increasing fluid retention, causing the tissue to swell, and causing metabolic dysfunction. 
  • Growth hormones. High levels of growth hormones can cause structures of the body (i.e.: bones and joints) to enlarge and press on nearby nerves.
  • Progesterone. Progesterone contributes to developing and maintaining the myelin, which is the nerve’s protective sheath. When progesterone levels drop, the myelin is left unprotected, which can lead to a type of nerve damage known as demyelinating neuropathy.

Kidney And Liver Disorders

Kidney dysfunction can cause fluids, water, and waste products to accumulate in the body, which can have a toxic effect on the nerves. This condition is known as uremic neuropathy and affects an estimated 20-50% of people with kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the leading causes of kidney disorders. 

Neuropathy is also a common complication of advanced liver disease. In this case, nerve damage occurs due to the fact that, when the liver does not work properly, toxins begin to build up in the blood. In some cases, these toxins may travel to the brain and cause a serious condition known as hepatic encephalopathy. 

Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of liver disease, alongside obesity and hepatitis infections. Additionally, chronic exposure to high quantities of alcohol can damage the myelin and lead to neuropathy. It is estimated that between 25% and 66% of those with alcohol use disorders also have neuropathy.

Vitamin Imbalances

Some nutritional deficiencies are associated with a higher risk of nerve damage. According to a 2008 study, these nutrients include:

  • Copper
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid
  • Vitamin B1
  • Vitamin B9

Too much or too little Vitamin B6 can also cause neuropathy. 

Some metabolic and digestive disorders may prevent your body from absorbing these essential nutrients. These conditions include Celiac disease and alcohol use disorder.

Infections

Nerve damage may also be caused by the sustained high levels of inflammation the body produces in response to infection. Such high levels of inflammation can damage the myelin, thus leading to peripheral neuropathy. Some infections that may trigger this condition include:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Shingles
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Diphtheria 

It is estimated that over 50% of people with HIV also have neuropathy.

The Effects Of Peripheral Neuropathy On Daily Life

Being a degenerative disease, peripheral neuropathy often starts with mild symptoms, such as discomfort and numbness in the hands and feet. However, over time, living with neuropathy can lead to an array of complications. 

Hypersensitivity to touch can cause you to experience pain at the lightest touch, which can prevent you from being productive at work or getting a restful night’s sleep. It is estimated that sleep disturbances affect nearly 70% of those with nerve damage. 

Additionally, if you are unable to feel pain, you may inadvertently expose your limbs to extreme heat or cold, or let infected wounds go untreated, which can lead to sores, ulcers, and the death of tissue (gangrene). Amputations due to neuropathy account for up to 75% of all non-traumatic amputations. 

Beyond causing debilitating pain and disability, neuropathy can also affect your mental health. According to a 2020 study, depression and anxiety affect 65% and 73% of people with neuropathy, respectively. 

Nerve damage can also affect your professional life and 43% of people with neuropathy report that their employment status is affected by their condition. 

While the complications of neuropathy can undoubtedly be serious, some treatment options can help you manage your pain and prevent the disease from progressing. Let’s look at these lines of treatment below.

Why Traditional Medications Don’t Work

Neuropathy is commonly treated with medications such as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotics, anesthetics, and topical drugs.

However, given the chronic nature of this condition, taking medications daily can expose you to a cascade of risks and side effects. Understanding the advantages and risks of each line of treatment can help you make a more informed decision for your health. 

Below, we’ll look at the pharmaceutical treatments traditionally prescribed for neuropathy according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants may be prescribed to manage neuropathic pain and address the mental health complications of neuropathy. This class of drugs works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters in the spinal cord that reduce pain signals. 

Some of the antidepressants prescribed for neuropathy include venlafaxine, bupropion, and duloxetine, which belong to a class of drugs known as tertiary-amine TCAs. 

Taking antidepressants regularly can lead to eating disorders, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and digestive issues. They may also increase the risk of heart disease and death.

Anesthetics

Some local anesthetics can help reduce neuropathic pain by blocking nerve conduction and preventing nerve signals from reaching the brain. This line of treatment is often prescribed when other pain-killing medications have not worked. Anti-epileptic medications that work similarly to anesthetics may also be prescribed. 

Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal problems are just a few of the side effects caused by this line of treatment.

Topicals

Some topical pain-killing creams may help reduce the symptoms of neuropathy, especially if nerve damage is a complication of shingles. Some gels, balms, and creams that may be prescribed include:

  • capsaicin (the active compound in chili peppers) cream
  • Menthol-based counterirritants
  • Lidocaine creams
  • Topical NSAIDs

Narcotics And Opioids

Narcotics and opioids such as oxycodone may temporarily relieve neuropathic pain by blocking pain signals traveling to the brain. Although these drugs should only be used if other treatments have not worked, a 2021 study showed that nearly 44% of patients diagnosed with neuropathy between 2014 and 2018 were prescribed opioids. 

Narcotics can lead to serious complications, including drowsiness, slowed breathing, euphoria, and addiction.

Why Surgery Isn’t Worth The Trouble

Surgical interventions may be prescribed if the damage and irritation to a nerve is due to enlarged surrounding structures, such as in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

However, the scientific community – alongside the team of specialists at Neuragenex – advised against surgical interventions, especially if you suffer from neuropathy caused by diabetes, infection, nutritional deficiencies, or exposure to toxins. 

Even if surgery may appear to be your last resort to ease neuropathic pain, invasive procedures used to repair damaged nerves can further damage the nerves and lead to long and painful rehabilitation periods.

Other Non-Surgical Treatments

Some non-surgical treatments may help you ease the pain derived from neuropathy and prevent further nerve damage. However, these treatments are not equally effective on all patients.

Let’s look at what should be included in a non-invasive treatment for neuropathy below:

  • Acupuncture and massage therapy: Acupuncture and massages may help relax the muscles around damaged nerves and stimulate blood flow, thus easing pressure and relieving pain. Massage therapy may also trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 
  • Nutritional supplements: Some supplements may help you prevent or correct nutritional deficiencies that contribute to neuropathy, such as B12 and copper. 
  • Quitting drinking and smoking: Avoiding alcohol and tobacco can limit your exposure to toxins that may further damage peripheral nerves. 
  • Self-care: Maintaining a structured personal hygiene routine and examining your feet for infected wounds can help you prevent some of the complications of neuropathy, including ulcers. 
  • Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can strengthen your musculoskeletal system and prevent muscle mass loss, which may help counteract the symptoms deriving from damage to motor nerves. Staying active can also help you keep a healthy weight and manage your blood sugar, thus reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes, which are risk factors for neuropathy. 
  • Managing your blood sugar levels: If neuropathy is caused by uncontrolled diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels can help you prevent further damage to your nerves and stop neuropathy from progressing. 

Lastly, physical therapy may help. With the help of a physical therapist, you may be able to boost your muscle strength, improve your flexibility, and counteract the symptoms of neuropathy. Improving your physical health may also reduce the risk of falls and injuries, which are often caused by neuropathy.

Is There An Effective Treatment For Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy Pain?

Effective treatment options for peripheral neuropathy that don’t involve medications or surgery do exist – but not many patients are aware of them. By educating yourself, you’ll discover lines of treatments for chronic peripheral neuropathy pain based on regenerative medicine and natural therapies, such as Neurofunctional Pain Management.

Neuragenex is at the forefront of chronic pain management by implementing cutting edge chronic pain management protocols that relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life for patients with chronic pain. 

