Monday, March 21, 2016

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

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Neuropathy is a term for a series of disorders that result from damage to the body’s peripheral nervous system, which is the nervous system of the legs, arms, hands and feet.
#Peripheral #Neuropathy  is a condition that develops as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system — the vast communications net- work that transmits information between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and every other part of the body. Neuropathy means nerve disease or damage. Symptoms can range from numbness or tingling, to pricking sensations (paresthesia), or muscle weakness.
In Diabetic Neuropathy, one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage occurs in an ascending pattern. The first nerve fibers to malfunction are the ones that travel the furthest from the brain and the spinal cord. Pain and numbness often are felt symmetrically in both feet followed by a gradual progression up both legs. Later, the fingers, hands, and arms may become affected.
Diabetic-Neuropathy

What type of nerves that are affected with Neuropathy?

  • Sensory nerves
  • Motor nerves
  • Autonomic nerves
Peripheral nerves send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord, that the feet are cold. Peripheral nerves also carry signals to the muscles to generate movement. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like static on a telephone line, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body.

Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms

  • The nerves that control sensation
  • When nerve is effected it causes
  • Tingling and numbness
  • Increased pain or loss of ability to feel pain
  • Pins and needles and hypersensitivity
  • Weakness in the hands and feet
  • Loss of ability to detect changes of heat and cold
  • Loss of co-ordination and proprioception
  • Burning, stabbing, lancing, boring or shooting pains-which may be worst at night
  • Skin, hair or nail changes
  • Foot and leg ulcers, infection and gangrene
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Blurred vision
  • Heat intolerance or decreased ability to sweat
  • Hypoglycemia unawareness

How to Diagnose Neuropathy?

Taking a complete Medical History by your doctor
Symptoms
General Health
Any history of Neuropathy in the family
Any current or recent medications.
Any exposure of poisons (toxins)
Alcohol consumption
Sexual history

What to look for in a Neuropathy Exam?

  • Looking at the skin thoroughly
  • Testing vibration
  • Tendon reflexes
  • Muscle Tone and strength
  • Coordination and Posture
  • Checking the pulse and oxygen level

Natural Treatments like health lights, supplements, acupuncture, whole body vibration, electrical stimulation and chiropractic adjustment will help with Peripheral Neuropathy. 

 Contact our office and schedule your appointment today.

http://drjohnalderson.com/neuropathy/

 

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