Spinal Cord Therapy and Stimulation for Peripheral Neuropathy
If you’ve experienced peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, you very well know the pain associated with this nerve damage. Recently this month the American Diabetes Association conducted a study on neuropathy treatment via spinal cord stimulation. The results were surprising and may be of use to you in your battle with neuropathy. Read on to hear about their research as well as other natural ways to combat neuropathy in your life.
Spinal Cord Stimulation More Effective Than Traditional Methodology
The study conducted by ADA (American Diabetes Association) treated over 200 patients with diabetic neuropathy over the course of 3 months to see what changes in pain occurred. The patients were split into two groups: those who received traditional medical management and those who received management in addition to spinal stimulation.
After 3 months of studies, reporting, and tracking patients were evaluated on multiple measures to see how treatment had affected their neuropathy conditions. Spinal cord stimulation won in every area. Patients who received the procedure reported improvement in their sleeping, walking, and sensation of pins & needles in the feet. Typically, neuropathy affects people’s ability to sleep and wake, but the spinal cord stimulation and traditional treatments saw improvements of up to 70%. In contrast, those without the stimulation did not report as much improvement. Only 7% said sensation was improved in this group.
The walking test also implied the success of spinal cord stimulation as patients saw an increase in their average walking distance. Conducted over 6 minutes, the distance walked by a patient is a key indicator in rating a person’s ability to cope with neuropathy. Results in the group that did not receive stimulation did not have as high results.
All in all, this is fantastic news for victims dealing with neuropathy. Doctors and scientists alike are joining to improve the lives of millions, and with these advances in medicine relief has never been easier to attain. There is still a lot to learn about this condition, so every day the health community is working to advance what they understand about nerve damage.
Other Ways You Can Treat and Prevent Neuropathy
Even if you are unable to get spinal cord stimulation done, here are other ways doctors have recommended in dealing with neuropathy. Whether you suffer peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, here are some things to start today.
Treating Existing Conditions
Sometimes things aren’t in your control and there isn’t much you can do. Common causes to peripheral neuropathy include car accidents, trauma to nerves, diseases, infections, and more. You especially need to see a chiropractor after a car accident or after experiencing a significant injury to the neck or spine.
If you’ve experienced a burn or skin infection, seek out a professional dermatologist to weigh your options. Other professional help is needed for disorders, tumors, and infections. These medical professionals will be able to observe your nerves, body, skin, and find solutions or relief for your pain.
Changing Your Lifestyle
Diet, fitness, and lifestyle all play a part in peripheral neuropathy. If you’re a diabetic and experience that sort of neuropathy you may not have a choice. But if your condition is not caused by diabetes, it’s important to see what changes you could make to your lifestyle.
Working out and strengthening your body is overall healthy to your muscles and nerves. Eating more vegetables and fruits with key nutrients will also benefit your nerves. Prioritize vitamin B-12 in your body to help with neuropathy.
Because neuropathy affects the feet and legs, be sure to take care of those parts of your body. Loss of feeling in the feet is a precursor to neuropathy. Prioritize foot and skin care and watch for cuts, blisters, and dry skin on your feet.
Avoid sugars, toxins, smoking, alcohol, or anything else that’s directly impacting your nerves. Sometimes you don’t realize you have a problem and your nerves may be trying to tell you something. If you try to quit and realize you have an addiction to alcohol or a substance, seek out an alcohol treatment center.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your options may be a little different but you’re not a lost cause. Making sure you’re keeping up with your blood glucose levels is critical to preventing neuropathy. Your nerves are safe when you keep your blood glucose levels stable.
You Don’t Need to Live in Pain
If you are a victim to peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, you’re not alone. These breakthroughs in science and medicine are here to help you get relief from these painful conditions. Research conventional treatment and research spinal cord stimulation to see what your options are.
If you are beginning to experience the signs of neuropathy, seek care if necessary and evaluate your lifestyle. There are some things in your control like your weight, lifestyle, and body care. The medicine and science community is also working to understand neuropathy as well as how to give you the relief you deserve.