Neuragenex has pioneered the field of Neurofunctional Pain Management and created proprietary treatment protocols that stand at the forefront of the next generation of chronic pain management and peripheral neuropathy treatment. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management is a proprietary treatment program offered exclusively by Neuragenex. This treatment is a combination of high pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy that work together to produce enhanced pain relief that may endure for several months after a patient completes a course of treatment. 

For the most effective and lasting relief from peripheral neuropathy pain, Neurofunctional Pain Management treatments typically last for one hour, twice a week. With the combination of high pulse electrical stimulation which creates a sustained depolarization effect on the pain neurons, while also stimulating tissue regeneration that repairs damaged nerves and damaged microvascular tissues. 

Specialized hydration therapy of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional components help patients restore health and create a synergy effect on their pain treatment condition. The combination of these two therapies create an enhanced pain relief effect that may endure for months without the need for drugs, surgery or invasive procedures. 

Many patients experience relief after a single treatment session and those who complete their entire treatment plan may experience months and months of pain relief and enhanced quality of life.

The Next Generation Of Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, relying on medications and enduring the side effects of pharmacotherapy may seem like the only options. Fortunately, as research around the causes, symptoms, and treatments for neuropathy progresses, a new option is now available to today’s patients: Neurofunctional Pain Management.

Neuragenex understands that with a balance of high pulse electrical stimulation, and effective vitamin mineral restoration treatment to restore general full-body hydration, the treatment outcomes with Neuragenex are substantial and constitute a new effective way of treating chronic pain. Neurofunctional Pain Management is really the most effective next generation chronic pain treatment in the medical field. Neurofunctional Pain Management as the next generation in pain management meets the Neuragenex mission to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify quality of life while operating as a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic pain treatment program. Our vision is to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain relief.

Living With Osteoarthritis: What Loved Ones Can Do

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Receiving a diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be a life-changing moment. The symptoms of this condition can change how you interact with your loved ones, determine what activities you’ll be able to participate in, and impact your emotional health. 

However, being diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) does not have to feel like a condemnation. With the support of your loved ones, adequate lifestyle changes, and a treatment program designed around your needs, you can return to making the most of every minute in your personal and professional life. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the important role of family members, partners, and friends in helping people with osteoarthritis, and we’ll look at how new treatment options can magnify the life of patients battling a degenerative joint disease.

The Internal Struggle Of Patients With Osteoarthritis

Especially in the early stages of the disease, osteoarthritis can be considered an “invisible illness”, meaning that the pain, discomfort, and fatigue a patient experiences are not outwardly visible. 

Just because these symptoms aren’t noticeable to others, it does not mean that a loved one with OA isn’t struggling. The first step to helping someone in your family or group of friends with OA is to educate yourself about the causes and symptoms of this condition and attempt to understand what they are going through. 

Here are some of the ways in which OA pain can affect the life of your loved ones:

  • Persistent pain in the joints – Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” type of arthritis that breaks down the cushioning between bones, known as cartilage. Over time, the lack of lubrication can make the movements of hands, knees, ankles, and hips extremely painful. 
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion – As the cartilage breaks down, the joints become exposed to friction and shock, which can damage bones and ligaments. This can lead to severe stiffness and mobility issues, especially after periods of rest (like in the morning or after sitting for a long time). 
  • Swelling – Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease, which means that the body sustains excessively high levels of inflammation for long periods. The inflammation increases the blood flow in the affected area, leading to the accumulation of fluids and often causing severe swelling. 

Mechanical issues – Osteoarthritis changes how the joints move, which can add pressure and friction to joint components that should normally be unaffected during movement. This can lead to deformities and misalignments that can make it difficult for a person with arthritis to move, maintain balance, or remain flexible.

Patients who suffer from osteoarthritis are all too familiar with persistent pain, bone spurs, stiffness, and aching in various joints throughout their body. While the conditions of osteoarthritis and its painful symptoms are very real, patients may not always consider the effect that their condition has on their loved ones. The burden placed upon loved ones who care for them is more than just the physical assistance required to help them. It’s the psychological stress of wishing there was more that could be done. 

Many patients take this to mean that they are a burden when in fact loved ones see a problem that they wish they could help with or take away from the patient, not that the patient is a burden themselves. Patients should see their condition as a problem that can and will be treated in partnership with their doctors and loved ones. 

If patients of osteoarthritis allow themselves to be defined by their condition, they will allow themselves to be seen as a burden. So, while loved ones can remind patients that their condition does not define them, they may also wonder what they can do to help.

Impact Of Osteoarthritis On Your Loved Ones

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can have a profound impact on a person’s professional, personal, and financial life. As the disease progresses, a person with osteoarthritis will begin to struggle even with the most natural daily activities, such as playing with their kids or enjoying their lifelong hobbies.

The first step a loved one can take to help a patient with osteoarthritis is to educate themselves on how the condition works and understand how their targeted intervention can mitigate the symptoms and bring physical and mental relief.

Below, we’ll look in more detail at the impact of osteoarthritis on a person’s life.

Chronic Pain and Relationships

On average, people with osteoarthritis live approximately 30 years with the disease. Although adequate treatment programs can prevent the progression of their illness, osteoarthritis is a degenerative and irreversible condition. This means that the pain they experience is likely to get worse due to stress, lifestyle choices, and aging. 

Here are just some of the ways in which this pain can affect their lives.

  • Interference In Sleep Patterns – There is a direct correlation between pain and sleep. In people with osteoarthritis, pain can become more noticeable at night due to fewer distractions, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep and get quality rest. This, in turn, can cause fatigue and inflammation, which worsen the symptoms of OA during the daytime. According to the Arthritis Foundation, up to 70% of people with osteoarthritis suffer from sleep disturbances. 
  • Inability To Perform Tasks And Routines – Joint pain inhibits even the simplest activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending down. Additionally, stiffness in the knee and hips can hinder balance and mobility, increasing the risk of injuries and falls. Because of this, people with osteoarthritis might struggle with daily tasks such as bathing, cooking, or driving a car. 

Difficulty With Touch And Physical Intimacy – People living with OA might have a reduced interest in intimacy and a lower sex drive because of the distress, pain, stiffness, and limited mobility they experience. Since 31-76% of people with arthritis report having disturbances in their sex life, it is important for partners to understand how OA is impacting the other person.

The Financial Burdens of Treatment

Living with a chronic and degenerative condition can put a strain on a person’s financial life. 

For example, the lifetime cost for a person diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis was $140,300 in 2016, a figure that includes an expenditure of $129,600 in direct medical costs. But the cost of living with OA goes beyond these figures. 

People with osteoarthritis spend a significant amount on specialist visits, medical tests, medications, and therapies. What’s more, looking at the non-medical costs, people with debilitating chronic conditions might be forced to miss days at work and deal with the consequences of lost wages. 

Other costs faced by people with OA include the purchase of special equipment, changes in living accommodations, and alterations to their house. 

Because of these costs, people with osteoarthritis might begin to experience a sense of guilt and start to see themselves as a burden for their partner or family. Understanding this can help loved ones create a budgeting plan and ease the financial pressure that derives from a diagnosis of OA.

Mental Health

Osteoarthritis can have a profound effect on the mental and emotional health of patients. This is because OA can put a loved one under significant financial stress and change the dynamics within their personal relationships. 

Additionally, the reduced mobility and constant distress might prevent patients from carrying on with their current job and impact their professional life or career. Chronic pain can also lead to social isolation and impact a person’s ability to enjoy their hobbies and daily activities. 

