Category: Peripheral Neuropathy

One of the common mistakes people make when attempting to treat pain is that they assume all pain is the same. As such, they tend to treat any pain they experience using the same methods, whether acute or chronic. However, doing so will never solve the problem; it only provides temporary relief. This is especially the case regarding neuropathy, which can cause multiple symptoms, including mild to severe pain in various forms. The tricky thing about neuropathy is that there are several forms of neuropathy that can lead to many kinds of symptoms. Not to mention, there are many potential underlying causes.

The following is a guide to understanding what neuropathy is, what can cause it, the different types of neuropathy, and the treatment options available.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition in which various symptoms are experienced as a result of nerve damage. This nerve damage can be caused by numerous diseases, conditions, and even injuries. It occurs when the body’s nerves malfunction, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and even paralysis. 

Neuropathy can affect any system of the body that relies on the nervous system, such as muscles and internal organs. Because neuropathy is complex, it can be challenging to understand what causes the disorder and how to treat it. As such, understanding the basics of the nervous system and its different types, as well as their accompanying symptoms and treatment options, is crucial.

Neuropathy And Our Nervous System

The nervous system is a complex and essential system of the body that helps us control our movements, interpret sensations, and even think. It is comprised of two parts:

• Central Nervous System: The central nervous system is responsible for processing and interpreting incoming sensory information. It includes the brain and spinal cord, forming a communication network between the body and the environment.
  
• Peripheral Nervous System: The peripheral nervous system is responsible for controlling bodily functions, such as movement and the function of organs. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the body’s other systems, such as the muscles and internal organs. The peripheral nervous system is divided into two parts:
  
  • Somatic Nervous System: The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements, such as writing and walking.
  • Autonomic Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system is responsible for involuntary activities like digestion and heart rate.

4 Types Of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is caused by damage to or malformation of the nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. When this happens, it can cause various symptoms depending on which nerves are affected. There are four types of neuropathy. Each type has its own set of symptoms. These include the following:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that affects your peripheral nerves. These nerves connect your brain and spinal cord to your muscles, internal organs, and skin. Causes of peripheral neuropathy can include injury, infection, or exposure to certain toxins.

It’s estimated that over 20 million people in the U.S. have some sort of peripheral neuropathy. However, because symptoms can sometimes be mild and can be confused with other conditions, many people with peripheral neuropathy are not diagnosed with the disorder.

Signs And Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Numbness and tingling in the feet or hands
• Burning sensations
• Loss of coordination
• Weakness in the limbs
• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Loss of reflexes
• Chronic pain

2. Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy is a disorder that affects your autonomic nervous system. Autonomic nerves control your involuntary bodily functions such as digestion, heart rate, respiration, perspiration, and urination. Damage to the autonomic nerves can be caused by diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, or any condition affecting the blood vessels. It can also occur on its own. It’s said to affect more than 70 million people worldwide.

Signs And Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a damaged autonomic nervous system include: 

• Diarrhea/constipation
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Bloating
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble controlling body temperature
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dizziness or fainting when standing up
• Blurred vision or other vision changes
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
• Incontinence
• Slowed digestion or digestive issues
• Difficulty swallowing

3. Focal Neuropathy

Focal neuropathy is a disorder where only one nerve, or group of nerves, is damaged. It can affect any part of your body and can cause a range of symptoms. It’s most commonly seen in older adults, especially those with diabetes or other metabolic disorders. Entrapments, or nerve compression due to trauma, can also cause focal neuropathy.

Signs And Symptoms

Focal neuropathy can occur suddenly, and the symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, when caused by chronic conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS, it can persist for much longer. Common signs and symptoms of focal neuropathy include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Loss of sensation
• Paralysis in the affected area

4. Cranial Neuropathy

Cranial neuropathy is a disorder that affects the nerves in your brain. It can affect any of the 12 cranial nerves, which control different functions in your body. Various conditions, such as diabetes, tumors, trauma, infections, or toxins, can cause it. There are several types of cranial neuropathy, and the symptoms can vary depending on which nerves are affected. These types include the following:

Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy

Microvascular cranial nerve palsy (also known as ischemic cranial neuropathy) is the most common form of cranial neuropathy. It is caused by the narrowing or blockage of small blood vessels that supply oxygen to the cranial nerves in your brain, leading to nerve damage and a range of possible symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Double vision
• Facial numbness
• Drooping eyelids
• Loss of taste
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is another form of cranial neuropathy. It is caused by inflammation in the facial nerve, which can lead to temporary paralysis of the affected side of your face. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Drooping on one side of the face
• Sudden loss of facial movement
• Pain around your ear
• Uncontrollable blinking of one eye
• Difficulty smiling or frowning on one side
• Sensitivity to sound on one side
• Headache pain in the affected area.

Third, Fourth, And Sixth Nerve Palsy

Third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy are other types of cranial neuropathies. They involve damage to the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Double vision
• Headaches
• Crossed eyes (strabismus)
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Trouble focusing on near objects
• Drooping eyelids.

What Neuropathic Pain Feels Like

Neuropathy can cause many symptoms, many of which depend on the type of neuropathy and what is causing it. However, one of the common symptoms of neuropathy is nerve pain or neuropathic pain. This type of pain is normally described as a burning, tingling sensation, but it can also feel like a shooting, stabbing, or electricity-like sensation. The following examples are of conditions that can cause such neuropathic pain:

• Postherpetic neuralgia: Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of herpes zoster (more commonly referred to as shingles) and can cause burning, aching, and sharp pain in the area where the rash appeared. It can last for months or even years after the rash has cleared.
  

• Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia causes sharp, shooting pain in the face and jaw. It is caused by damage or irritation to the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for delivering sensation from the face to the brain. It often feels like a stabbing or electric shock and can be triggered by the slightest touch or movement.
  

• Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy occurs in people with diabetes. It develops because of high blood sugar and can cause various symptoms, including burning, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the hands and feet.
  

• HIV-associated peripheral sensory neuropathy: HIV-associated peripheral sensory neuropathy is caused by nerve damage due to HIV infection. HIV infections can damage the nerves by attacking the myelin sheath, which is the nerve fibers’ protective coating. This can lead to burning sensations, numbness, tingling, and shooting pain in the hands, feet, and other areas of the body.
  

• Leprosy: Leprosy is an infection caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. Leprosy can cause nerve damage as a result of inflammation and tissue damage. The nerve damage lead to a burning, tingling sensation and numbness in the affected area. Other symptoms may include weakness or paralysis of the face and other parts of the body.
• Peripheral nerve injury pain: Peripheral nerve injury pain is caused by peripheral nerve damage, which can result from trauma, surgery, tumors, or radiation. It can cause burning, stabbing, and shooting pain in the affected area.
  

Other Symptoms That Accompanies Neuropathic Pain

The following are additional symptoms known to be associated with neuropathic pain:

• Paresthesia: Paresthesia is the sensation of prickling, tingling, burning, or numbness in the skin. It can result from damage to the nerves that carry sensations from the body to the brain. 
• Allodynia: Allodynia occurs when a person feels pain from something that wouldn’t usually cause it. It can occur after nerve damage and can cause a person to experience pain from stimuli that wouldn’t normally be painful, such as light touch or even the air passing over the skin.
• Hyperalgesia: Hyperalgesia is a condition in which pain is felt more intensely than usual. It can be caused by nerve damage and can make even mild sensations of pain feel more intense.
• Dysesthesia: Dysesthesia is a painful sensation that can occur without any stimulation. This means that it can be experienced without anything touching the skin. It commonly affects the hands, feet, and other areas of the body and can cause sensations of burning, itching, stinging, or electric shock.

Causes Of Neuropathy

Even though neuropathy refers to a wide range of symptoms that are caused by damage to the nerves, the underlying cause of nerve damage can vary. In fact, many different things can trigger different types of neuropathy. The following are the common denominators that can lead to neuropathy as well as some of their sub-causes:

Health Conditions

Many different health conditions can lead to nerve damage, thereby causing neuropathy. The following are some of the health conditions known to lead to neuropathy:

Poorly Managed Diabetes

If you don’t manage your diabetes effectively, it can lead to nerve damage and the subsequent development of neuropathy. If your blood sugar levels are too high for too long, it can lead to small blood vessel damage which may cut off oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. This can lead to nerve damage since the nerves no longer receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to remain healthy. As a result, it should come as no surprise that people with diabetes are more prone to developing neuropathy.

Idiopathic Neuropathy

Although many different things can cause neuropathy (including the health conditions listed here), there are times when no underlying cause can be identified. When this is the case, the condition is called idiopathic neuropathy.

Chronic Alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism interferes with the normal functioning of the nerves, leading to nerve damage and neuropathy. This is because chronic alcohol use can lead to malnutrition and can have a toxic effect on the nerves.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer can lead to nerve damage and the subsequent development of neuropathy. For example, people with lymphoma may experience paraneoplastic neuropathy, which is caused by the cancer cells attacking and damaging the nerves.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a condition that prevents the body from fighting off infections due to a weakened immune system. As a result, HIV/AIDS can lead to nerve damage and neuropathy because it increases the risk of infections that can affect the nerves.

