Neuropathy- A Surprise Treatment Method For A Painful Problem
Written By: Dr. Kristen Burris, DAcCHM Dual Board Certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture with a Specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture has been studied for improving the outcomes for neuropathy in patients. Neuropathy can occur for many different reasons, but the most common one is from diabetes or metabolic syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of people diagnosed with diabetes will suffer from some form of neuropathy in their lifetime. If untreated, many will lose limbs due to the irreversible damage. Other causes of neuropathy include vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism or binge drinking, and exposure to toxins including chemotherapy for cancers. Peripheral neuropathy can be derived from an injury, particularly to the spine, low back pain, lumbar disc herniation, infections, metabolic problems, and inherited conditions.
Symptoms of neuropathy include: gradual onset of numbness, pricking or tingling in extremities, feet or hands. These uncomfortable and often painful sensations can extend up the arms and legs. Pain that is jabbing, sharp or throbbing in nature. Patients can experience extreme sensitivities to even the lightest of touch. Pain during activities that once did not cause any discomfort including walking, or just pressure from socks, a blanket or even a sheet. Increased risk of stumbling, tripping or falling. Lack of coordination with muscle weakness and the inability to move if motor nerves are affected in the body.
If you or someone you love suffers from neuropathy, seek help from an acupuncturist. We have extensive experience treating difficult cases with that originated from the above-mentioned causes of neuropathy induced pain. Studies show how effective acupuncture is in reduction of pain, healing the damaged nerve and improving nerve and motor function.
Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a study showed results obtained from all the included studies, acupuncture is considered a useful treatment method for diabetic neuropathy. In one of the studies analyzed, they found acupuncture after only six sessions in 10 weeks, the primary and secondary symptoms were significantly mitigated in 34 of the 44 participants (77%) compared to baseline. They defined primary symptoms as the most troublesome symptoms and secondary symptoms as the minor symptoms. Moreover, seven patients (21%) reported complete symptom relief. These results are promising for such debilitating and painful medical condition. In another study, participants of acupuncture significantly relieved the severity and extent of numbness from their neuropathy, pain, and the sensation of alterations in temperature perception in the lower extremities and the severity and extent of rigidity in the upper extremities (Cho et al, 2021).
With so much to lose and the suffering that accompanies neuropathy, acupuncture should be a first line treatment and incorporated into any treatment plan for pain relief and potentially complete resolve of the complicated condition. Whether your neuropathy is from diabetes, a prior infection, a metabolic disorder, chemo-therapy induced or post-accident nerve damage, acupuncture can be a viable integration to returning to living a pain-free and active life.
Both Dr. Kristen Burris and Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., owners of Eagle Acupuncture have effectively treated neuropathy in women, men and even tweens. Reach out today to feel better and start healing.
Cho E, Kim W. Effect of Acupuncture on Diabetic Neuropathy: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug 9;22(16):8575. doi: 10.3390/ijms22168575. PMID: 34445280; PMCID: PMC8395323.