Neuropathy Chicago

Non-Medication Treatment for Neuropathy and Chronic Nerve Discomfort is Available

Neuropathy is a complex and often distressing condition that impacts the lives of countless individuals worldwide. With multiple causes, ranging from Type 2 diabetes to autoimmune disorders, it is crucial to understand the various factors that contribute to neuropathy in order to effectively manage and treat it. In this article, we will explore the diverse causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment options for neuropathy, providing valuable insight into this challenging condition and offering hope for those affected by it.

Causes and Types of Neuropathy

Neuropathy can arise from a variety of factors and underlying health conditions. To better manage and treat neuropathy, it is essential to identify the root cause.

 Main cause of neuropathy

The primary cause of neuropathy is damage to the nerves, which can result from numerous factors. Some of the most common causes include poor blood circulation, high blood sugar levels (as seen in Type 2 diabetes), infections, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. Understanding the specific causes in each case are crucial for implementing targeted treatment strategies and managing the progression of neuropathy effectively.

 Type 2 diabetes and neuropathy with diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage nerve fibers, resulting in diabetic neuropathy. This form of neuropathy can affect various parts of the body, with the feet and legs being the most commonly impacted areas.

 Neuropathy without diabetes

Not all cases of neuropathy are linked to diabetes. Other possible causes include:

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Infections
  • Inherited disorders
  • Tumors
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Medications
  • Traumatic injuries

 Auto-immune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome, can lead to neuropathy when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own nerves leading to neuropathic symptoms.

 Other causes and risk factors

Various other factors, such as age, lifestyle choices, and existing medical conditions, can also contribute to the development of neuropathy. Identifying these risk factors can help tailor treatment approaches for each individual.

By understanding the underlying causes of neuropathy, we can better address its symptoms and manage its progression. In the next section, we will delve into the stages and warning signs of neuropathy, providing a comprehensive overview of the condition and enabling patients and healthcare providers to recognize its onset and severity.

Stages and Warning Signs of Neuropathy

Being aware of the stages and warning signs of neuropathy is vital for early detection, intervention, and effective management of the condition.

 Four stages of neuropathy

  1. Stage 1: Mild symptoms, such as occasional numbness and tingling sensations, may be present but are often overlooked or dismissed.
  2. Stage 2: Symptoms become more persistent and pronounced, affecting daily activities and causing discomfort or pain.
  3. Stage 3: Pain intensifies and may be accompanied by muscle weakness, affecting mobility and coordination.
  4. Stage 4: Severe symptoms lead to a significant loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, and potential disability.

 Warning signs and symptoms

Some common symptoms of neuropathy include:

  1. Numbness/Tingling
  2. Burning Pain
  3. Unusual and/or loss of sensations
  4. Muscle weakness
  5. Deep Stabbing Pain
  6. Balance Problems

It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, as neuropathy is a PROGRESSIVE, DEGENERATIVE condition and will worsen over time leading to further nerve damage and decreased chances at recovery.

 Types of diabetic neuropathy

There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, including:

  1. Peripheral neuropathy: Affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
  2. Autonomic neuropathy: Impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions such as digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate.
  3. Proximal neuropathy: Causes pain and weakness in the thighs, hips, and buttocks, often affecting one side of the body.
  4. Focal neuropathy

 

Life Expectancy and Disability with Neuropathy

Neuropathy can have a significant impact on a person’s life expectancy and overall quality of life. Understanding the potential consequences of neuropathy is essential for managing the condition and mitigating its long-term effects.

 Life expectancy with neuropathy

The life expectancy of individuals with neuropathy can vary depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. In some cases, addressing the root cause and implementing appropriate treatments can help manage neuropathy, potentially leading to an improved life expectancy.

 Diabetic neuropathy sensory loss score

The diabetic neuropathy sensory loss score is a tool used to assess the severity of neuropathy in patients with diabetes. It evaluates 7 points of nerve sensation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s level of sensory loss.

 Can neuropathy cripple?

Neuropathy has the potential to lead to significant physical limitations and, in severe cases, even crippling disability. Sensory loss in the feet can cause balance issues, increasing the risk of injury from falls. Additionally, the lack of sensation may result in unnoticed injuries or infections, which can further complicate the condition.

 

In extreme cases, particularly among individuals with diabetes, the progression of neuropathy can lead to the amputation of toes, feet, or lower limbs due to uncontrolled infections or severe tissue damage. Early intervention, proper management, and consistent monitoring of neuropathy symptoms can help reduce the risk of these severe complications and improve a patient’s overall quality of life.

 

Non-Medication Treatment for Neuropathy and Chronic Nerve Discomfort

In addition to traditional medical treatments, there are several non-medication therapies available for managing neuropathy and chronic nerve discomfort. These treatment options aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support the overall well-being of those living with neuropathy.