Dietary Causes

Certain dietary deficiencies can sometimes lead to nerve damage and neuropathy. This is because deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals can make it difficult for the body to repair damaged nerves properly. The following are some of the more common dietary causes that can lead to neuropathy:

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

One of eight B vitamins, vitamin B12 is essential to cell metabolism (meaning how cells use energy), red blood cell formation, and nerve function. If you don’t have enough vitamin B12 in your diet, it can lead to a condition known as pernicious anemia. This form of anemia can cause nerve damage by preventing the body’s red blood cells from carrying oxygen to the nerves.

Copper Deficiency

Copper is a mineral vital for the normal functioning of nerve cells because it helps insulate the outer sheath of nerve cells. Without an adequate amount of copper in your diet, your nerves become more vulnerable to damage.

Excess Nutrient Consumption

Although deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can lead to nerve damage and neuropathy, consuming too much of some nutrients can also be problematic. For example, an excess of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage because it can interfere with the body’s production of neurotransmitters.

Exposure To Toxins In Foods

Certain foods, such as shellfish and other seafood, contain toxins that can lead to nerve damage. These toxins include ciguatoxin, maitotoxin, and okadaic acid. Eating foods that contain these toxins can lead to nerve damage by interfering with the normal functioning of nerve cells.

Diagnosis Of Neuropathy

When you consider the different types of neuropathy, all the different symptoms neuropathy can cause, and all of the potential underlying conditions, diagnosing neuropathy and its cause is no simple matter. As such, there are a variety of medical tests and procedures used to diagnose neuropathy, such as the following:

Electrodiagnostic Testing 

Electrodiagnostic testing involves using electrodes to measure the electrical signals sent by nerve cells. By recording these signals, doctors can look for abnormalities indicating nerve damage and neuropathy.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used by doctors to look for certain conditions, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and infections that could be causing nerve damage. Examples of blood tests used to diagnose neuropathy include complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

Skin Biopsies

Skin biopsies are a type of procedure used to take a small sample of skin. Skin biopsies can help doctors to identify certain types of nerve damage, such as sensory neuropathy. By looking at nerve fibers under a microscope, doctors can look for signs of damage or disease.

Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)

Quantitative sensory testing is a procedure used to measure how sensitive a person’s skin is to different stimuli. For example, this test can identify nerve damage by looking for differences in how a person’s skin responds to light touch, pinpricks, and heat.

Different Treatments For Neuropathy

There are several neuropathy treatments available, depending on the kind of neuropathy you have, the types of symptoms you’re experiencing, the severity of the symptoms, and the underlying causes. These include

Medications

Medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids are commonly prescribed to manage the pain associated with neuropathy. Antidepressants can help to reduce nerve pain by affecting the transmission of signals between nerves. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — for example, ibuprofen and naproxen — can reduce inflammation and nerve pain. Opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl can be prescribed for severe neuropathic pain.

Although these medications can help alleviate some of the symptoms of neuropathy, you should understand their potential risks. Some medications are known to be addictive and can also cause side effects. These side effects vary but can include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and more. On top of that, medications won’t address the underlying cause of neuropathy — they’ll only mask the symptoms.

Surgery

In some cases, a more conventional doctor might recommend surgery to treat neuropathy. For example, if the nerve damage is caused by spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) or a herniated disc, surgery can help release pressure on the affected nerves. In other cases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, releasing pressure on compressed nerves in the wrist by cutting away any extra tissue can help to alleviate symptoms. 

Of course, like pain medications, surgery comes with its share of risks. Surgery is invasive, which means there is a chance of complications, such as infection, allergic reaction, and nerve damage. Additionally, the recovery time can be long, depending on how complicated the surgery was. Not to mention, there’s no guarantee that the surgery will be successful.

Nerve Stimulation

Electrical stimulation (e-stim) treatments are another option for treating neuropathy. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is one type of nerve stimulation therapy that uses low levels of electrical currents that stimulate the nerves and reduce pain. However, TENS is generally only effective for providing short-term relief. In the case of chronic pain, electroanalgesia is more appropriate.

Electroanalgesia uses a high pulse rate (up to 10,000 pulses per second) to deliver electrical currents deeper into the nerves than TENS is capable of doing. As a result, electroanalgesia can provide long-term relief by stimulating the release of endorphins, blocking pain signals to the brain, increasing circulation, and reducing inflammation. Electroanalgesia is an FDA-cleared therapy that is a critical component of our Neuragenex protocol, which uses a whole-person approach to treating chronic pain.

Alternative And Complementary Therapies

In addition to more traditional treatments, there are alternative and complementary therapies that may help manage neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid, for example, is an antioxidant found to reduce nerve pain in some people with peripheral neuropathy. Acetyl-L-carnitine is another supplement that may help reduce nerve pain, as well as other symptoms associated with the condition. 

However, speak with a medical professional before you take any supplements, as some may interact with medications or other treatments negatively. Additionally, it’s vital to ensure that any supplements you take are of high quality and reliable.

In addition to supplements, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and biofeedback are some of the many alternative therapies that may help reduce nerve pain or other neuropathy symptoms. Discussing the various options with your doctor before pursuing any of these therapies is best.

Diet And Proper Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is a critical part of managing neuropathy. Eating foods rich in essential nutrients, like B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, can help to decrease inflammation and improve nerve health. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid foods that may be inflammatory or can cause blood sugar fluctuations, as these can worsen neuropathy symptoms. Finally, staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms.

Prognosis Of Neuropathy 

The prognosis of neuropathy depends on the underlying condition causing it and how quickly it progresses. In some cases, such as diabetic neuropathy, you can manage the condition with certain lifestyle changes. In these cases, symptoms may improve over time, and the prognosis is generally good. However, in other cases, such as neuropathy caused by a tumor or traumatic injury, the outlook may be more serious, and a more aggressive treatment plan may be necessary.

No matter what the cause, managing neuropathy requires a combination of lifestyle changes and treatments that focus on addressing the underlying cause to help provide long-term relief.

Seek The Most Effective And Safest Neuropathy Treatment

Neuropathy is a complicated condition to treat, and it’s vital to have an experienced team of experts dedicated to finding the most effective and safest treatment option. At Neuragenex, we use a whole-person approach to treating chronic pain, which includes electroanalgesia, IV therapy, and lifestyle counseling. We address each patient’s individual needs by developing personalized treatment plans that may help provide long-term pain relief.

If you are one of the 20 million people in the US whose lives are deeply affected by neuropathy, the chances are that you have a constant thought: finding a treatment that alleviates the pain and frees you from medications.

But is TENS the best treatment option for neuropathy?

If you’ve decided to try neurofunctional pain management and electroanalgesia for neuropathy, you are on the right path. Electrical stimulation can improve blood flow, ease discomfort, and promote regeneration of nerve damage.

But, there’s a lot more that you need to know about TENS – let’s get started.

Potential Causes Of Neuropathic Pain

Deriving from the Greek words for “nerve” (neuron) and “condition” (pathos), neuropathy is a term used to describe the nerve damage that occurs in one or more parts of your nervous system. The term alone does not describe the underlying cause or symptom intensity of neuropathic pain, nor does it specify which part of the body is affected.

So, what causes neuropathy?

To understand this, it is crucial to understand that our body’s nervous system is divided into two parts:

• The central nervous system – that is, the brain and the spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS) – that is, the nerves that are located outside of the brain and the spinal cord

The PNS is responsible for transmitting sensory information (such as pain or feeling cold) and motor signals to the brain. It also supports processes that we can’t consciously control (i.e., our heartbeat, sweating, digestion, etc).

What Does Neuropathy Feel like?

When nerves belonging to the PNS are damaged, the signals traveling from your extremities or organs are unable to reach the brain, or they are subjected to interference. 

Depending on what nerve (or nerves) is damaged, you’ll experience a range of symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort
• Painful cramps
• Tingling, prickling, burning, and numbness
• Uncontrolled muscle twitching
• Muscle weakness or shrinking
• Loss of coordination
• Inability to feel sensations of touch and vibrations
• Extreme sensitivity

In extreme cases, you might also feel as if you are wearing a glove (if the sensory nerves are affected), experience paralysis (if the motor nerves are affected), or report symptoms such as heat intolerance, excessive sweating, drops in blood pressure, and loss of bladder control (if the autonomic nerves are affected).

Everyone can experience neuropathy at any stage of life. In 20-30% of cases, neuropathic pain has no known cause (idiopathic). Nonetheless, some factors put you at greater risk of developing this condition. Let’s look at them below:

Disease And Infection

Inadequately managed health conditions, some chronic diseases, and certain treatments can lead to nerve damage. Specifically, these include:

• Diabetes: 2019 studies show that 6-51% of adults with diabetes also live with neuropathy, often due to poorly managed blood pressure. If left untreated, diabetic peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot ulcers and even limb amputation. 
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and some chronic inflammatory diseases can lead to nerve damage. Some forms of neuropathy can also be hereditary. 
• Tumors and chemotherapy: Whether cancerous or not, tumors can interfere with the PNS by pressing on and damaging nerves. Additionally, chemotherapy and other medications can damage nerves. Today, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects 19-85% of patients, making it one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments. 
• Infections: Infections caused by viruses (such as HIV/AIDS) and bacteria can lead to nerve damage. A 2020 review shows that 30-60% of people with HIV globally are also diagnosed with neuropathy.
• Some health events: Events such as physical trauma or injury can damage the PNS in one or more locations.

