Peripheral Neuropathy refers to damage to nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. Once these peripheral nerves are damaged, it can cause a wide variety of symptoms and can interfere with or hinder your life in many profound ways. At its worst, neuropathy can be debilitating and even life-threatening. However, there are many treatments available that can help to improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition. At Health Restoration and HR Pain Management in Westminster, CO, we offer the latest in medical advancements in the treatment of neuropathy. We customize our treatment plans to meet the needs of each patient.
The term “neuropathy” simply means “disease of the nerves.” There are many different types of neuropathy, but the most common form is peripheral neuropathy. This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nervous system).
The most common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is pain. Other symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness. In some cases, people with peripheral neuropathy may also have difficulty with balance and walking.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, infections, certain toxins, medications, and/or injuries, which ultimately cause a decrease in the tiny blood vessels that feed the small nerve endings in our joints, muscles and/or skin (more on this later).
Other symptoms of neuropathy can include:
Neuropathy diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Our doctors will ask about your symptoms and when they began. They will also ask about any health conditions you have and any medication you are taking. Your doctor will also likely order tests such as imaging, blood tests and nerve function tests.
Neuropathy is a treatable disease. The treatment options available at Health Restoration and HR Pain Management focus on the underlying cause of the neuropathy and managing your symptoms.
Until recently, traditional treatments for peripheral neuropathy have been to simply medicate it. The problem with prescription or over-the-counter drugs is they are largely ineffective because the cause of the condition isn’t addressed. Instead, they mask the pain that comes along with neuropathy; many of the medications used to treat the condition weren’t created with neuropathy as the main focus.
For example, some of the common medications used to treat neuropathy were originally created as anti-depressants. Others, like Neurontin or Gabapentin, were designed to treat seizures. Pregabalin was designed to help treat fibromyalgia, shingles, and spinal cord injuries. While these may be effective in alleviating some of the pain or discomfort that comes along with peripheral neuropathy, they aren’t doing anything to treat the root of the problem – which is that nutrient and oxygen flow to the nerves has broken down to a sub-optimal level.
Treating peripheral neuropathy effectively means getting down to the actual cause and encouraging the body to do what it is built to do – heal itself. Nerves are a type of tissue in your body, and that tissue needs to be treated properly to allow your body to heal. Lack of circulation to a nerve is the most common cause for neuropathy. Increasing blood flow to nerves allows the necessary nutrients and oxygen to access the nerve, helping to return nerves to their normal healthy function.
We treat neuropathy through electric cell-signaling treatments that take the nerve through the process of rehabilitation. This method focuses on the cause of the condition, not the symptoms. This is done through a three-part regimen designed by Dr. Kokoszka and his medical team. The steps start with Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and move to Nerve Re-education Therapy, followed by identifying a Nutritional Protocol.
Approximately 90 percent of those suffering from neuropathy rely on medication and/or injections to manage the pain. By getting to the cause of the condition and working to heal the nerve, our treatments can improve the effects of neuropathy by 60 to 90 percent.
At Health Restoration and HR Pain Management, we offer a variety of services to help our patients find relief from neuropathy pain. Additionally, we offer other services such as physical therapy and massage therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today.
Stay updated with the latest blog posts and engage with our community.
Your Trusted Choice for Physical Therapy and Wellness!
