Tingling, burning, stabbing pain. These are commonly used words to describe the pain of peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy(PN) affects the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord. The most commonly affected areas are the feet and hands. While some PN can be inherited or come from toxic exposure, the most common causes are injury and diabetes.
The first step in treatment is to control the underlying disease or treat the injury that resulted in the neuropathy. A trip to your MD may result in a prescription for medications to control the symptoms. But what are other non-medication options?
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT includes laser and LED therapy. In our office, we us the Celluma Pro LED panel.
The benefits of LED light treatment have been verified in over 5,600 studies. Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) was developed by NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the 1990s to combat the effects of a zero gravity environment. NASA research proved benefits for cellular healing, mitochondrial function, and tissue repair.
The effects of LED light therapy include:
- Increased microcirculation
- Decreased inflammation & pain
- Improvement of sports injuries/CTS
- Pain reduction in arthritis and neuropathies
- Accelerated tissue repair
Treatment time is 30 minutes, during which you may feel a gentle warming sensation in the treated area. Up to 12 treatments may be needed.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points to create a specific effect. This method of healthcare has been developed over thousands of years. The insertion of small needles into acupuncture points affects the flow of electromagnetic energy, a.k.a. Chi or Qi, as it passes through pathways called meridians. The needles also cause the body to secrete its own natural pain killing chemicals, called endorphins. Endorphins are more powerful than opiate medication at relieving pain.
While each of these treatments alone may provide some relief, it is really in combination that derives the most benefit. Total treatment time is about an hour, and takes place in one of our comfortable rooms with heated beds.
Learn more by visiting our website or give us a call today at 219-738-1925!