Alcoholism

If you have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, or you drink alcohol excessively for long periods, you might be at risk of neuropathy. That’s because the toxic effects of alcohol can damage the nerves’ protective sheath, called myelin, and contribute to nutritional deficiencies.

Estimations show that alcoholic neuropathy may affect 25% to 66% of those diagnosed with chronic alcohol use disorder.

Nutritional Deficiency

Certain nutritional deficiencies can lead to nerve damage. In particular, to lower your risk of developing or worsening neuropathy, you should supplement the following vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies:

• Copper
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B6 (although high levels of B6 can also cause neuropathy)
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin E

Some substances, such as metformin, and toxins present in food, like mercury in fish, can damage nerves in PNS.

TENS Therapy And Neuropathic Pain

TENS – which stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – is a type of therapy that leverages low-voltage electric pulses to ease pain and discomfort. An at-home TENS unit is a small device that is attached to electrodes (adhesive pads) via thin wires.

When applied to the problem area, the pads deliver mild impulses of electrical current through the skin and into the nervous system. When this happens, the external impulses prevent pain signals from reaching the brain by “flooding” the nervous system. In turn, this action will stop you from feeling pain.

TENS also works by boosting the production of feel-good, pain-killing hormones, such as endorphins, and stimulating blood flow in the affected area.

Today, TENS units are commercially available, making electrical stimulation a convenient pain management method for people with arthritis, back pain, and other chronic conditions.

Although TENS is a relatively new treatment for neuropathic pain, evidence-based reviews published in 2020 show that this therapy can help alleviate pain in people with neuropathy deriving from sciatica, spinal cord injury, and postherpetic neuralgia (a consequence of shingles).

Is TENS Safe To Use For Neuropathic Pain?

Generally, TENS is considered to be safe, and it can be administered by anyone, regardless of training or experience. This level of safety comes from the fact that at-home TENS units only deliver extremely mild electrical pulses that can’t cause pain. Additionally, they offer easy-to-use settings that can be adjusted by users without a medical background.

Nonetheless, there are some precautions you should take:

• The adhesive material used to make the electrodes sticky (propylene glycol) might cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
• Not all TENS devices are FDA approved
• Avoid placing the electrodes in sensitive areas, such as on the head, abdomen, and genitals

Is TENS Effective For Treating Neuropathic Pain?

Although the efficacy of TENS as a pain management method is still being researched, recent studies have made some promising conclusions. 

In a 2013 review of eight studies, electrical stimulation seemed to have a beneficial effect on patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, when used in conjunction with other treatments. Ongoing clinical trials also aim to prove the efficacy of electrical stimulation to delay or prevent limb amputation in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which currently accounts for 50-75% of non-traumatic amputations.

Additionally, a 2017 assessment published by the Cochrane Library showed that electrotherapy might help those with nerve damage caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and shingles.

Although still sparse, the body of research around TENS is promising. Nonetheless, it’s important to keep in mind that the beneficial effects of electrical stimulation demonstrated in the studies above were applied by medical-grade TENS devices and not at-home units. 

At-home devices are created to be harmless and come with significant limitations in terms of power and wavelength. Because of this, commercially-available TENS units can’t be classified as electroanalgesic treatment. 

On the other hand, when treating acute or chronic pain, patients require high-frequency pulses, which only medical-grade, FDA-approved machines can deliver. Because more powerful electrical pulses are just tolerable by the patient, this treatment can only be administered by a highly trained professional.

Drawbacks And Contraindications Of Using TENS Therapy

As seen above, at-home TENS units are generally considered safe – but are also less efficient than professionally-administered treatments. Because of this, you might be exposing yourself to unnecessary health risks when using an over-the-counter device.

Ultimately, just like any other treatment, TENS isn’t suitable for everyone, and being aware of the contradictions of this therapy can help you stay safe. Here’s what you need to know:

Interferes With Other Medical Devices

If you are wearing a medical device, the electrical impulses produced by TENS can interfere with the signals of your implant and lead to severe side effects. For example, if you have a pacemaker, unsupervised TENS can cause bradycardia or asystole (serious heart problems), and inhibit the functioning of your implanted device.

Irritates The Skin

As seen in a 2004 review, the acrylate in the conductive gel that coats the electrodes of a TENS unit might cause skin irritation. Although rare, contact dermatitis can worsen neuropathic pain and delay treatment progress.

Leads To Muscle Fatigue And Spasms

One of the greatest advantages of TENS is that it can be safely used without severe side effects. However, especially in the case of low-frequency electrical stimulation, you can experience muscle fatigue, spasms, and twitching due to overuse. Over time, TENS might also lead to the accumulation of waste material, which can damage the muscles in the affected area.

Affects Your Blood Pressure

The positive effects of TENS for neuropathy and nerve damage can be attributed to the improved blood flow in the problem area, which also boosts the circulation of beneficial fresh oxygen and nutrients. However, if you suffer from low blood pressure, you should be aware that TENS can decrease blood pressure even further, by as much as 6.3 mmHg.

Can Cause Facial Nerve Damage

Although some studies have found that TENS can have a positive effect on patients suffering from acute facial nerve paralysis, you should never place the TENS electrodes on certain parts of your body, including your face, genitals, and abdomen.

Your Non-Surgical And Non-Opioid Treatment For Neuropathy

If you have neuropathy, you know that this isn’t a simple condition to treat – or to understand.

However, thanks to today’s advances in regenerative medicine, new treatment options can help alleviate pain, strengthen the muscles, regenerate damaged nerves, and free you from unfamiliar and uncomfortable sensations.

At Neuragenex, we provide our patients with a more efficient alternative to TENS, which still leverages the principles behind electroanalgesia and electrical stimulation. But we also combine these therapies with a more innovative approach to neuropathic pain treatment.

Here are some of the neurofunctional pain management therapies we provide:

Electromagnetic Therapies For Neuropathic Pain Management

To treat neuropathic pain, it’s important to understand what happens at a cellular level. In turn, to understand these processes, it’s necessary to leave our world, which is dominated by standard physics laws, and enter the world of cells, atoms, and particles.

These behave according to the laws of quantum mechanics. New technologies, such as Quantum Resonance-Specific Induction (QRSI™), allow us to interact with pain-causing mechanisms at a cellular level. This technology creates electromagnetic energy fields and electric currents that amplify subatomic particle movements that increase the healing and regenerating power of cells.

Put simply, with these tools, the team at Nuragenex uses electromagnetic resonance (the electrical signaling between cells) to optimize energy levels at a cellular level. These energized cells contribute to healing damaged tissues.

Discover A Safe And Effective Treatment For Neuropathic Pain

Although neuropathy is certainly a common condition, no two patients have the same story, nor do they experience the same pain. That is why generalized TENS might not be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Neuragenex, we can guide you through a personalized, holistic treatment journey to help you live a healthier, fuller, and pain-free life without medications or surgery.

Burning, tingling, numbing, and stabbing pain in the fingers and toes; a loss of balance and hand coordination—these are all signs of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that millions of Americans suffer through every day.

Those patients who experience these symptoms have difficulty understanding what these sensations mean and how they are related to their underlying chronic health conditions. Many of them have never suffered a major injury or had severe health problems, and they still experience the debilitating pain of peripheral neuropathy.

An Outsider’s Perspective On The Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy

For an outsider—someone who has never experienced the condition—the symptoms seem even more confusing and odd. What’s even more outlandish for outsiders is when they hear that the most probable cause of these sensations is type 2 diabetes. How can someone’s diet and blood sugar translate to pain in the nerves at the ends of their body?

Granted, peripheral neuropathy is not only caused by type 2 diabetes; it can also be caused by severe accidents or injuries.

However, with the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy being type 2 diabetes, an increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence in the population directly causes an increase in peripheral neuropathy prevalence, along with a diminished quality of life for everyone around those who are suffering from peripheral neuropathy pain.

The Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

In a study conducted in 2020, the shocking number of type 2 diabetes diagnoses and the increased trajectory of diagnoses demonstrates the undeniable and inevitable increase in peripheral neuropathy.

The study concluded that type 2 diabetes had a “. . . global prevalence in adults in 2017 of 8.8% of the world population, with the anticipation of a further increase to 9.9% by 2045” (Standl, 2020).

At this time, the world population suffering from type 2 diabetes is ostensibly at 9% and with a population of seven billion people, six-hundred-and-thirty-million people have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes And Peripheral Neuropathy

Physicians everywhere have declared type 2 diabetes an epidemic, and because of its associated and damaging symptoms, the threat is real.

But why diabetes? How is the condition related to the undeniable nerve damage caused by peripheral neuropathy?

We must first look at how the underlying condition is diagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed by identifying the level of insulin that is created to balance out the body’s sugar intake. It is the pancreas that lowers blood sugar by producing the insulin hormone. When blood sugar rises after a meal, insulin is produced to decrease or keep blood sugar in check and in balance.

As the body takes in more sugar, more insulin is required. If the body takes in its maximum intake of sugar, there will not be enough insulin to decrease or balance the amount of blood sugar in your body.