Over time, this can increase the risk of developing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. For the loved ones of people with OA, it is crucial to look for signs of social withdrawal, depressive episodes, or isolation; ensure they are provided the necessary help.

What The Research Says About Living With Osteoarthritis

Initially identified as a specific disease in the 1890s, osteoarthritis has been researched in-depth in recent decades. Today, patients can access an unprecedented number of resources that can help them cope with their conditions. 

Here is an extract of what the research says about the impact of OA on a person’s life:

  • Reduced self-perceived quality of life – According to a 2015 study, people with OA have a low perception of their quality of life, especially in terms of functional capacity, pain, and functionality. 
  • Poorer mental health – Research published in 2017 shows that nearly 60% of those with osteoarthritis will develop a mental health disorder over the course of their disease. 
  • Increased risk of depression – A review published in 2022 reports that the prevalence of depressive symptoms in people with OA can be as high as 20%
  • Missed work days – A study published in 2022 shows that, on average, people with arthritis took an average of 93 days of sick leave in 3 years, accounting for an annual cost per patient of €2,594 ($2,747). 
  • A major cause of disability – According to the CDC, arthritis is the third cause of work disability among working-age adults. It is also the main cause of disability among older adults. 

Higher risk of sleep disturbances – Research published in 2016 shows that osteoarthritis is linked to sleep disturbances and sleep deprivation which, in turn, are risk factors for increased OA pain and depression.

Additionally, a 2019 study concentrating on the mitigation of knee osteoarthritis centered its arguments for treatment around six prevalent risk factors including: “(1) obesity and overweight, (2) comorbidity, (3) occupational factors, (4) physical activity, (5) biomechanical factors, (6) dietary exposures” (Georgiev 2019). While all these risk factors fall into the aforementioned categories (personal, clinical, and public), the most imperative factor for all of these risk factors is that they have the potential for mitigation to assist in the treatment of osteoarthritis. 

For example, the risk factor of obesity is a factor that can be mitigated to change the severity of osteoarthritis and it falls almost entirely into the personal category for, less so for education, and more so for intervention. If a loved one is aware and educated in the processes and responsibility, they can attempt to help maintain the OA patient’s weight, without personal intervention and action on the part of the patient, the risk factor will remain and get worse, and osteoarthritis pain will persist. 

While the study continues to address these risk factors and the importance of educating patients and their loved ones, doctors Tsvetoslav Georgiev and Alexander Angelov also conclude that “[i]n the era of age- and obesity-related diseases, the combined effects of local and systemic risk factors should be managed by combined measures”.

Patients and their loved ones should be made aware that the effective treatment of their osteoarthritis includes educating themselves personally and with the patient’s physician. At the same time, if patients do not make the right decisions and act for themselves and they do not use the “combined measures” to fight their osteoarthritis, it is likely that the condition will progress– and not in a good way. But what are these “combined measures”, specifically and how can loved ones help?

Can The Presence Of Loved Ones Help?

If a loved one has been diagnosed with arthritis, there is a lot that you can do to help them make sense of their condition and avoid complications such as isolation and mental health disorders.

Here’s what the research says:

  • Easing loneliness – A 2020 study shows that, people with OA often feel “lonely in their own loneliness” and are at greater risk of becoming socially isolated. Encouraging dialogue and being present for your loved ones with OA can help them feel understood. 
  • Feeling understood – A poll conducted by Creaky Joints shows that nearly 90% of people with arthritis feel that their friends and family don’t really understand their disease. For those with OA, having at least one person who understands what they are going through can help ease the burden of always having to explain and interpret how they feel.
  • Taking on a distinct role – A 2020 study explored the role of relatives in the management of arthritis. The findings highlight that it is important for relatives to have technical knowledge of the disease and take on a specific role to provide emotional, mental, and physical support. 

The 2020 study, which was published in the Patient Preference and Adherence journal, also highlighted the importance for relatives to participate in Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) programs and develop interventions to fine-tune the management of the disease.

While patients follow the advice of their doctors, they often conclude that even while they do so, the pain and inconvenience of osteoarthritis permeates too much of their life and they and their loved ones would like to do more. Doctors Georgiev and Angelov list the following interventions: “[f]emoral muscle-strengthening physical activities, complemented with proper diet, weight loss, vocational rehabilitation, management of comorbidities (especially diabetes and depression), and biomechanical support”. 

While education and intervention of these risk factors can help to lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis, the study also concludes that, “[a]n individual risk factor modification program should be developed in accordance with patient preferences and habits, workplace, medical history, and overall health condition”. Patients and their loved ones should take heart in the fact that, with the advice of their doctor, maintaining their osteoarthritis and lessening its impact greatly depends on the individual choices they make related to their risk factors.

How Loved Ones Can Help Manage Osteoarthritis

No two people will see their lives impacted in the same way by osteoarthritis. Because of this, it is important to understand the unique challenges your loved one is facing. Relatives should learn to recognize the role they can play in supporting their loved ones by helping them manage their disease. 

According to research published in 2020, patients and relatives can use a joint approach to treatment and determine together how to better cope with arthritis. This approach includes clarifying everyone’s role, improving communication, and sharing information. 

Below are some practical examples that relatives can use as guidance to support their loved ones with osteoarthritis.

Building Acceptance For The Condition

Although a diagnosis of osteoarthritis can certainly be life-changing, it is crucial for patients not to be defined by their disease. Having a thorough understanding of their condition can help. 

According to a study published in 2021, the greater the disease acceptance is, the better patients will be able to adapt to their new life and cope with the psychological discomfort deriving from it. 

Relatives can help by normalizing the symptoms experienced by a person with OA, maintaining hope, and encouraging them to share their feelings. Looking at resources and treatment options together, and agreeing on suitable lifestyle modifications may also help.

Balancing Self-Efficacy With Physical Helplessness

For people with osteoarthritis, it is often too easy to be caught in a downward spiral. The trigger might be a negative outlook on life and a feeling of helplessness. However, this pattern can be broken by encouraging “self-efficacy”, or an “I can do this attitude”. A shift in mindset can help patients reduce perceived disabilities, prevent social isolation, and maintain a positive outlook. 

However, this should not be confused with encouraging your loved ones to “do it all” by themselves! Their symptoms are real, and providing them with the help needed can go a long way to help them maintain a normal life.

Acknowledging The Need For Help And Support

Beyond encouraging your loved ones to remain active and engaged, it is also crucial to seek the physical, medical, and mechanical help needed for them to remain independent in their daily lives. 

For example, you might suggest modifying the furniture or layout of their apartment to make moving around easier. Or, you can seek the help of home care providers who better understand the physical needs of someone with arthritis. If in doubt, consulting a specialized doctor can be an excellent starting point.

Seeking Professional Help Together

As we have seen above, people with osteoarthritis are at greater risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Although you might be doing your best to keep them engaged, socially active, and healthy, it is important to know when professional help might be needed. 

Some resources you could look at to find professional support include the following:

  • Occupational Therapists – Occupational therapy can help your loved ones cope with the consequences of OA on their daily life, activities, and career. Occupational therapists can offer guidance on how to protect their joints and modify their favorite activities to allow for the limitations caused by arthritis. 
  • Mental Health Professionals – Mental health professionals play a vital role in supporting the psychological and emotional health of people with a chronic disease. They can help your loved one better cope with the impact of OA on their mental health and prevent the emergence of disorders such as depression. 
  • Support Groups – While your loved one might feel alone when battling OA, it is important to remember that this disease affects nearly 33 million people just in the US. Connecting with people who have the same disease can improve your loved one’s mood, ease loneliness, and equip them with new tools to cope with their disease. 
  • Medical Resources – Having a technical knowledge of what osteoarthritis is and how it manifests is the first step to finding adequate treatment programs and avoiding the feeling of helplessness.

