Neuropathy And Cold Laser Treatment

Today's post from cdapress.com (see link below) makes the point that some neuropathies are easier to treat than others and that there are various options available for treatment of neuropathies caused by pressure in the spine. Not everybody agrees that chiropractic treatments are helpful but the idea of cold laser treatment sounds interesting. Maybe worth discussing with your neurologist. Short but interesting post.
 

Cold laser treatment for neuropathy
DR. WAYNE FITCHER/Natural Spine Solutions Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Although nerve damage can be tricky to treat, some forms of the condition are easier to treat than others. Peripheral neuropathy caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, AIDS and cancer are the most difficult. However, a significant percentage of cases are due to more easily treatable causes such as vitamin deficiencies and compressed or trapped nerves. All of the above can be helped to a lesser or greater extent by applying a variety of treatment options; among the most useful of these are an improvement in diet, and receiving regular chiropractic care.

Getting oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves is key in treating peripheral neuropathy, which is why eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants is important. These will feed the nerves and help to destroy the free radicals that cause damage to the body's cells, leading to an interference with nerve transmission.

When the vertebral joints of the spine begin to degenerate (which is common as we get older), they can press on the roots of the spinal nerves, causing the classic symptoms of neuropathy. Chiropractors are trained to relieve this pressure, performing spinal adjustments to bring the vertebrae back into alignment, releasing trapped or compressed nerves.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2004, chiropractic adjustments "with or without exercise, improved symptoms more than medical care did after both 3 and 12 months."

Along with chiropractic care, cold laser therapy has been shown to effectively reduce painful symptoms.

Recent research has shown that cold laser therapy can help treat the underlying causes of neuropathy and help with symptom management.

Cold laser therapy helps by actually stimulating microcirculation around the nerve fibers, which increases blood flow to the nerves and helps to heal and reduce neuropathic pain. Laser light energy penetrates the skin and stimulates increased oxygen on a cellular level. This increase in microcirculation around the nerve has been shown to help regenerate fibers and help heal peripheral nerves. Cold laser therapy is painless and has been proven to decrease neuropathy and inflammation, and aid in the healing of wounds and tendons.

Dr. Wayne Fichter, D.C., is the lead doctor at Natural Spine Solutions, with more than 15 years of experience treating families. He also has been the lead doctor in handling serious neck and back problems through non-surgical spinal decompression. Call for all spinal and wellness needs. (208) 966-4425.

http://www.cdapress.com/news/healthy_community/article_baad2697-b0de-5224-bb01-5952a67626f5.html