Eventually, the body becomes unaffected by the level of insulin that has been added or naturally produced, and unless blood sugars are lowered, the body will continue to experience the myriad complications associated with diabetes. These underlying conditions associated with diabetes are often referred to as “insulin resistance“.

How Insulin Resistance Causes Damage To Neurons

Physicians Liumeng Jian and Guangda Yang confirmed in a recent study in 2020 that “Diabetes-related metabolic factors such as increased glucose, decreased insulin, and increased lipids produce changes underlying the development of diabetic neuropathy. Injury to neurons, microvascular endothelium, and Schwann cells in DM contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathy.” (2020)

These changes associated with diabetes and insulin resistance are damaging to patients’ neurons (the cells responsible for communicating sensory experiences to the brain). The damage inflicted on neurons can account for patients losing feeling in their toes, feet, and sometimes fingers or hands.

Symptoms Of Nerve Damage From Type 2 Diabetes

Now that you know how diabetes-related metabolic factors can contribute to the damage of your neurons. With that in mind, the following are a few of the primary symptoms of nerve damage caused by type 2 diabetes:

Touch Sensitivity

It is common for peripheral nerve damage to cause touch sensitivity. It can affect your hands, arms, legs, and feet. This sensitivity is often described as a “tingling” or “pins and needles” sensation that usually begins in the feet. The sensation has also been described as feeling like you’re wearing gloves or socks. This sensitivity can grow quite extreme, even causing discomfort at the slightest touch like that of bedsheets at night.

Muscle Weakness

Peripheral nerve damage is also linked to muscle weakness. Your peripheral nervous system includes your motor nerves, which are responsible for your skeletal and somatic movements. Because type 2 diabetes can damage your motor nerves, it can lead to muscle weakness and various other issues, such as painful cramps, muscle shrinking, and uncontrollable muscle twitching.

Balance Problems

In addition to touch sensitivity, damage to your sensory nerves caused by type 2 diabetes can result in issues with your balance. In more specific terms, it can result in the loss of sense of position, which makes it more difficult to perform complex movements, such as walking or maintaining your balance when your eyes are closed.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy Based on Diabetic Symptoms

Doctors will often check for signs of peripheral neuropathy by running a soft tool over the surface of the patient’s toes and feet. The doctor may then test for the neurons’ response to sharp pain from a needle prick as well as the differences between heat and cold.

If patients experience little to no sensation from these methods, the doctor may diagnose the patient with peripheral neuropathy. There are many other diagnostic tests that may be employed to assist in the diagnosis and severity.

In the end, the connections between peripheral neuropathy and type 2 diabetes are undeniable, but the condition of peripheral neuropathy– as mentioned previously– can also be caused by significant physical damage due to injury.

Regardless of the cause of peripheral neuropathy, the damage to the neurons that communicate pain to the brain is what signals a clear diagnosis of the condition.

Damaged Neurons Cause The Loss Of Signal With The Mind

Peripheral neuropathy is frustrating and, at times, confusing. Even with a basic understanding of the condition and why it happens, patients do not understand why they sometimes feel numbness in their feet while their hands feel on fire.

Many times, patients will express, with understandable frustration, their loss of balance when getting out of bed every morning. Loss of balance is one of the primary elements of reduced quality of life. It creates anxiety and patients are less willing to engage in activity, exercise, and movement in general due to this loss of balance.

Loss of sleep is another highly critical reduction in quality of life that is directly associated with pain caused by peripheral neuropathy.

The best way to understand your body’s differing reactions is to view its peripheral nerves as radio waves that have lost connection.

Sometimes, when peripheral nerves are damaged, the signal between the damaged nerves and your brain will become static and fuzzy. The message being sent from the nerves isn’t clear to the brain, and so the brain attempts to interpret the message to the best of its ability.

It’s not the brain that is damaged, it’s the nerve. And so, as the brain receives these messages from the periphery of the body, it will consistently lose signals and ask the nerves if they are correctly interpreting things: “Are we in pain? Are we asleep? Do we need to be concerned?”

But the fact is, the nerves have lost signal and are out of the brain’s range. Unless effective treatment is applied, the damage will remain, and the nerves will misfire and send false signals to the brain.

An Effective Treatment From Neuragenex: Neuralgesia

Regardless of the causes, history, or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, there are few effective treatments that can reduce the pain and the problems associated with this condition.

Neuragenex offers a solution that works to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life through a proprietary treatment protocol called Neuralgesia. Hundreds of patients have experienced relief from the pains and irritations of peripheral neuropathy through next-generation Neuralgesia treatment protocols.

Patients who may have suffered for years or even decades with treatments that hardly worked or stopped working overtime can now get a next-generation pain management treatment for peripheral neuropathy that serves to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life. Many patients experience immediate relief and regain function in their extremities after one session.

In some cases, patients report being pain-free after a single treatment session for the first time in years and also report amazing quality-of-life successes like being able to sleep through the night again for the first time in years.

Neuralgesia protocols are a one-hour treatment twice a week. Neuralgesia uses a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy to produce pain relief effects that may last for months and months after a completed course of treatment.

Patients who start the Neuralgesia treatment protocol with Neuragenex are often amazed that they have reduced or relieved pain, they feel better all around, they want to move and get exercise and they feel like their quality of life is back, not just better, but a magnified quality of life.

This is what Neuragenex aims to accomplish for all its patients using our proprietary Neuralgesia therapy protocols.

For patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy, some of the most difficult daily tasks used to be simple and without thought. Because of the numbing, stabbing, tingling, and burning pains that persist in the fingers, hands, toes, and feet, many patients lose the ability to maintain what they would call a normal lifestyle. 

In other words, peripheral neuropathy patients have a diminished quality of life. 

For loved ones of these patients, the most difficult aspect of peripheral neuropathy is understanding the condition and learning how they can help with something they don’t completely understand. With peripheral neuropathy, understanding the day-to-day conditions of a patient is paramount in order to seek care and treatment.

5 Peripheral Neuropathy Complications

Patients who suffer from severe cases of peripheral neuropathy will often encounter its effects the second they step out of bed. Shooting and burning pain just walking around, inability to participate in normal physical movements and activities, and fear and anxiety of worsening symptoms when engaged in any activity in the presence of loved ones. 

Patients who are elderly and have lived with the prolonged effects of peripheral neuropathy are at an increased risk of danger simply when getting out of bed. With a loss of balance being one of the most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, elderly patients have often experienced twisted ankles, hyper-extended knees, bruising, and even broken bones. 

In turn, balance problems and falls resulting in fractures are some of the most common causes of hospitalizations.

But to understand the full extent to which peripheral neuropathy can affect a person’s life, it is crucial to look at all the complications that can arise from not managing this condition properly. Let’s look at these complications below.

The following are complications associated with Peripheral Neuropathy:

1. Injuries, Wounds, and Ulcers From Loss of Sensation in Neuropathy

One of the most common symptoms of neuropathy is numbness – or a loss of feeling that usually begins in the hands and feet. At first, mild numbness might not feel like a major problem. However, over time, damaged sensory nerve endings become unable to send signals to the brain related to sensations of pain, touch, vibration, or temperature. 

In turn, you may no longer be able to feel the pain deriving from an infected wound in your feet, or you might inadvertently expose your limbs to extreme heat or cold. This can lead to wounds and injuries which, if unaddressed, can become infected and lead to ulcers and sores.

2. Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy

Neuropathy commonly affects sensory and motor nerves, which are the nerves responsible for carrying signals to the brain relating to touch, temperature, and muscle movements. However, in some cases, nerve damage can affect the autonomic nerves, which have the role of transmitting to the brain signals relating to body functions we don’t have direct control over. These functions include blood pressure and heartbeat. 

In severe cases, damage to the autonomic nerves responsible for regulating the heartbeat can lead to what’s called cardiac autonomic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy can cause erratic heartbeat and resting tachycardia, leading to a fivefold increase in the risk of death by heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Currently, cardiac autonomic neuropathy is considered to be one of the most common severe complications of diabetes.

3. Digestive Issues Due to Autonomic Nerve Damage

If autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves responsible for controlling the digestive system, you might experience a range of gastrointestinal problems. Some of the most common complications of gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy include:

• Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea
• Abnormal sensations such as loss of appetite and feeling full after a few bites of food
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling bloated 
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn 
• Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)

Problems with the digestive system might make it harder to control blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes, and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. These consequences, in turn, can worsen neuropathy and lead to further nerve damage.

4. Bladder Control Loss

Loss of bladder control – a condition called neurogenic bladder – is caused by damage to the autonomic and motor nerves involved with the correct functioning of the urinary system. 

This condition, which is most commonly caused by diabetic neuropathy, can lead to difficulty sensing a full bladder, difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, and inability to empty the bladder during urination. 

These side effects can lead to further complications, including urinary tract infections.

5. Gangrene and Amputations

As seen above, the inability to feel pain and discomfort deriving from an infected wound or exposure to extreme heat and cold can lead to ulcers. If not properly addressed, the infection can cause the death of surrounding tissue, which causes what’s called “gangrene”. 

If not immediately addressed, gangrene might require limb amputation. 