Discussing Treatment Options

Discussing treatment options with your loved ones is certainly a delicate task, especially as both the benefits and the risks of each therapy should be taken into account. When looking into valid therapies, it is important to look beyond traditional approaches and explore alternatives to NSAIDs, opioids, pain relievers, or surgery.

Today, there are valid treatment options for osteoarthritis that are sustainable in the long term and can help your loved ones regain a high quality of life. Let’s look at the options in more detail below.

Encouraging New Treatments For Osteoarthritis

When dealing with constant pain, it is easy for your loved ones to resort to what’s easily available: usually non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain-relievers. 

While these treatment options might ease pain in the short term, they are not a long-lasting solution and, when taken over long periods of time, they may cause severe side effects, including dependency. On the other hand, patients with advanced osteoarthritis whose disease has not responded well to pharmaceutical treatments might face the daunting prospect of undergoing surgery.

In the meantime, there are non-drug, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic treatments for osteoarthritis, and they are just a phone call away.

In the year 2000, a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of another nonsurgical treatment known as viscosupplementation was conducted. While the clinical trials of viscosupplementation were in their infancy, Dr John Watterson found that “. . . the lack of systemic side effects and the potential lasting effects make it an appealing option” (2000). The process of viscosupplementation is best described as a loosening and relaxing of the joints that feel stiff and rusted over. This nonsurgical option uses a safe compound called hyaluronic acid. 

Hyaluronic acid has been USDA approved for decades and Dr. Watterson attests to this benefit by stating that “[t]he US Food and Drug Administration approval of hyaluronic acid as a device has avoided the need for meeting the more stringent criteria for approval as a drug”. Decades later, the use of hyaluronic acid in viscosupplementation has remained an effective and affordable solution to treat osteoarthritis. 

Neuragenex uses hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation treatment for osteoarthritis in conjunction with its pain-relieving treatment protocols rooted in the principles of Neurofunctional Pain Management. Neuragenex operates a proprietary treatment protocols called Neuralgesia that use the principles of Neurofunctional Pain Management by relieving pain with high pulse electrical stimulation, and viscosupplementation in the case of osteoarthritis, and restoring health with specialized hydration therapy that restores nutrient deficiencies responsible for exacerbating the pain condition. 

While viscosupplementation relieves and loosens the joints affected by OA, Neurofunctional Pain Management treatments further reduce the pain by using high-pulse electrical stimulation to produce a sustained depolarization effect of the pain neurons associated with damaged tissues, in combination with specialized hydration therapy, this combination relieves pain, restores health, and magnifies the quality of life of our patients.

How Neuragenex Can Help You And Your Loved Ones Manage Osteoarthritis

We fulfill our mission by providing each patient with a customized Neurofunctional Pain Management program that includes the use of viscosupplementation therapies, hyaluronic acid injections, electrical stimulation, IV therapies, and hydration therapy. 

We also provide each of our patients with tailored lifestyle counseling services, which can help them modify the aspects of their lives that are negatively impacting their health. In the case of osteoarthritis, we guide our patients in the process of finding a more balanced diet that supports health and lowers inflammation. We also provide specialized help for those battling risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, and we design exercise programs that help fight the consequences of a sedentary life. 

Thanks to Neuragenex’s holistic approach, patients can experience a long-lasting reduction of pain and can begin to restore the full functionality of their joints affected by osteoarthritis.

It is worth noting here that Neuragenex is dedicated to relieving pain and restoring health. The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures.

Many patients experiencing the symptoms of OA report relief after only one session with Neuragenex. Patients experience greater mobility, strength, and motor skills they used to enjoy in their daily life. 

Hundreds of patients experience relief from pain that is almost instant, and treatment is simple. Patients who suffer from chronic pain often report relief after starting our treatment sessions with even a single treatment event. Given a full course of treatment, patients may experience pain relief for several months without drugs, surgery or invasive procedures. I personally have seen patients experience pain relief that has lasted over twelve months, and many patients experienced relief ranging from six to twelve months.

By relieving the pain deriving from osteoarthritis in the long term, Neuragenex can ease the physical and psychological burden of patients with OA and their relatives and help them return to enjoying their lives.

Don’t Let Osteoarthritis Be A Burden To You And Your Loved Ones

If you have noticed that a loved one is struggling with the symptoms of osteoarthritis, finding a solution to ease their pain and mobility issues is of paramount importance. However, at Neuragenex, our goal is to look beyond simply easing the symptoms of chronic conditions – we also strive to help patients magnify their lives, regain mobility, and return to the activities they have always loved.

Give Neuragenex the opportunity to relieve your pain without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures so that you can return to your daily tasks without interruption. The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures. We have a vision that we will be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain relief.

Chronic Pain From Osteoarthritis & Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Nearly ten percent of adults in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Similar to other chronic conditions like osteoporosis and peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis is a chronic pain condition largely affecting older patient populations. However, patients who suffer from OA can expect to experience its symptoms in most joints throughout the body. In an effort to understand the conditions of pain, such as OA and peripheral neuropathy, medical science has determined that pain emerges from a variety of factors and causes. 

However, it has been well-established that pain is a communication delivered by neurons along the routes of nerves that trace back to the brain. It is because of this understanding of the nature of nerves that we can determine the condition and its effective methods of treatment. While conditions like peripheral neuropathy, OA, and any other objective development of pain share the same network for communicating that pain, the cause of pain associated with diverse conditions vary. And so, physicians must delineate between conditions of pain because of the variation of causes throughout the body and the pain they exhibit.

Osteoarthritis Is A Condition That Affects The Joints

For example, the symptoms of OA, when compared to peripheral neuropathy, are not entirely the same and patients who are familiar with the nonsurgical treatments for peripheral neuropathy often must look elsewhere to treat the conditions of OA. While peripheral neuropathy causes tingling, burning, and numbness in the extremities, OA manifests itself with symptoms of bone spurs, stiffness, and pain specifically targeting the joints.

Similar To Peripheral Neuropathy But Has Different Symptoms

Unfortunately, there have been cases where patients suffer from peripheral neuropathy in conjunction with OA. While there are varying treatment options for both of these conditions, both surgical and non-surgical, the options differ between the two. Patients suffering from both may wish to look for one solution that will treat the pain they experience on a daily basis.

Those With Osteoarthritis For A Long Time Often Consider Surgery

Those who have suffered from OA for years will often consider more drastic and surgical solutions to the pain of this diagnosis without considering nonsurgical options. One of the most prominent surgical solutions for OA was discovered in the 1950’s and 60’s by Dr. John Charnley who successfully treated the condition with an invasive procedure called arthroplasty. The procedure was widely successful and continues to be the preferred method for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis. However, surgical options such as arthroplasty are not considered for patients who have had success maintaining their OA pain through non-surgical treatment.

On Invasive Procedures Such As Arthroplasty

In a medical assessment and survey of advancements in treating OA, Professor K.D. Brandt of the Indiana University School of Medicine found that “[r]ecommendation of total joint arthroplasty for the patient with OA, however, is tantamount to an acknowledgement of the failure of medical management. The surgical procedure is often performed after the patient has experienced years, or even decades, of pain and disability” (2004). 

