What To Do If You Think You Have Neuropathy

Today's post from gobeyondrelief.com (see link below) is a compact article giving advice to people who begin to feel the unique symptoms of neuropathy and are worried what they should do about it. It's true; in order to climb onto the medical windmill, you need to get some sort of evaluation from your doctor or neurologist. If that person is sympathetic and sensible, most neuropathic symptoms will give a pretty clear idea of what's wrong. However, you may have to go through a whole raft of tests before an official conclusion can be reached. Most of the time, a patient's story should be enough. His or her background; other medical conditions and life style; combined with the symptoms he or she describes, will lead to a pretty quick and certain diagnosis. At that point, you may be put onto the treatment treadmill, according to the severity of your symptoms and then it's a question of finding the treatment that works for you. Be warned; this can take some time, as everybody with neuropathy reacts differently to different treatments and finding something that calms your symptoms down enough to make your quality of life better, is no easy task. Whatever happens, if someone claims to be able to cure your neuropathy - they can't - medical science is not there yet. The best they can do is treat the symptoms. Good luck. 

Think that you may have Peripheral Neuropathy – What to do Now?

by Dr. Cohen February 13, 2015

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you should seek medical evaluation and treatment immediately. This could be pain, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your legs or feet. It might show up as muscle weakness or a loss of coordination. If you are concerned, especially if you have diabetes, you should schedule a medical evaluation.

Peripheral Neuropathy Medical Treatment

Doctors will prescribe treatment that will vary depending upon the source of the condition and the amount of pain or discomfort. Medications are commonly prescribed to help alleviate pain and discomfort.

These are some typical medications prescribed for this condition:
* Pain relievers: Doctors will often prescribe medication that could range from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers like aspirin to prescription opiates. The type and strength of medication depends upon the amount of pain or discomfort and other treatment options.
Anti-seizure medication: Some drugs that have been developed to treat epilepsy can also help relieve pain.
Capsaicin: This substance is found in hot peppers, and it is included in some topical treatments that are often used in combination with other medications. The patient will be given a cream or ointment. In some patients, this causes some skin irritation, but that usually goes away after a few days.
Antidepressants: Certain kinds of antidepressants seem to interfere with the ability to feel pain and provide relief.

Of course, doctors also try to treat the underlying causes of this disorder. For example, when diabetics are able to control their blood sugar, they can minimize nerve damage and give their body a chance to heal. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome or a tumor, surgery may be called for to relieve pressure on nerves.

Alternative Medicine Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy

In some cases, a physical therapist or chiropractor may be able to treat symptoms of nerve discomfort. Some patients prefer to try alternative treatments instead of relying upon prescription medication or surgery. Many doctors are open to trying them to see if they are effective on a case-by-case basis.

Chiropractors may offer these treatments:
TENS: Also called Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, this involves nerve stimulation with adhesive electrodes that are placed upon the skin.
Physical therapy and physical manipulation: Certain movements and exercises may help combat muscle weakness and numbness.
Support and aids: In some cases, the patient may also need foot and hand braces, a wheelchair, or a walker.

Acupuncture is another alternative therapy that is used to treat this condition. This science originated in China, but it has gained more credibility in the U.S. and other Western countries over the last few decades. An acupuncture therapist uses needles to attempt to improve blood circulation, eliminate nerve blockages, and sometimes to try to treat the underlying causes of the condition.

Treatment at Home

Doctors and alternative therapists will also suggest good home care for patients. For example, people with numbness in their extremities may be advised to protect their hands and feet and frequently check them for injuries.

Of course, people who have an underlying disease that causes this condition will be advised to follow their treatment regimen to control the condition. In any case, healthy meals, a reasonable exercise program, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are also suggested.

Most patients should check with their doctor before beginning an exercise routine, but walking, yoga, and tai chi are frequently suggested as very beneficial. Of course, patients should ease themselves into a new exercise routine gradually if they have been sedentary before.

What’s the Next Step?

Anybody who experiences the symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain should seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Your doctor will take your medical history, diagnose the condition, and suggest treatment options or suggest a specialist or therapist for certain conditions. If you prefer to try alternative treatments instead of medication, that should be discussed with the physician.

Since there is no way to be certain that the problem is Peripheral Neuropathy until it is properly diagnosed, people should not try to diagnose and treat this condition on their own. These symptoms could have other causes. The most important key to recovery may be treating the underlying cause of the symptoms, and this is what your physician is trained to do.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Peripheral Neuropathy, there is hope. Proper diagnosis is the key to getting relief from this painful and debilitating condition.

http://gobeyondrelief.com/peripheral-neuropathy-natural-treatment-options/