Currently, 25-90% of all amputations are attributable to diabetes mellitus and related diabetic neuropathies.

Along with the various sensations experienced by patients in their feet, it’s the fear that they will lose those feet with prolonged peripheral neuropathy after numbness sets in permanently and infections and ulcers dramatically increase the health risks of living with peripheral neuropathy. 

With these symptoms being a very real probability, patients would do well to recognize the metastasis of their peripheral neuropathy pain into ulcers and a final amputation.

However, fear of this condition materializing into something worse is not necessarily a bad thing. Often it is fear of a condition getting worse that motivates patients or their loved ones to seek treatment for that condition. Unfortunately, the reality of seeking effective treatment is troublesome at best. 

As patients live day-to-day with the effects of peripheral neuropathy, many rely on the aid of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) or consider the life-altering effects of drastic and invasive surgery.

The Side Effects Of NSAID Dependency In Peripheral Neuropathy Patients

Nearly 60% of Americans battling chronic pain use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regularly to manage their condition. These medications are certainly accessible and affordable, but patients should not underestimate the risks and side effects they are exposing themselves to.

With NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, patients often become dependent and require regular doses which can cause unwanted side effects that include:

Gastrointestinal (Gi) Bleeding

The chronic use of NSAIDs over long periods can compromise the health of the gastrointestinal system. In particular, these drugs cause injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa (the inner lining that protects the digestive tract). 

In 1-2% of people taking NSAIDs regularly to manage their neuropathic pain, damage to the mucosa can cause lesions and internal bleeding. This happens because NSAIDs have an inhibiting effect on the platelets, which are the blood cells responsible for healing wounds. 

When left unaddressed, GI bleeding can have severe consequences, including shock, anemia, and inhibited blood flow.

Myocardial Infarction

Studies have shown that taking NSAIDs regularly for any length of time can lead to an increased risk of developing a heart attack (myocardial infarction). And, this can happen in as little as a week!

This is because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect how the chemicals responsible for preventing blood clots work, making obstructions in blood vessels and arteries more likely. Additionally, NSAIDs can increase the body’s retention of fluids and salt by inhibiting the correct functioning of the kidneys. In turn, high levels of salt can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. 

The risk of developing a myocardial infarction is higher among people with existing heart conditions.

Stroke

As seen above, taking NSAIDs can increase the likelihood of blood clots. What’s more, NSAIDs can cause the narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) by inhibiting the proper functioning of prostaglandins, which are the chemicals in charge of relaxing veins and arteries. 

Combined, these effects can cut out the blood supply to the brain and cause ischaemic strokes.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are lesions of the lining of the stomach or of the first part of the small intestine. If left untreated, they can lead to severe consequences, including stomach cancer, obstruction, and internal bleeding. 

It is estimated that NSAIDs cause 10-30% of all peptic ulcers by inhibiting the chemicals in the gastrointestinal system responsible for protecting the mucosa.

Acute Renal Failure

As seen above, NSAIDs cause the narrowing of blood vessels and reduce the levels of chemicals (prostaglandins) responsible for relaxing veins and arteries. This reduces the blood flow to the kidneys and inhibits their ability to work properly. 

In turn, waste material, toxins, and salt begin to build up in the kidneys, which can lead to Acute Renal Failure, a severe condition that can be fatal if not immediately addressed. Since aging causes a natural loss of kidney function, Acute Renal Failure is more likely among patients aged over 65.

As patients worry and fret over a solution to their peripheral neuropathy pain, the desire to seek out invasive surgery increases. Many who seek out surgery are accompanied by understandable anxiety– a fear of cost and irreparable damage. 

Patients who are faced with the option of surgery and consider it seriously will often experience anxiety because of their lack of options and education involving peripheral neuropathy and its treatment.

The Cost Of Living With Peripheral Neuropathy And How Neuragenex Can Help

Doctors who are accustomed to performing the surgeries would do well to treat patients with patience through their anxiety with education and one-on-one time, if possible. 

Unfortunately, many doctors do not take the time to educate their patients about the side effects of invasive surgery or the surprising costs associated with that surgery. In the end, living with peripheral neuropathy is costly.

Some of the costs include:

Dosage And Dosing-Schedule Adjustments Of PIs

Common treatments prescribed for peripheral neuropathy include NSAIDs and other over-the-counter pain relievers as well as anticonvulsant drugs, antidepressants, and topical medications such as capsaicin.

Beyond the cost of these medications, patients also have to deal with the expenses related to adjusting their dosage over time as their disease progresses. 

Although these costs might vary from one person to another, statistics conducted in 2006 showed that, in Canada, patients with neuropathy faced $1,137 every 3 months in direct costs (77% of which were attributable to medications, prescriptions, and specialist visits) and $1,430 in indirect costs.

PI Treatment Discontinuation And Switching

Although neuropathy is a widespread condition, it remains challenging to diagnose and treat. This is because this disease can have several underlying causes and can manifest itself with a range of symptoms. What’s more, around a third of cases of neuropathy have no known cause (idiopathic neuropathy). 

This causes patients and healthcare providers to undergo long periods of trial and error to find a treatment that is effective and only causes tolerable side effects. Undergoing several lines of treatment and switching from one therapy to another can be expensive for patients. 

According to 2019 estimations, the first line of treatment costs patients an average of $23,183, while subsequent therapies can add up to $37,880 or more.

Medications To Address The Pain

The cost of pain medications can vary, often according to the severity of symptoms and advancement of the disease. However, the economic cost of chronic pain deriving from neuropathy is certainly not negligible. 

The total cost of prescription medications recommended to patients battling chronic pain in the US is $17.8 billion annually. Additionally, individuals with chronic pain are estimated to pay $7,726 more than people with no pain in healthcare costs each year.

Surgeries

In some cases, neuropathy can be caused by soft and hard tissues (like bones, ligaments, and tendons) pressing on a nerve. This can happen in the case of conditions such as Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes. Additionally, health events like direct trauma can cause bone fractures, tendon ruptures, and mechanical issues that can damage a nerve.

In these cases, patients might be recommended to undergo surgical procedures that aim to decompress or free a nerve. These procedures are not only expensive, but they can also lead to a cascade of indirect costs, such as lost wages, missed days at work, and expensive rehabilitation therapies. 

For example, undergoing a Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery can cost around $3540 and involve a recovery period that can go from 3-4 months to a year.

How Neuragenex Can Help You Prevent Surgery

Facing the prospect of having to undergo surgery is not only financially difficult but also emotionally straining, and physically taxing. In the end, patients who live through these troubles want a treatment that is effective, affordable, and accessible.

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy ranging from diabetic-induced neuropathy to medication-induced neuropathy. 

Regardless of the causes, symptoms, or history of peripheral neuropathy, Neuragenex offers a next generation solution to peripheral neuropathy pain with its proprietary Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment protocol. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management  treatment sessions are twice a week for one hour and the experience is social with patients engaging with physicians and staff the entire time they are in treatment. Neurofunctional Pain Management  is a combination of high pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy that produces an enhanced pain reduction effect that can last for many months after a patient completes their course of treatment. Neurofunctional Pain Management  is not only effective at treating peripheral neuropathy but is also highly effective at treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions such as back pain, knee pain and joint pain, chronic migraines and headaches, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain stemming from accidents or surgery.

Neuragenex is on a mission to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify quality of life across the nation without medication, surgery, or invasive procedures. Out vision is to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain management.

Affecting nearly 2.5% of the world population, nerve pain is certainly widespread; however, because of its “invisible” nature, it is often not well understood, diagnosed, or treated. 

But just because the pain, distress, and abnormal sensations are not immediately noticeable to others, it does not mean that nerve pain isn’t serious or life-changing.

It is important to educate yourself about the causes and symptoms of neuropathy and look for a pain management strategy that is sustainable and efficient in the long term. 

With Neuragenex’s Neurofunctional Pain Management approach, individuals with peripheral neuropathy today have an alternative option to deal with their condition that does not rely on medications or surgery. Let’s take a look at how these treatment options for peripheral neuropathy can help.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Simply, peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which are the nerves that lie outside of the brain and the spinal cord. 

There are three types of nerves in the PNS:

• Motor nerves – Motor nerves are the ones controlling the movement of muscles and are responsible for carrying movement-related signals to the brain. 
• Sensory nerves – Sensory nerves transmit signals relating to sensations to the brain, which include touch, temperature, and vibration. A high concentration of these nerve fibers can be found in the skin of the fingertips and palms.
• Autonomic nerves – Autonomic nerves are responsible for managing body functions we don’t have direct control over, such as breathing, digesting, and sweating. 

When these nerves become damaged, motor, sensory, and autonomic signals are unable to reach the brain, thus leading to a cascade of symptoms, including numbness, extreme sensitivity to touch, and spasms. In severe cases, this can lead to muscle atrophy, erratic heartbeat, digestive problems, and loss of bladder or bowel control. 