Patients who have sought treatment for their OA who are familiar with the “medical management” referred to by Professor Brandt may not have even considered that arthroplasty is only considered for patients who have suffered from its symptoms for years and even decades. This means that even patients who would choose to undergo drastic surgery to relieve their pain may not have the same recommendation from their doctor before years of living with debilitating pain.

Some Are Disappointed That Surgery Is Not A Cure-All For Their Pain

While this news may not be surprising to some who have sought immediate and lasting relief for their pain, it is no less of a disappointment. Still, there are those who are wary of surgical procedures to cure their OA and have lasting relief from pain and understandably so. 

Elective, non-emergency surgery is a heavy decision that would weigh on the mind of any patient. Naturally, most patients will seek more mild solutions that will not require surgery, solutions that will help them manage the pain without necessarily treating the problem.

When Osteoarthritis Symptoms Interferes With Your Quality Of Life

Given the fact that osteoarthritis causes severe chronic pain and reduced mobility, it isn’t surprising that studies have been able to confirm a direct correlation between OA and a lower perceived quality of life. 

Beyond simply preventing you from moving freely as you used to, OA can lead to a withdrawal from social activities, reduced work performance, and inhibited productivity. 

To understand the magnitude of the impact of OA, it’s enough to look at a few statistics. Today, over 43% of those with arthritis aged 18 years or older report arthritis-related activity limitations. This percentage accounts for nearly 24 million adults. Additionally, in the US, OA is the third most influential cause of work disability, after back problems and mental health disorders. A review published in 2022 also shows that nearly 20% of those with osteoarthritis experience depressive symptoms. 

So, what can you do when the symptoms of OA start interfering with your life?

Firstly, it is important to understand that osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. This means that, while symptoms might seem mild in the beginning, they are likely to become exponentially worse. However, the degenerative nature of OA also means that introducing preventive measures early on can limit the intensity of symptoms and prevent serious complications. 

For those patients who are already suffering from severe osteoarthritis, the most important step to take is to educate themselves about the treatment options available. 

This is because when you suffer from chronic pain, it can be tempting to resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injections. While they might be short-term solutions, patients and healthcare providers should be aware of the physiological and psychological side effects of these pharmaceutical treatments, which include dependency. 

What’s more, patients with OA live an average of 30 years with the disease, which makes it of paramount importance to find alternative options to medications and surgery. Both patients and doctors should look at therapies that are drug-free, non-invasive, and do more than simply temporarily ease the symptoms of OA. 

In particular, regenerative medicine options are able to help each patient regain mobility, ease pain, and magnify their lives, without surgery or medications. Let’s look at alternative methods of pain management.

Alternative Methods Of Pain Management

With the fear of surgery weighing on the minds of many who suffer from OA, alternative methods of pain management accumulate and are tested for their efficacy. Below, we’ll look at the reasons why NSAIDs can’t be considered a long-term strategy for pain management and explore alternative methods of treatment.

The Use Of NSAIDs And Its Dangers

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen and even high-strength opioids. With the addition of NSAIDs into a patient’s lifestyle as a method of pain management, the tolerance for these drugs increases relative to the size of each dose. 

As patients acclimate to a higher dose of NSAID, their dependence on these drugs for more frequent temporary pain relief increases and unfortunately, the efficacy of these drugs declines. In many cases, patients will turn to the next level of pain relief which will likely take them down the track of opioid use, ultimately ending in high-strength opioids, which present a very real risk of addiction and potential overdose.

Can Cause Serious Side Effects

Nearly 60% of people in the US affected by chronic pain resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a way to manage their pain in the long term. But while these medications are easily accessible as OTC drugs and often affordable, they don’t come without side effects. 

Some of the ones patients with osteoarthritis should be aware of include the following ones:

  • Neurological effects – High doses of NSAIDs can be neurotoxic, meaning that they interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system. In turn, this can lead to a cascade of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, vertigo, disorientation, and an increased risk of falls. 
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and peptic ulcers – NSAIDs can inhibit the functioning of prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals that protect the gastric mucosa) and platelets (the blood cells responsible for healing wounds). In the stomach, this can lead to lesions of the mucosa that lines the gastrointestinal system, while also preventing healing. GI ulcers and bleeding can cause shock, anemia, holes in the stomach walls, and stomach cancer. 
  • Increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke – NSAIDs interfere with the chemicals in the body responsible for preventing blood clots. In turn, this can lead to obstructed arteries that should supply blood and oxygen to the brain and heart. Additionally, these drugs can cause vasoconstriction or the narrowing of blood vessels, thus inhibiting blood flow. A sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain or heart can lead to a stroke or myocardial infarction, respectively. The risk of these complications increases significantly even after just 7 days of taking the drug.
  • Impaired kidney function – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the blood flow to the kidneys which, in turn, can lead to the accumulation of salt, excessive water, and waste material. If not addressed this can cause improper kidney function and, in severe cases, Acute Renal Failure.

Can Interact With Other Medications

Although most NSAIDs are available as over-the-counter medications, they shouldn’t be used carelessly – nor by everyone. 

In particular, it is important to notice that combining NSAIDs with blood-thinning medicines can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, especially in the digestive tract. This is because both medications interfere with the normal functioning of platelets, thus reducing their healing power and preventing them from forming blood clots when needed. 

Additionally, combining NSAIDs with diuretics (medications used to remove fluids in excess) and drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, can have serious side effects:

  • By restricting blood flow to the kidneys, NSAIDs can make diuretics inefficient, thus causing a serious risk in people with congestive heart failure treated with diuretics. 
  • NSAIDs can cause the narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thus inhibiting the effect of ACE inhibitors, which aim to lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. This can increase the risk of heart problems. 

Given the increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and high blood pressure associated with NSAIDs, these medications should be avoided by people at a higher risk of kidney failure and heart problems.

Carries Potential Risks For People Taking Them

Perhaps one of the greatest risks of NSAIDs is that those who take them regularly to manage chronic pain are unaware of the risks and side effects they are exposing themselves to. 

In a study conducted in 2011, nearly 55% of people taking NSAIDs chronically to manage knee osteoarthritis were not aware of their toxicity, and 80% were not informed on the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors – the main compounds in common NSAIDs such as Celecoxib (Celebrex®).

So, if surgery and painkillers are out of the question, where can patients turn for an effective treatment for their osteoarthritis?

The Discovery Of Viscosupplementation

In the year 2000, a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of another nonsurgical treatment known as viscosupplementation was conducted. While the clinical trials of viscosupplementation were in their infancy, Dr. John Watterson found that “. . . the lack of systemic side effects and the potential lasting effects make it an appealing option” (2000). 

The process of viscosupplementation is best described as a loosening and relaxing of the joints that feel stiff and rusted over. This nonsurgical option uses a safe compound called hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic Acid In Viscosupplementation

Hyaluronic acid has been USDA approved for decades, and Dr. Watterson attests to this benefit by stating that “[t]he US Food and Drug Administration approval of hyaluronic acid as a device has avoided the need for meeting the more stringent criteria for approval as a drug”. 

Decades later, the use of hyaluronic acid in viscosupplementation has remained an effective and affordable solution to treat osteoarthritis. Neuragenex uses this treatment for osteoarthritis in conjunction with its proprietary pain-relieving protocols known as Neuralgesia. 

While viscosupplementation relieves pain by cushioning and loosens the joints affected by OA, Neuralgesia treatments further reduce the pain through a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy. 

