DOCTOR’S NOTES: Let’s talk about Neuropathy

“Doctor, I can’t go living on like this!”, “I can’t feel my feet very well!”

Unfortunately, we hear this from patients all too often from patients with neuropathy. The problem is often misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or there is nothing that can be done except to try prescription medication like Gabapentin or Lyrica. As you know, prescription medication is not a fix… it only masks the symptoms. These medications do nothing to remedy the cause of the problem to stop neuropathy for good. At IMAC Regeneration Centers, our physicians and medical team are on a mission to stop the masking of symptoms with medication. We offer solutions that are getting people off medications and back to doing the things they love. Have you wondered if you might have neuropathy? Maybe you’ve been diagnosed and are looking for a solution that does not involve medication. In this IMAC Doctor’s Notes article, we’ll discuss neuropathy, it’s causes and symptoms. Neuropathy is common, affecting the lives of between 15 and 20 million Americans. Many people are still seeking help. Often times, neuropathy can be associated with:

• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• Cholesterol drugs specifically STATINS
• Pinched nerves
• Sports injuries
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Herniated or bulging discs

At IMAC, we know that neuropathy is a result of damaged nerves. It can be a single nerve or group of nerves within the body that causes a tingling, burning, or shooting pain. It can cause a great deal of discomfort and prevent many from doing everyday tasks like getting out of bed, cooking, and going out to shop for groceries. Simply put, nerve damage affects your nervous system. The nervous system comprises two primary systems, known as the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Your central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is the rest of your body. It’s common for individuals experiencing nerve problems to feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet. Most commonly in the feet. Does this sound all too familiar? Let’s review the symptoms of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves (polyneuropathy). Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy. Every nerve in your peripheral system has a specific function, so symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are classified into:

• Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration or touch, from the skin
• Motor nerves that control muscle movement
• Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:

• Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms.
• Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
• Weakness in the muscles
• Pain during activities
• Lack of coordination, loss of balance, frequent falls
• Paralysis
• Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks
• Sensitivity to touch

In our next IMAC Doctor’s Notes article, we’ll talk about the use of regenerative medicine to treat the root cause of neuropathy and how it is greatly improving the lives of patients across the country. Want to talk to a doctor to learn more? Schedule a phone consultation now at an IMAC location near you.