 Alternative and cutting-edge treatments

  1. Rebuilder 300  (Nerve Re-Education): This treatment utilizes electrical stimulation to promote nerve repair and alleviate pain associated with neuropathy. Rebuilder 300 is a device that can be used at home to provide daily therapy and improve nerve function, while Nerve Re-Education is an electrotherapeutic stimulation technique used to assist in the growth and repair of nerves. This approach, utilized by the Cancer Centers of America, can help those undergoing chemotherapy rebuild their nerves and regain normal sensation. Pain levels can be reduced by as much as 74% in less than a week of rebuilder use.
  2. Anodyne: An innovative therapy that uses infrared light to increase blood flow to the nerves, promoting healing and reducing pain. This non-invasive treatment has shown promising results in clinical trials and can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive neuropathy treatment plan.
  3. Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): This treatment stimulates the production of angiogenesis, or new blood vessels, around the peripheral nerves, providing them with the nutrients needed for healing and repair. LLLT has demonstrated a high success rate in treating peripheral neuropathy in numerous peer-reviewed studies.
  4. Advanced Nutrition Therapy: Proper nutrition is vital for optimal tissue and nerve repair. By providing the body with the essential nutrients it needs, this therapy can accelerate the healing process and support overall nerve health.

By exploring and incorporating these non-medication treatment options, individuals living with neuropathy can experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life, all while avoiding the potential side effects and risks associated with surgery or addictive medications.

 Comprehensive and personalized treatment plans

A successful neuropathy treatment plan requires a comprehensive and personalized approach that takes into account the underlying cause, severity, and type of nerve damage. By combining various non-medication treatments, patients can benefit from a well-rounded strategy that addresses their specific needs and helps optimize their recovery.

  1. Thorough assessment and evaluation: The first step in creating a personalized treatment plan is to conduct a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. This process helps determine the underlying cause, severity, and type of nerve damage, which in turn informs the choice of therapies and interventions.
  2. Multidisciplinary approach: Incorporating various treatment modalities, such as Rebuilder 300, Anodyne, LLLT, and Advanced Nutrition Therapy, ensures that patients receive a diverse and well-rounded treatment experience. This multidisciplinary approach enables patients to benefit from the unique advantages of each therapy, promoting nerve healing and reducing pain more effectively.
  3. In-Clinic Visits & Online Education: Combining in-clinic visits with online education allows patients to receive hands-on treatment and guidance while also empowering them with the knowledge and resources necessary to manage their neuropathy at home. This blended approach ensures consistent support and encourages patients to take an active role in their recovery process.
  4. Ongoing monitoring and support: Continuously tracking progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed is essential for achieving optimal outcomes. This includes regular check-ins with healthcare providers, routine assessments of nerve function, and ongoing support to help patients navigate the challenges of living with neuropathy.

 

By adopting a comprehensive and personalized approach to neuropathy treatment, patients can experience significant improvements in pain relief, mobility, and overall quality of life.

 

  1. Prescription-based treatments and selective patient acceptance

While many non-medication treatment options for neuropathy are widely available, some require a prescription from a doctor. At our clinic, we offer specialized treatments, such as Anodyne and Rebuilder 300, which are available only through a prescription from our healthcare providers.

  1. Prescription-based treatments: Anodyne and Rebuilder 300 are powerful and effective therapies for neuropathy, but they require a doctor’s prescription. Our clinic’s medical professionals assess patients’ needs and provide prescriptions for these treatments as deemed appropriate.
  2. Selective patient acceptance: To ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients, we carefully evaluate each case before accepting them into our program. Not all cases can be accepted, as the success of our treatments depends on various factors, including the severity and type of neuropathy. A consultation at our office is required to determine eligibility.
  3. High success rate: For patients who are accepted into our program, we have a remarkable success rate of 94-97%. Our comprehensive and personalized approach, along with the use of prescription-based treatments like Anodyne and Rebuilder 300, has proven to be highly effective in addressing neuropathy symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life.

 

By offering prescription-based treatments and selectively accepting patients, our clinic ensures that individuals who are enrolled in our program have the highest chance of success in managing their neuropathy symptoms and achieving long-lasting relief.

 

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where nerves are damaged causing weakness, burning pain, numbness, tingling, and debilitating balance problems. The damage to the nerves can be caused by many different problems in the body. Poor blood flow to the nerves, toxic levels of sugar in the blood (diabetes), chronic infections, pesticide exposure and genetic variants are a few of the causes of this debilitating condition. The cause is different for every patient and it must be discovered to help the nerves heal!

Nerve cells need two things to heal…

  1. Fuel
  2. Activation

This makes the combination of high-powered lower level light therapy & nutrition (FUEL) and Nerve ReEducation (ACTIVATION) the perfect 1-2 punch for nerve regeneration!

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

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