Many patients experiencing the symptoms of OA report relief after only one session with Neuragenex. Patients experience greater mobility, strength, and requisition of the motor skills they used to enjoy completing their daily tasks.

Neuragenex: A Breakthrough Discovered

Neuragenex is a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic pain treatment program. The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures. It is also our vision to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain management.

Neuragenex Treats Chronic Pain As Its Purpose And Foundation

At Neurganex, we understand how easy it is to rely on NSAIDs to manage the debilitating pain deriving from osteoarthritis. However, we are also fully aware of the catastrophic consequences that these therapies can have on a person’s life – from causing exposure to side effects to creating dependency. We also don’t underestimate the psychological impact that seeing your everyday life tied to taking medications can have. 

That is why our mission is to look beyond simply easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Thanks to a combination of highly advanced treatments, we are able to provide the highest quality care along with personalized attention – each and every time. This means that our patients receive treatment programs that are designed around their unique symptoms, lifestyle needs, treatment preferences, and, above all, health goals. 

By delivering innovative therapies such as viscosupplementation and electroanalgesia, we can help you free yourself of drugs and chase away the fear of needing surgery. But beyond this, we are dedicated to helping you regain control over your health and mobility, relieve pain, and return to living your life to the fullest.

Get Pain Relief Without Medications, Surgery, Or Invasive Procedures

Thousands of patients have found pain relief without medications, surgery, or invasive procedures using Neuragenex treatment protocols. Many patients experience relief from pain after just one treatment. Patients who suffer from chronic pain, including pain from chronic neuropathy and osteoarthritis, report relief after starting our treatment sessions.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on by Will Bozeman

As we know, osteoarthritis (OA) affects around 33 million adults in the United States alone. Much like other chronic pain conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis is a chronic and ongoing pain condition that is exacerbated by poor health and metabolic disorders.

Pain prevents the motivation to exercise and creates a downward spiral of less physical activity and increasingly poor health outcomes. Osteoarthritis often manifests in large joints like the knee, where weight and pressure are persistent causes of the wear and tear effects of osteoarthritis, but it can also present initially in the fingers and toes of patients who have been diagnosed with it.

Over time, people with OA can expect to feel its symptoms in most of their joints all over their bodies. The symptoms of OA, when compared to peripheral neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions, are not entirely the same, and patients who are familiar with the nonsurgical treatments for peripheral neuropathy often look elsewhere to treat the conditions of OA.

Most Common Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

To understand how osteoarthritis (OA) manifests itself, it is first important to clarify what OA is and how it affects the joint. 

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) is the most common form of arthritis, an inflammatory condition that wears down the soft tissue in the joint. Over time, the excessive inflammation produced by the body breaks down the cartilage, which is the “cushion” responsible for keeping joint movements lubricated and friction-free. Osteoarthritis might also damage other tissues such as bones, tendons, ligaments, and the connective layer that lines the joint (synovium).

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it’s more common in the hands, neck, lower back, and weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips. The symptoms a person diagnosed with OA experiences are unique and can vary in intensity depending on how advanced the disease is.

Just like in the case of neuropathy, the pain caused by osteoarthritis isn’t immediately visible.

Peripheral neuropathy causes tingling, burning, and numbness in the limbs. On the other hand, OA causes joints to hurt, be stiff, and throb constantly. Unfortunately, it is common to suffer multiple chronic pain conditions at the same time, such as peripheral neuropathy and osteoarthritis.

While there are varying treatment options for both of these conditions, both surgical and nonsurgical, the options differ two so much that patients suffering from both may wish to look for one solution that will treat the pain they experience daily.

Some of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Persistent Pain In The Joints

Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, affecting over 70% of older adults. The pain mostly derives from the fact that the high levels of inflammation the body produces wear down the cartilage.

Although the joints are constantly exposed to low levels of damage, the body is able to self-heal to maintain the joints lubricated and protect from shock. However, osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage faster than the body can heal. Over time, this causes the loss of the protective layer between the joint components, causing bones, ligaments, and tendons to rub against each other during movement.

Additionally, if the cartilage breaks down in certain areas, osteoarthritis can alter joint mechanics. When this happens, bones and other components that should normally be unaffected during movement come into contact and begin to suffer the effects of shock and friction.

Less Flexibility Or Stiffness

As seen above, osteoarthritis can lead to abnormal joint mechanics. Misalignments in the bones can pull the ligaments and tendons during movements, or stretch them in the wrong direction. This effect, coupled with a loss of cartilage and synovial fluid (a thick liquid that lubricates the joints), can lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion.

Stiffness in the joints in people with OA tends to get worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. This is because during sleep or rest the muscles and tendons around the joints tighten up.

According to recent statistics, nearly 24 million people (43% of adults with OA) report experiencing activity limitations due to arthritis.

Popping Of Joints With Simultaneous Pain

Popping joints is something that occurs without pain in healthy individuals. Although the causes for popping joints are still under debate, two hypotheses show that the cracking noise might be caused by the release of air bubbles in the area between the joint (cavitation) or by the creation of a small space between the joint’s components.

While popping joints without pain should not be a reason for concern, if you are experiencing discomfort and pain, or you have a diagnosis of arthritis, you should not let this sign go untreated.

In people with OA, this sound is a symptom often referred to as crepitus, and it might indicate mechanical problems in the joint. The “popping” noise might derive from the bones rubbing against each other or from soft tissues (i.e.: ligaments and tendons) sliding off a bone structure and snapping onto another.

Although not everyone with OA has crepitus, a 2019 study showed that this symptom is associated with lower physical function, reduced quality of life, and higher pain.

Swelling In The Affected Area

Swelling is part of the body’s inflammatory response. When there is injury or infection, the body produces inflammation and increases the blood flow to the damaged area to provide healing blood components, such as platelets and white blood cells. The increased blood flow, coupled with a build-up of fluids in the surrounding tissue, leads to swelling.

However, in people with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the body sustains excessively-high levels of inflammation for long periods. Beyond degrading the tissues in the joint area, such high levels of inflammation also lead to prolonged swelling.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs – also known as osteophytes – are the overgrowth of bone material near the joint area, often caused by osteoarthritis.

Bone spurs occur when the body attempts to repair the damage caused by arthritis to the cartilage. These bony growths might be asymptomatic at first but, over time, they can compress nearby nerves, inhibit movement, create mechanical problems, and rub against other bones.

Some of the symptoms associated with bone spurs include stiffness, reduced range of movement, tendon and ligament damage, and pain. Bone spurs most commonly happen in the hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine, foot, or hand.

Common Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis Pain

As we discuss in other articles, common treatments for osteoarthritis pain are over-the-counter supplements, hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation injections, corticosteroid injections, pain medications, and of course invasive procedures and surgeries like knee placements.

However, these therapies mostly focus on addressing joint pain, not its underlying cause. While they might be efficient in the short term, these therapies alone are not enough to support the body’s healing process and keep away the advancement of degenerative joint disease.

Below, we’ll look at the most common treatment options prescribed for OA and their implications.

Over-The-Counter Supplements

If you have been looking for a natural way to ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis, the chances are that you’ve come across over-the-counter supplements. However, it is important to understand that the majority of these supplements are ineffective, while some can unnecessarily expose you to severe side effects.

For example, nutraceuticals such as fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), Vitamin D, and curcumin can have valuable effects such as strengthening the bones and reducing inflammation, but they have been found inefficient in treating OA.

