Peripheral Neuropathy Symptom Relief

A staggering 30 million Americans suffer from some form of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN). PN is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, a network of nerves that extend outside the central nervous system (CNS) that transmit sensory, motor, and autonomic information. Different neuropathies can affect these different systems and how they transmit information to and from the body. A common form of PN called Distal Sensory Polyneuropathy (DSP) may affect both the feet and hands and possibly extend to the lower legs and arm in a typical “stocking and glove” pattern. Typical symptoms that arise may be numbness, tingling, pain, and burning sensations in the extremities.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

The main causes of the “stocking and glove” type of PN is associated with Diabetes and is said to contribute to 60% of total Peripheral Neuropathy cases in the US. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by high blood sugar levels, elevated blood fat levels, and damage to small blood vessels which supply the nerves, thereby reducing oxygen uptake and nutrient supply. Additional causes of PN can be induced by chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS medications, and “idiopathic” or unknown origination. Other causes for PN exist but make up a much smaller fraction of cases, some of which may be brought on by certain Rx medications such as to lower blood pressure, physical injury or trauma, vitamin or nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, autoimmune, and related to usually long-term alcohol consumption.

Neuropathy and Acupuncture Research

Acupuncture remains arguably one of the best treatments for PN because of its ability to stimulate the nerves directly. A landmark study published in the European Journal of Neurology stated confidently that “Acupuncture treatment improves nerve condition in peripheral neuropathy”. This study of 192 Peripheral Neuropathy patients over a 1-year period concluded that 76% of patients reported subjective improvement. Additionally, all patients with improvement revealed an improvement with nerve conduction velocities during a nerve conduction study during the 10 week mark. ¹

Another study, from the Journal of Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture treatment was more effective for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropath than that of drug treatment. In this particular study sensory function recovery was significant while the motor function was not so obvious. ²

We’d love to help with your Peripheral Neuropathy

Our practice is well versed in treating Peripheral Neuropathy with Acupuncture. We use concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine and the latest research on PN to help our patients reduce and reverse the symptoms associated with PN. In order to maximize the effectiveness of therapy we will develop and customize a treatment plan based on your unique presentation and needs.

Citations:

1. Schröder, S et al. “Acupuncture treatment improves nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy.” 

2. Jin Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Xiao X, Zhang Q. “Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture against Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.”