Nerve damage can affect a single nerve (mononeuropathy) or multiple nerves in different areas of the body (polyneuropathy), and there are over 100 forms of neuropathy. Depending on what nerves the damage extends to, a patient might experience different neuropathic pain.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

While it sometimes manifests as a lack of sensitivity and numbness, peripheral neuropathy is most commonly a condition of burning, tingling, and stabbing pain that fires on the peripheral nervous system. Patients who experience the pains of peripheral neuropathy explain that there is a burning or irritating sensation in the fingers, hands, toes, and feet. While this pain can vary between a light tingling and an intense burning; however, it is ultimately the loss of function and quality of life that affects patients the most, such as loss of balance and reduced quality of sleep or lack of sleep altogether due to ongoing neuropathy pain. 

Loss of function can lead to loss of balance when peripheral neuropathy exhibits in the feet. This can be especially dangerous the older the patients get and the longer their type 2 diabetes goes untreated – the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. However, patients aren’t always as concerned with the cause of their condition as they are with the solution for treatment.

Understanding The Types Of Pain Caused By Peripheral Neuropathy

With over 7 trillion nerve endings present in the human body that can potentially become damaged, it is easy to see why neuropathy can manifest itself with a variety of different symptoms. 

Nonetheless, understanding how neuropathy can affect your body is the first step to accurately diagnosing nerve pain, uncovering the underlying causes of this condition, and finding a suitable treatment program. Let’s start by looking at the common consequences of nerve pain below.

Burning Pain

Burning pain, especially in the hands and feet, is one of the most common symptoms of neuropathy. Burning sensations are a result of damaged nerve endings in the epidermis (skin), which can become overactive and send improper signals to the brain. 

Nerve damage to sensory nerves (sensory neuropathy) is one of the leading causes of burning feet.

Paresthesia Pain

People with neuropathy often describe their pain as tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles” sensations. These manifestations of neuropathy fall under the category of paresthesia pain, which is caused by improper nerve signaling. This is due to abnormalities or damage to the pathway that connects a peripheral nerve to the brain’s sensory cortex.

Hyperaesthesia

Hyperesthesia refers to the hypersensitivity to touch caused by damaged sensory nerves that become overactive and begin to send improper pain, touch, and temperature signals to the brain. Although this might not directly lead to pain, hyperesthesia can cause you to experience an excessive perception of stimuli. 

For example, you might begin to experience discomfort when the bed sheets are touching your skin at nighttime. This can make it difficult to fall asleep and can lead to sleep disturbances. 

It is also important to note that neuropathy can cause the opposite of hyperesthesia as well, which is hypoalgesia. Hypoalgesia – or the reduced ability to feel pain – can lead to some of the most severe complications of neuropathy. Indeed, if you are unable to feel pain, you might let an infected wound go untreated, which can cause ulcers and gangrene, or inadvertently expose your skin to excessive heat or cold.

Allodynia Pain

Allodynia is a form of hyperesthesia that causes you to experience excessive pain in response to stimuli that should be painless or only cause mild sensations. This is due to sensory nerves becoming damaged and misfiring, thus sending improper signals to the brain. 

If you have allodynia pain, daily actions such as brushing your teeth or holding a cup can cause severe pain. This type of pain affects 15-20% of patients with neuropathy.

Managing Complications Of Peripheral Neuropathy

When it comes to peripheral neuropathy, patients should carefully explain the nature and symptoms of their condition to their doctor and confirm a diagnosis before seeking treatment. Once a confirmed diagnosis has been reached, patients are often presented with various treatment options. However, according to Maher R. Khdour in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology published in February 2020, “ . . . peripheral neuropathy is often inadequately treated.” Khdour also raises the concern that “. . . neuropathy is a highly prevalent, disabling condition, the management of which is associated with significant costs.” While insulin levels will balance out with the level of blood sugar if patients are careful, patients may also wonder what steps they can take in managing the complications associated with peripheral neuropathy.  

Khdour continues to list some of these treatments, which include “the use of specific anticonvulsants and antidepressants for pain management in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy” (2020). Medications of all sorts are a known cause of peripheral neuropathy. Often, a regimen of medications taken by a patient with type 2 diabetes may be partially to blame for the persistent neuropathy. Some patients may also choose to undergo expensive surgery to address the pain.

Traditional Methods Of Relieving Neuropathy Pain

The complexity of the nervous system, coupled with the existence of over 100 forms of neuropathy, makes treating nerve pain a clinical challenge. Because of this, most healthcare providers and patients resort to traditional treatments such as over-the-counter medicines, massages, and topical creams. 

Although these treatment options might be a suitable short-term solution for neuropathic pain, patients need to be aware of the full picture. Below, we’ll look at the most commonly prescribed traditional methods of relieving neuropathy pain and their implications.

Over-The-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications for neuropathy include painkillers (such as acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen).

These medications are accessible and affordable, and they might be effective in temporarily reducing the pain you experience. However, they don’t come without side effects. 

Some complications of pain relievers patients should be aware of include:

• Digestive issues, constipation, and nausea
• Fatigue and headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth 
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding
• Kidney malfunction and failure

If taken over long periods, NSAIDs and painkillers can also lead to dependency.

Topical Creams, Balms, Rubs, And Gels

Topical creams can help adults with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes or with nerve pain deriving from the complications of shingles. In particular, capsaicin (the active component in chili peppers) cream can help provide long-lasting desensitization of the local nerve endings, thus stopping pain signals from traveling to the brain.

Other rubs, gels, balms, and sprays that can reduce nerve pain include:

• Counterirritants containing menthol or camphor
• Topical forms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Lidocaine creams
• Topical salicylates (the active compound in aspirin)

Physical Therapy And Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help temporarily decrease the pain associated with nerve damage by relaxing the muscles and easing the pressure on damaged nerves. Additionally, massage techniques that include light stroking, gliding, and vibration can boost blood circulation in the areas affected by nerve pain, which can help regenerate damaged tissues and promote healing. 

Studies conducted in 2020 also show that foot massages can ease burning sensations, boost relaxation, and improve sleep quality in patients with hyperesthesia.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves inserting small needles into the body’s pressure points. It can help with neuropathic pain by stimulating the nervous system, but it also has other benefits, including:

• Stimulating the blood flow in the area affected by peripheral neuropathy, thus promoting nerve regeneration.
• Triggering the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 

A pilot study conducted in 2017 showed that acupuncture might be beneficial to improve nerve conduction (how fast electrical impulses travel through the nerves). 76% of the study’s participants also reported a reduction in nerve pain.

Herbal Supplements

As seen above, neuropathy can be caused by certain nutritional deficiencies. In these cases, patients might benefit from incorporating some supplements into their diet to support nerve regeneration, provide pain relief, help control blood sugar levels, and relieve inflammation. 

These supplements include:

• B vitamins such as B12, B1, and B6
• Antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid
• Amino acids such as acetyl-L-carnitine and n-acetyl cysteine
• Natural extracts such as fish oil and curcumin (turmeric)

Opioid Drugs (Morphine Derivatives)

Opioid drugs such as oxycodone can be used to treat the symptoms of neuropathy when other treatments have failed. In a study conducted in 2021, nearly 44% of patients who received a diagnosis of neuropathy between 2014 and 2018 were prescribed opioids as part of their therapy. 

Although opioids might help patients with neuropathy find relief from their pain in the short term, they can lead to a cascade of complications, including addiction, drowsiness, euphoria, constipation, and slowed breathing.

Drawbacks Of Using Traditional Methods In Managing Neuropathy

Most of the traditional methods for managing neuropathic pain are symptomatic, which means that they don’t have curative or disease-modifying effects. This means that they don’t address the underlying cause of neuropathy. 

What’s more, not all treatments are equally effective for all patients, who will need to go through trial-and-error, multiple lines of treatments, and steep care costs. Here are just some of the downsides of choosing the treatment options seen above.

1. Inaccurate Diagnosis

For most patients and healthcare providers, the priority is to address the pain deriving from nerve damage. However, often, the underlying reason for this condition is left untreated. This not only makes the chosen line of treatment inefficient, but it can also lead to severe complications if another disease goes unaddressed. 

For example, if neuropathy is caused by undiagnosed diabetes, simply treating the symptoms of nerve pain can expose a patient to complications linked to inadequately managed blood sugar levels, including ulcers, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy.

2. Costly Treatments

Undergoing multiple lines of treatment can be extremely costly for patients. In a 2019 review, patients with peripheral neuropathy paid an average of $23,183 for the first line of therapy and $37,880 for the second line of therapy. 

Given the impact that nerve pain therapies can have on a person’s financial life, it is crucial for healthcare providers to avoid the trial-and-error phase where possible.

3. Time-Consuming Process

Neuropathy is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning that, if left untreated, it will progressively cause the death of more and more nerve fibers. Because of this, it is important for patients to find an effective treatment option in the shortest amount of time possible. 

Although doctors commonly prescribe one medication after another until one is found effective, obtaining an accurate diagnosis should be the first step to treating peripheral neuropathy.

4. Low Success Rates

Although there are several pharmaceutical treatment options for neuropathic pain, the benefits that these bring are limited and subjective. 

A 2021 trial comparing the efficacy of neuropathy medications showed that the most efficient treatment (nortriptyline, a type of antidepressant) only improved symptoms by 50% in a quarter of patients. The other drugs in the comparison (duloxetine, mexiletine, and pregabalin) were even less efficient and caused significant side effects.