On the other hand, well-known supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine are not just ineffective; they can also cause side effects and interact with other drugs such as blood thinners. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the American College of Rheumatology recommends against using these supplements to treat OA.

Pain Medications

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can help you deal with osteoarthritis flares up in the short term. These include:

  • Capsaicin cream – This topical pain reliever contains capsaicin (the active compound in chili peppers) and can help relieve pain in an area affected by OA by stopping the local nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.
  • Pain relievers – Drugs such as acetaminophen don’t ease inflammation but reduce the sensation of pain in the short term.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These are pain-relieving medications that ease pain by reducing inflammation and swelling.

Although these might seem like suitable solutions to manage the pain deriving from osteoarthritis, it is important not to underestimate the side effects of these medications. NSAIDs can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches, and can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and stomach ulcers. Additionally, if taken over long periods, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to dependency.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can help you deal with osteoarthritis flares up in the short term. These include:

  • Capsaicin cream – This topical pain reliever contains capsaicin (the active compound in chili peppers) and can help relieve pain in an area affected by OA by stopping the local nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.
  • Pain relievers – Drugs such as acetaminophen don’t ease inflammation but reduce the sensation of pain in the short term.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These are pain-relieving medications that ease pain by reducing inflammation and swelling.

Although these might seem like suitable solutions to manage the pain deriving from osteoarthritis, it is important not to underestimate the side effects of these medications. NSAIDs can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches, and can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and stomach ulcers. Additionally, if taken over long periods, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to dependency.

Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation Injections

Viscosupplementation therapies involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the joints to replenish the synovial fluid (the thick substance that keeps the joints lubricated). This gel-like liquid not only decreases pains and inflammation, but it can also make joint movements more fluid and friction-free.

In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation therapies have been seen to be effective in delaying the need for knee replacement surgery by up to 3 years, according to a 2015 study.

Although hyaluronic acid injections can be an efficient solution to manage the symptoms of OA for several months at a time, it is important to keep in mind that the lubricating effect is only temporary. To be effective, viscosupplementation should be coupled with other pain management strategies such as lifestyle counseling.

Corticosteroid Injections

If you have a type of osteoarthritis that does not respond well to other treatments, you might consider taking advantage of corticosteroid injections. Steroids are the man-made version of natural chemicals that are already found in the body and are efficient in reducing inflammation and pain for up to six months.

Nonetheless, these medications come with a range of side effects, including causing high blood pressure, digestive issues, and, in the long term, mood swings and muscle weakness.

Invasive Procedures

Joint replacement surgeries might be prescribed for patients whose arthritis has reached an advanced stage and has caused significant damage to the joint’s components. Also called arthroplasty, joint replacement surgeries involve reshaping or replacing one or more of the joint’s components to reestablish proper mechanics.

These procedures are highly-invasive and require months of rehabilitation and downtime for a patient to fully recover.

An Effective Treatment For Osteoarthritis Pain: Neurofunctional Pain Management

Neuragenex offers a non-medication, non-surgical, and non-invasive solution to osteoarthritis and other forms of chronic pain. Through the Neuragenex treatment program, thousands of patients have experienced relief from chronic osteoarthritis pain and reduced quality of life.

Neuragenex uses a proprietary treatment protocol to help people with a wide range of chronic pain conditions feel better and get their health back. Neuragenex has created a new category of medicine called Neurofunctional Pain Management, which is a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy to reduce chronic pain and restore health and quality of life.

Here is how these therapies work as part of our proprietary pain management program, Neuralgesia:

  • Electrical stimulation – the high-frequency electrical pulses act by “flooding” the nervous system, thus preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. The electrical current also stimulates healing blood flow in the area affected by OA and triggers the release of endorphins.
  • Hydrotherapy – Custom hydrotherapy sessions can relax the muscles, ease the stress on weight-bearing joints, and provide long-lasting hydration to the joint structures affected by osteoarthritis.

How Neurofunctional Pain Management Can Help

Neuragenex is the fastest-growing pain management group specializing in Neurofunctional Pain Management and is pioneering the concept across the nation. Chronic pain management without medications, surgery, or invasive procedures is the preferred option for nearly all patients suffering from chronic pain.

Given the choice, most patients and their doctors would choose the least invasive and non-pharmaceutical route to manage chronic pain. We provide this option by combining a range of pain management strategies that leverage the body’s healing ability. These therapies include:

  • Viscosupplementation
  • Hyaluronic acid injections
  • IV therapies
  • Natural therapies such as high-dose Platelet-Rich Plasma and high-dose Bone Marrow Aspirate.

We also provide each of our patients with personalized lifestyle counseling services to help keep risk factors at bay that might cause or worsen arthritis. In particular, we focus on providing guidelines to live an active lifestyle, manage obesity, reduce exposure to toxins such as nicotine and alcohol, and follow a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

Neuragenex Aims To Better Your Life

The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures. This mission statement says it all. It’s what patients want, and it’s what doctors want for their patients. The vision of Neuragenex is to be the first thought, the first choice, and the first step in the journey of chronic pain management.

This is what Neuragenex is working to accomplish across the nation as the creator and pioneer of Neurofunctional Pain Management. We believe that every patient should have the option to try non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic options first.

Nonsurgical Shoulder Pain Treatment

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Statistics show that shoulder pain will affect more than 25% of adults at some point during their lives. In some cases, shoulder pain can be a temporary issue that causes mild discomfort; however, most shoulder problems are chronic and related to conditions such as arthritis, ligament and tendon tears, pinched nerves, and inflammation. 

When it comes down to ease chronic pain, patients tend to be offered two undesirable treatment options: pain medications or surgery. 

Fortunately, there are other non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical, and non-invasive treatment options worth exploring. Below, we’ll look at the nonsurgical treatments available today and learn how Neuragenex’s Neurofunctional Pain Management program can help.

What Is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is one of those problems that you can’t ignore for long. It affects everything you do and even just walking around can trigger waves of pain down your arm and chest and up your neck. Large joints are often the most noticeable joint pain problems and are one of those crucial joints that we use every day for basic quality-of-life activities. Because of the natural anatomical reliance on our hands, anything that impairs our abilities has a significant impact on our quality of life. If the joints in our hips are not functioning properly, the gait and balance of our walk will be affected. In the same way, if the shoulder joints experience pain, the consequences of this pain will extend to our hands and ultimately our quality of life in general. 

Healthy shoulder joints provide for a highly flexible range of motion, permitting the movement of our arms by nearly three-hundred and sixty degrees, depending on shoulder joint health and practiced flexibility. The rotation and flexibility of our arms depend on our body’s aptly named rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps our shoulders in their sockets. As we get older and acquire more risk factors for chronic shoulder pain, the range of motion in our shoulders decreases drastically.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The most common cause of shoulder pain can be tied back to the inflammation of the rotator cuff as it presses against the bones of the shoulder. In an equal yet distinct way, bone spurs (which occur largely in the elderly) can grow on the shoulder bones and press against the rotator cuff. Other causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, dislocation, overuse, and even bad posture.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options For Shoulder Pain

When it comes down to finding the right treatment option for shoulder pain, a lot depends on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if the pain and discomfort are caused by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, a healthcare provider will work to manage the body’s inflammatory response to reduce swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. 

On the other hand, if shoulder pain is caused by mechanical issues such as bone spurs or impingements, physical therapy might be the recommended non-surgical line of treatment. 

Given that some conditions causing shoulder pain and reduced range of motion can last for 3 years or longer, it is important to seek an accurate diagnosis and a pain management option that is sustainable in the long term. Let’s look at some options below.

