Our Lake Mary Acupuncture practice has been treating patients who suffer with neuropathy with great results.
According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral neuropathy, is a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), which often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.
Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.
People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Some medications can help neuropathy but come with nasty side effects.
An alternative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy may include a combination of the use of Chinese herbs and vitamins to help support nerve function, Acupuncture to help stimulate normal nerve communication, cold laser therapy to help regenerate damaged nerve function. In addition, dietary changes are a must to help the body return to homeostasis. We have found that many diabetics with peripheral neuropathy do not manage their blood glucose levels and some consume alcoholic beverages.
We also test for food sensitivities to determine what foods may be causing excess inflammation in the body thus aggravating neuropathy symptoms. In addition, homeopathic anti-inflammatory trigger point injections are used along with specialized electrical muscle stimulation.
There is hope for reducing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Dr. Sheila L. Scott – Lake Mary Acupuncturist