5. Risk Of Side Effects

Undergoing several lines of treatment can expose patients to significant side effects, including dependency in the case of NSAIDs and opioids. Additionally, medications and herbal supplements can interact with one another and affect the efficiency of other drugs. 

For example, in people at risk of heart problems, taking NSAIDs for nerve pain can increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

6. Limited Knowledge And Expertise

Although therapies such as NSAIDs, massage therapy, acupuncture, and herbal supplements are readily available and affordable, patients lack the knowledge and expertise to use these treatments effectively.

7. Lack Of Personalization

No one treatment is equally effective for all patients with neuropathy, mostly because this condition can be caused by a range of risk factors and manifest itself with a variety of symptoms. 

Nonetheless, traditional treatment options tend to be a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which does not take into account the individual needs of a patient, such as existing health conditions, lifestyle factors, and health goals.

Coping With Emotional Effects Of Living With PN: Managing Stress & Anxiety

Living with peripheral neuropathy can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional health. Experiencing debilitating pain can cause a loss of productivity, missed days at work, reduced wages, social withdrawal, and inhibited mobility. And, because of this, it isn’t surprising that, according to a 2020 study, around 65% of people with neuropathy suffer from depression, and 73% of those with nerve pain battle severe anxiety. 

While consulting a specialized mental health professional should always be the first port of call, there are some other complementary strategies you can use to manage the stress and anxiety arising from peripheral neuropathy:

• Use massage therapy to ease the pain in the hands and feet and boost the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins. 
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and body scans. 
• Improve your bedtime routine to better cope with the sleep disturbances deriving from nerve pain. 
• Find support from others who are struggling with nerve pain.
• Be open about your condition and concerns with your loved ones. 

When it comes down to managing and coping with neuropathy, a critical role is played by the treatment option you have chosen. Educating yourself about the treatment options available and partnering with a specialist can help you maintain hope and find the most efficient solution for your needs.

Lifestyle Changes to Mitigate Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Your lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on your ability to contain nerve damage, avoid the complications of neuropathy, and improve your nerves’ functionality. 

Some steps that you can take to better cope with neuropathy and improve your overall health include:

• Exercise regularly – Not only does exercise trigger the release of pain-relieving endorphins, but it also improves muscle strength and boosts circulation. This can counteract the negative effects of nerve damage on the muscles and improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves. 
• Improve your diet – A well-balanced diet can help improve how you feel mentally and physically, and it can also help you manage conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for neuropathy. Additionally, supplementing B vitamins, introducing healthy fats, avoiding gluten, and eating more fruits and vegetables can help you avoid nutritional deficiencies, improve nutrient absorption, and boost your musculoskeletal system. 
• Reduce alcohol and nicotine intake – As seen above, alcohol and nicotine can have neurotoxic effects. Avoid further damage to your nerves by quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake. 
• Improve your personal care routine – Several of the complications deriving from neuropathy can be avoided with a thorough personal care regime. For example, consider checking your feet for wounds and infections to avoid ulcers, and massaging your hands and feet to improve circulation in the areas affected by neuropathy.

When looking to modify your lifestyle to ease the pain deriving from neuropathy, it is essential to work with a specialized lifestyle counselor who can help you design a nutritional and exercise routine for your health needs and goals.

When to Seek Medical Care for Uncontrollable Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Neuropathy can have a unique impact on a person’s life. For some, the numbness and tingling sensations are temporary side effects of health events, such as undergoing chemotherapy. However, for others, peripheral neuropathy can be a debilitating or disabling condition. 

If you have noticed that your nerve pain is interfering with your daily activities, you should not think twice about seeking medical care as soon as possible. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and selecting an appropriate treatment option can help you limit the consequences of peripheral neuropathy and, in some cases, reverse nerve damage. 

Be sure to look beyond traditional treatment options, and select a therapy that is designed around your needs, medical history, and goals with the help of Neuragenex – let’s look at how Neurofunctional Pain Management can help below.

Live A Pain-free Life With Neuragenex

For patients seeking treatment for peripheral neuropathy when the affected areas are numb, the use of traditional medications would seem counterintuitive. However, solutions for peripheral neuropathy may be both simple and lasting– especially when considering a solution with Neuragenex. 

Neuragenex uses a proprietary Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment program that may effectively relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic peripheral neuropathy and its symptoms.

Neurofunctional Pain Management is a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy that enhances the pain relief effect while also balancing and restoring health for patients in the Neurofunctional Pain Management program. Many patients report relief of pain and increases in function and quality of life after just one treatment. Many patients also report substantially long periods of pain relief after completing a full course of Neurofunctional Pain Management therapy that can endure for many months to over a year of pain relief without medications, surgeries, or invasive procedures. Neurofunctional Pain Management is the next generation of pain management. 

Patients who experience these sessions of pain treatment will tell you that they wish they had started sooner and that they had not put off such an effective and long-lasting treatment. Neuragenex is on a mission to bring effective and lasting pain relief to millions of patients suffering from chronic pain across the nation. Our mission is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without medication, surgery, or invasive procedures.

For nearly 2.5% of the world’s population, receiving a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy means facing the prospect of relying on medications or resorting to surgery to manage their nerve pain. 

Given the degenerative nature of this disease, it has never been more important for patients to look beyond traditional treatments and find a solution that does not involve invasive medical procedures. 

Fortunately, today’s advances in regenerative medicine offer a valid, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical alternative worth exploring. Here, we’ll explore how Neuragenex’s programs (Neuralgesia and Neurofunctional Pain Management) can help.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the Peripheral Nervous System, which are the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. These nerves are in charge of delivering signals to the brain relating to muscle movements (motor nerves), touch and temperature sensations (sensory nerves), and autonomic processes, such as breathing, digestion, and blood circulation. 

These nerves can become damaged for several reasons, including diabetes, exposure to toxins, or infection. When this happens, motor, sensory, and autonomic signals traveling to and from the brain are inhibited. 

This may lead to experiencing acute pain (even in response to stimuli that should be painless), numbness, loss of balance, or muscle spasms. In severe cases, peripheral neuropathy can also lead to ulcers and, if it is affecting autonomic nerves, may also impair functions such as heartbeat and sweating. 

Understanding the causes and symptoms of neuropathy when the first signs begin to manifest themselves can help you contain nerve damage and avoid the most severe consequences. Above all, understanding your nerve pain can help you find the right treatment option for your needs.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Depending on what nerves are affected by neuropathy, you might experience a range of symptoms. Learning to recognize these telltale signs as they begin to appear is the first step to understanding and managing your condition.

Let’s look at the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in more detail below. 

• Pain in the extremities (hands and feet) – One of the most common symptoms of neuropathy is pain that begins in the extremities, which can be described as prickling pain or “pins and needles” sensations. This pain – which is called paresthesia – appears when the normal signaling of pain, touch, and vibration is disrupted. 
• Extreme sensitivity to touch – Damaged nerves can misfire and send abnormal signals to the brain’s sensory cortex, causing extreme sensitivity to touch (hyperesthesia) and pain in response to stimuli that should normally be painless (allodynia). 
• Cramps and spasms – Uncontrolled muscle movements are caused by damaged motor nerves, which send improper motor signals to the brain.
• Burning sensations – Burning pain is due to damaged nerve endings in the skin, which become overactive and misfire signals of pain to the brain. 
• Loss of feeling – When nerves become damaged, they might become unable to transmit signals relating to pain, touch, temperature, and vibration to the brain, thus leading to numbness, loss of feeling, and reduced ability to feel pain (hypoalgesia)
• Trouble sleeping – Around 68% of patients with neuropathy experience strongly disturbed sleep. This is due to muscle spasms that can wake you up at night and hyperesthesia, which leads to extreme sensitivity to touch, abnormal sensations, and difficulty falling asleep. 
• Loss of balance – When motor and sensory nerves are affected, your brain might no longer be able to receive signals about your body’s position in space, balance, and coordination. This might cause you to bump into objects, struggle to get up from a low seated position, and be at greater risk of falls and injuries.

Causes Of Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage can arise from a range of causes and risk factors, including the following:

• Diabetes – Diabetes and poorly managed blood sugar can lead to nerve damage. Erratic blood glucose levels can impair the blood vessels and prevent them from delivering essential blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the nerves, thus leading to the death of nerve fibers. Currently, neuropathy is a complication in 51% of people with diabetes. 
• Autoimmune diseases – Some forms of neuropathy, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, are hereditary. Additionally, some autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause nerve damage due to the sustained levels of inflammation produced by the body. 
• Infections – In the case of infections caused by bacteria or viruses, nerve damage is derived from sustained high levels of inflammation caused by the body’s response to infections. Excessive inflammation can degrade the myelin (the nerves’ protective coating), thus preventing them from correctly transmitting signals. In people with HIV, neuropathy is a comorbidity in over 50% of cases. 
• Physical injury or trauma – Direct trauma is one of the main causes of mononeuropathy (damage to a single nerve). Injuries such as fractures and dislocations can sever the nerve’s connection to the brain and lead to neuropathic pain and numbness. 
• Exposure to toxins, alcohol, and nicotine – Some toxins, such as lead and arsenic, have neurotoxic effects, meaning that they may cause the degeneration of nerve fibers. This is also true for toxins found in food, such as mercury in swordfish. Using alcohol and nicotine over long periods can damage the myelin that coats and protects the nerves, thus leading to neuropathy. It is estimated that 25-66% of those with an alcohol abuse disorder have alcoholic neuropathy. 
• Nutrient deficiencies – Some nutritional deficiencies (such as copper and B12) can cause nerve demyelination (damage to the nerve’s protective sheath) and lead to neuropathy. This might also happen in the case of conditions that prevent nutrients from being absorbed properly by the body, such as Celiac disease.
• Blood or vascular problems – Conditions that damage the blood vessels supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to nerves (i.e.: vasculitis) can cause the death of nerve fibers and increase the risk of neuropathy. 
• Tumors and chemotherapy – Some tumors can grow near a nerve and press on it, which can cause nerve irritation and damage. What’s more, some medications, such as the drugs used in chemotherapy, can have a neurotoxic effect and cause the death of nerve fibers. It is estimated that up to 85% of people undergoing cancer treatment will develop temporary neuropathy. 