Ice Packs And Warm Compresses

Using heat or ice to ease shoulder pain is one of the most common natural remedies out there, and it is one of the steps of R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Rest) therapies. 

When choosing to use either cold or warm compresses, there’s a rule of thumb worth keeping in mind:

  • Heat – Heat stimulates blood flow in the injured area, which delivers nutrients and oxygen needed for healing. Warm compresses should be used to ease stiffness, relax tight muscles, and improve the range of motion of aching joints. 
  • Ice – Ice packs slow down the blood flow to the injured area, which relieves the swelling and build-up of fluids that often follow inflammation.

Generally, heat should be used for lingering injuries and chronic pain, while cold compresses can be used to ease the inflammation arising from a new injury and prevent pain flare-ups after exercise. 

When addressing shoulder pain, cold therapies are best for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. On the other hand, heat is best to relieve the pain of injuries such as muscle strains and sprains once the initial inflammation has resolved.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to manage chronic pain.  Today, nearly 30 million Americans take these medications regularly to treat their conditions. 

NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are chemicals in charge of triggering the body’s inflammatory response to injury. By blocking the production of these chemicals, NSAIDs can prevent the symptoms associated with inflammation, such as pain, swelling, build-up of fluids, stiffness, or fever. 

Some common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and high-dose aspirin. In the case of shoulder pain, NSAIDs may be used in the short term to ease the discomfort and swelling arising after an injury. However, they should not be taken within 48 hours of the trauma to avoid interfering with the natural healing process of the body.

Corticosteroid Injection

Steroids are the man-made version of a chemical already present in the human body, which is capable of reducing inflammation, swelling, and redness. Corticosteroid injections contain slow-release crystals of steroids, which might have a longer-lasting pain-relieving effect on shoulder injuries.

Drawbacks Of Nonsurgical Treatments

Although the therapies above are available and come with minimal side effects, it is important for patients to understand the risks they are exposing themselves to when selecting the wrong line of treatment. 

Below, we’ll look at the drawbacks of the nonsurgical treatment options seen above to help you make the best treatment choice for your shoulder pain.

  1. Ice Packs And Warm Compresses

Ice packs and warm compresses are typically safe to use at home, even without much experience. However, there are some risks worth keeping in mind before proceeding with this treatment:

  • Regulate the temperature of the compresses to avoid burning the skin or exposing it to extreme cold
  • Avoid applying ice packs and heat directly onto the skin
  • Only use heat and cold compresses for 20 minutes at a time
  • If you have an infection, warm compresses might increase the risk of the infection spreading
  • Applying ice packs for too long can cause nerve damage

If your swelling increases or you suffer from cardiovascular diseases, make sure to speak to your doctor before applying cold and warm compresses to your shoulder.

2. NSAIDs

NSAIDs are predominantly safe and therefore readily available to most of the population and while these drugs can provide temporary relief, other effects should be considered by patients. While NSAIDs are not directly addictive to patients who take them to deal with shoulder pain, the risk of dependency cannot be dismissed. 

By their very nature, NSAIDs have a temporary effect, just like putting ice on pain. The effects of NSAIDs, while often effective at treating pain, are ephemeral and do not last long enough for patients to experience relief over a long period of time. Anyone who has experienced the effects of shoulder pain for long periods of time will know that NSAIDs are not going to be a lasting treatment for their pain. 

However, when used in conjunction with other treatment methods, NSAIDs may provide relief long enough for patients to work through those treatment methods, some of which will be mentioned later on.

For many patients, the minor efficacy of NSAIDs can cause dependency and even overdose. We must make it clear that we use the term ‘overdose’ not only to signify death or even comatose but more often the overuse of medication resulting in an adverse effect. Some patients make the mistake of assuming a technical overdose always results in death or comatose, but we aim to make it clear that an overdose by definition can also refer to milder, albeit negative, side effects. With that in mind, the mild nature of NSAIDs often leads to patients desiring heavier doses outside of the recommendation, which is a dangerous step that should not be considered when treating shoulder pain.

3. Corticosteroid Injection 

In addition to the use of NSAIDs and regular application of ice to diminish swelling in the rotator cuff, doctors may rely on the use of a treatment called corticosteroid injection. The primary purpose of corticosteroid injection, much like the use of NSAIDs and ice, is to reduce inflammation. 

However, unlike NSAIDs and the application of ice, the intention of corticosteroids is to provide lasting anti-inflammatory effects. One could see the benefits of these injections, especially due to their lasting efficacy. One other benefit of corticosteroids is that they closely resemble a natural hormone produced in our bodies called cortisol. 

Furthermore, we must not view the injections of corticosteroids as a natural remedy, even if they do resemble something that is naturally produced in our bodies. In reality, corticosteroids are more often referred to by their condensed term, steroids,which are already surrounded by controversy. 

It is widely known that steroids have a litany of side effects and are often viewed, perhaps with prejudice,as drugs that should not be considered to treat minor conditions. Needless to say, steroids are a divisive method for treatment. Many patients who have used steroids for treatment, including treatment for shoulder pain, will either experience the numerous side effects or appreciate how the treatment with corticosteroids makes them feel. 

Regardless of the opinion of patients and their experience with steroid treatment, side effects are undeniable and sometimes deadly. In a 2019 study conducted by doctors Dara Grennan and Sheila Wang, it was confirmed that steroids “. . . reduce the ability of the immune system to function (immunosuppression). 

Patients taking steroids are not only more susceptible to infections but more likely to have severe or unusual infections”.  These medical professionals continue to explain the severe side effects of steroids by comparing them to the aforementioned cortisol, your body’s primary and natural stress hormone. 

Grennan and Wang conclude that “. . . because steroids are so similar to cortisol, prolonged use of systemic steroids at higher doses can cause the adrenal glands to stop making cortisol. If the systemic steroid is stopped suddenly, this adrenal suppression and the resulting lack of steroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as dangerously low blood pressure.” 

Although steroids can act as a powerful anti-inflammatory treatment for shoulder pain and many patients enjoy how they feel while corticosteroids are active, patients with shoulder pain must carefully consider these treatment options concerning their condition.

Neuragenex: Neurofunctional Pain Management

Regardless of the cause of shoulder pain, a patient’s primary concern is their ability to perform daily tasks without pain. Any painful condition associated with the peripheral nervous system can be effectively treated and when it comes to shoulder pain, treatment options with Neuragenex should be your first consideration. 

Along with a solution to many other painful conditions, Neuragenex offers a solution to most shoulder pain issues. Because many conditions are a result of pain neuron agitation and constant pain reporting to the CNS, combined with persistent inflammation, Neuragenex’s proprietary treatment protocols and development of Neurofunctional Pain Management are the ideal starting point for pain relief. Neuragenex developed Neurofunctional Pain Management as a means to offer a safe and healthy pain management option. The proprietary protocol is called Neuralgesia and is a combination of high pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy that work together to produce an enduring pain relief effect that also improves health for the patients. 

Patients often report pain relief after the first treatment and many patients can get out of pain for the first time in years. One of the surprising effects of Neurofunctional Pain Management is the mental relief that patients feel knowing that they can get pain relief without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures and implants, all while improving their health and quality of life. in their shoulders and less pain from many other conditions.

Live A Pain-free Life With Neuragenex

The mission of Neuragenex is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures. Neuragenex is aiming to be the first thought, the first choice, and the first step in the journey of chronic pain management for millions of patients across the nation.