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Healing Pathways: Acupuncture’s Role in Easing Neuropathy

By Toni Twitty

feelings we experience in the nerves that transmit information from your brain and spine to the rest of your body.  Neuropathy can be complex and can cause a wide range of symptoms that may be caused by underlying factors. Let’s look at some causes and symptoms of neuropathy, as well as treatment options. 

Common Causes of Neuropathy

  1. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, leading to various symptoms and to the condition also known as diabetic neuropathy.
  2. Trauma and Injury: Certain physical injuries, such as a fall, car accident, or sports-related incidents, can damage nerves directly.
  3. Infections: Some viral and bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, shingles, and HIV, can lead to symptoms of neuropathy.
  4. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause the immune system to attack the nerves.
  5. Toxic Substances: Toxins such as heavy metals, chemotherapy drugs, and alcohol, can damage nerves.
  6. Heredity: Some individuals may be predisposed through genetics to neuropathy.

Common Symptoms

Neuropathy can present in various ways, depending on the location of the affected nerves. 

  • Numbness and Tingling: Patients often experience a sensation of pins and needles, numbness, or a loss of feeling in the affected area.
  • Burning Pain: You may experience a burning or shooting type sensation caused by neuropathy.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness in a particular area of the body, often causing difficulty with fine motor skills and balance.
  • Sensitivity to Touch: Some people with neuropathy may find that even light touch is painful or uncomfortable.

Management and Treatment

Managing neuropathy involves addressing its underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. Some approaches include:

  • Medications: Depending on the type of neuropathy and its cause, medications like pain relievers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises and physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Managing conditions like diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet, and quitting smoking can help prevent further nerve damage.
  • Pain Management Techniques: Techniques such as biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can help reduce pain.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a great treatment option for neuropathy. Be Well Acupuncture is able to regenerate the nerves to reverse the damage. 

An early diagnosis along with treatment can significantly improve outcomes for those suffering with neuropathy.  If you are experiencing symptoms and think you may have neuropathy, it is extremely important that you consult with a healthcare professional, like Be Well Acupuncture, for proper evaluation and a treatment plan personalized to meet your needs.  

Hear from one of our happy patients in this video:

Neuropathy is complex and one can be affected for various reasons, but there is hope. Understanding the symptoms, causes and management is crucial for those living with neuropathy or those supporting a loved one who is facing this challenge. We cannot stress enough that if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, please consult with us at Be Well Acupuncture for expert guidance and care.