Although the items above are some of the most common causes of neuropathy, it is important to keep in mind that up to a third of people with nerve pain have idiopathic neuropathy, meaning that the root cause of their disease is unknown.

How Diagnosis Works

Nerve pain is considered to be an “invisible illness” because its symptoms are not immediately visible to others. This makes neuropathy challenging to diagnose and treat. 

Nonetheless, by partnering with a specialized healthcare provider, you’ll be able to obtain an accurate diagnosis of your condition and its underlying causes. Beyond performing a thorough physical exam and reviewing your medical history, a specialist will conduct several tests to determine the causes and extent of your nerve damage. 

These tests include:

• Blood tests – Blood tests are used to determine whether the nerve damage is caused by high levels of toxins (like mercury and lead) or by nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of Vitamin B12. Blood tests can also highlight genetic, hereditary, and autoimmune disorders that contribute to neuropathy. 
• Skinnerve biopsies – This type of test involves removing a sample of the skin containing nerve fibers for examination. These tests aim to highlight abnormalities in nerve endings as well as determine the nerve count on your extremities. 
• Neurological exams – Neurological examinations look at the physical signs of neuropathy, such as changes in your ability to feel pain and move muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 
• Electrodiagnostic tests – These include a nerve conduction test (NCS) and electromyograms (EMG) to determine how well your nerves work. Some of the indicators monitored through these tests include the speed and strength of nerve signals. 
• Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) – If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy, this type of test can help assess the extent of the damage and determine how well nerves respond to sensory stimuli. 
• Imaging tests – These examinations are used to diagnose neuropathy through a series of images collected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nerve ultrasounds, and computerized tomography (CT) scans. These can help determine if the nerve damage is due to a tumor, a compressed nerve, or other structural abnormalities.

Importance Of Getting An Accurate Diagnosis

Peripheral neuropathy can cause chronic and severe pain and lead to threatening consequences such as ulcers, gangrene, amputations, loss of bladder/bowel control, or irregular heartbeat. 

So, while it might seem easy to resort to painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage your condition, these cannot be considered a sustainable long-term pain management strategy. In the best-case scenario, these medications can ease discomfort in the short term. In the worst-case scenario, they can conceal a significant, more dangerous underlying cause of nerve damage. 

That’s why obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential. Once you have determined what is causing your nerve pain, you’ll be able to choose a pain management strategy that addresses the root cause of your condition. For example, if nerve pain is caused by poorly controlled blood sugar, diabetes management strategies and lifestyle adjustments should be your first port of call. 

Understanding your condition and what’s causing it also means educating yourself about the best treatment options for your needs and goals. Let’s compare the different alternatives to manage nerve pain below.

Comparing The Success Of Surgical And Nonsurgical Treatments

Surgical treatment options for patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy have been known to have lasting effects. However, the success of these surgeries may negate any associated side effects or patient invasiveness. Nor does the success of these surgeries guarantee the negation of peripheral neuropathy symptom recurrence down the road.

• Surgical Offloading

One of the most common surgical treatment options available to patients is what’s known as a surgical offloading procedure. 

As patients experience the imbalance and eventual muscular deformity that evolves from long-term peripheral neuropathy, ulcers are a common development. Ulcers ultimately develop because of the pressure that has been placed on the associated limb. 

The complications prevalent in the feet of diabetic patients attribute to the pressure of standing and walking. If patients were to continue to allow these ulcers to develop without treatment, they would find both walking and standing unbearable.

• Shoes, Orthotics, And Contact Cast

According to a study done in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, Aharon S. Finestone and colleagues concluded that “[t]he mainstay of treating and preventing ulcers is offloading. This may be done with shoes, orthotics and contact casts” (2018). 

Finestone uses examples of these nonsurgical treatments and states that they offload or relieve the pressure and pain from patients who may develop or have developed ulcers. 

While creating casts and specialized shoes may relieve the pain and reduce the likelihood of further ulcer development, they are not a full-proof solution to the problem. Patients may have to seek adjustment to the shoes created for them if the pain is recurrent and purchasing these shoes can be costly. 

• Why Treatment Compliance Is Critical

Finestone addresses the concerns associated with these nonsurgical treatments, concluding that “. . . while these are frequently effective in the short run, in the long run, ulcers often recur for a variety of reasons, including patients’ lack of compliance”. 

While Finestone attributes recurring conditions and ulcers to patients’ lack of compliance or responsibility, many patients who are complying with their doctor’s recommendations may feel frustrated at this answer. 

This is especially true for patients who are seeking non-invasive solutions to their pain that will also produce long-lasting treatment for the conditions of peripheral neuropathy. Still, for some patients, the short-term solutions mentioned by Finestone may seem more like a bandaid to a wound that needs stitches.

Surgery Doesn’t Have To Be The Only Option

Finestone justifies surgical treatment while conceding that it is not an easy undertaking and should be carefully considered and explained to patients. You should know what your body is experiencing and what the first step is in seeking effective and long-lasting treatment. 

When it comes to offloading or relieving the pain induced by ulcers, Finestone states that a “. . . more definitive method of offloading includes surgical correction of foot deformities.While any surgery in these patients is a considerable undertaking, the natural history of recurrent or recalcitrant ulcers is so dismal that a more aggressive and surgical approach may be justified”. 

Patients who suffer from the long-term effects of peripheral neuropathy, such as recalcitrant or recurring ulcers, may find justification in seeking surgical treatment. This is a choice that must be carefully considered by patients and thoroughly explained by their doctors as patients who are reluctant in undergoing surgery are not alone. 

In a study conducted by Mitchell Mark, PhD, it was concluded that “[m]edical advances have led to a considerable rise in the level of elective surgery undertaken as day-case surgery and with a minimal hospital stay. However, amid such advances, preoperative psychological care has remained relatively static” (2003).

Preoperative Anxiety Of Patients Escalate With Surgery Looming

Patients in 2003 experienced little to no alleviation of their preoperative anxiety and desired to have their concerns addressed. 

Doctors performing the surgery of offloading are required to explain the procedure to the patients before they elect to undergo the surgery. But knowing the procedure and the potential side-effects may further the anxiety of patients, especially for those who have not undergone surgery in the past.

Patients who choose to undergo elective surgery not only recognize and agonize over the risks associated with the surgery but also experience skepticism and will need to weigh the risks against the rewards.

With the number of diabetic patients increasing worldwide, elective surgery related to peripheral neuropathy has risen in the past 20 years. This lack of psychological care to alleviate anxiety contributes to patient apprehension. 

Mark continues to address the need for psychological care by stating that, “[t]hirty-four studies embracing data from 3754 patients undergoing both inpatient and day-case procedures were reviewed. Three main themes emerged–causes of anxiety, clinical concerns and measurement, and anxiety management”. 

It is not unnatural for most patients to experience this apprehension and frustration, especially if they have been reviewing and following the nonsurgical recommendations of their doctors.

Neuralgesia: Your Best Non Surgical Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuragenex uses a proprietary Neuralgesia treatment protocol to administer pain relief and health restoration in patients with chronic peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. Neuralgesia treatment protocols may effectively ease patient numbness, burning, cramping, and many other conditions because of peripheral neuropathy. 

Neuralgesia, a non-invasive therapeutic treatment program that uses a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy to relieve pain and restore health and ultimately avoid or put off surgeries, invasive procedures, and endless medications.

Patients report being able to return to the workforce, performing daily activities they used to enjoy, and overall enjoying the benefits of living a life without chronic pain in their extremities. 

Sometimes, patients report pain relief and improved quality of life after just one treatment. Neuralgesia is the next generation of chronic pain management, and Neuragenex is bringing this protocol to thousands of patients across the nation.

Our mission is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without medications, surgeries, or invasive procedures. We believe that Neuragenex will be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain management.

Treat Peripheral Neuropathy Safely And Effectively

If you have received a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, the chances are that you are now facing the prospect of living a life reliant on medications. And, in severe cases, you might start to believe that surgery is the only option left.

But that’s where learning more about alternative treatments can help you find a treatment that is best suited to your needs. The Innovative regenerative medicine treatments offered at Neuragenex provide a non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical option that can help you ease pain and magnify your life.