Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a general term that refers to nerve damage or nerve irritation, usually in a peripheral nerve. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that exit the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) and connect to the rest of the body. These peripheral nerves collectively are known as the peripheral nervous system.

There are many different types of neuropathy with different causes. Most cases are resolvable with natural methods in my experience, but some can also be extremely stubborn and require more aggressive interventions. It all depends on the individual situation.

Most of my experience and success with neuropathy is with entrapment neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. I’ve worked with many patients over the years suffering from these conditions using all natural approaches (mainly acupuncture, myofascial therapy and chiropractic).

In this article we’ll explore the different types and causes of neuropathy and effective solutions to address it. As always, knowledge is power. Understanding the condition and how your body works is essential on the path to recovery.

As frustrating as neuropathy can be in some cases, it’s important to never give up hope and always seek a solution.

Peripheral Nerve Function

The peripheral nervous system is a vast communication network. The function of the peripheral nerves is to transmit signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body.

Peripheral nerves carry sensory information, or what we feel, and motor information that powers and controls muscle function. Some nerves also carry autonomic information to and from internal organs in order to control involuntary function, such as heart rate, digestion, hormone secretion, and kidney function.

Neuropathy can manifest through various symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and atrophy, cramping, muscle twitching, lack of coordination and balance. It can significantly impact daily life, and understanding its types, causes, and approaches can help manage the overcome effectively.

In cases where autonomic nerves are affected, it can cause more serious symptoms such as inability to sweat, bladder and bowel control issues, blood pressure and heart rate changes, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing. These cases require immediate medical attention.

Common Types of Neuropathy

Neuropathy has a wide range of causes, including trauma, repetitive strain, stress, muscle and fascial tension, structural deformities, infection, autoimmune conditions, exposure to toxins (environmental and medical drugs), nutrient deficiencies, genetic disorders, and tumors. In some cases, the cause may be unknown. The presentation will vary amongst individuals based on underlying conditions and lifestyle.

Here are some common examples of peripheral neuropathy:

• Entrapment Neuropathy: Nerve entrapment is caused by physical or mechanical compression of the nerve due to trauma, structural deformities, repetitive strain, surgery, scar tissue, or muscle and fascial tension. The classic “pinched nerve” term refers to entrapment neuropathy. These can occur in any peripheral nerve such as ulnar neuropathy, radial neuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome (tibial nerve neuropathy). True sciatica can be considered a neuropathy of the sciatic nerve. To learn more about entrapment neuropathy and how to handle it, click here to check out this article.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A form of compressive, or entrapment neuropathy where the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. It’s worth mentioning on it’s own due to it’s prevalence. Typical symptoms can be any combination of tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the hand. It usually affects the palmar surface of the hand from the thumb to the middle finger and sometimes even part of the ring finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among people with repetitive hand and wrist use. Other hand issues including ulnar and radial neuropathies are often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): A side effect of chemotherapy drugs in cancer treatment is neuropathy. Chemotherapy can cause motor and sensory nerve damage especially in the hands and feet. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of coordination, loss of fine motor skills, loss of balance and difficulty walking.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is neuropathy of the trigeminal nerve which supplies sensation to part of the face. It can be extremely painful and debilitating.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This is one of the most common forms of neuropathy and can be associated with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Nerves are damaged due to uncontrolled blood sugar imbalance. Small blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients can also be damaged by high blood sugar, further affecting nerve function.

• Alcoholic Neuropathy: This results from prolonged excessive alcohol consumption and is often worsened by nutritional deficiencies.

• Nutritional Deficiency Neuropathy: Deficiency in certain nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, and copper can cause nerve damage. These deficiencies can be due to poor diet, or poor absorption and digestive dysfunction.

• Idiopathic Neuropathy: Idiopathic means the cause is unknown. Idiopathic neuropathy is more often seen in older adults and can be a frustrating and stubborn condition.

• Postherpetic Neuralgia: This occurs after an outbreak of shingles which is in the herpes family of viruses. Nerve fibers can become damaged causing persistent pain.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: This is a serious autoimmune condition resulting in acute nerve inflammation and can lead to numbness, weakness and paralysis. It’s causes are not fully understood, but it can be triggered by bacterial and viral infections, surgery, and vaccinations.

• Genetic or Hereditary Neuropathy: Genetic neuropathies are rare but do exist. Examples are Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies, which can cause progressive peripheral nerve damage.

Effective Natural Approaches for Neuropathy

As always, with any condition, it is essential to be properly evaluated in order to accurately determine what is actually going on. A knowledgable professional should do a thorough consultation with history and a physical exam. Diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI and physiological testing such as EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve conduction velocity) may be warranted depending on the case presentation.

Neurologists are the medical physicians who specialize in nerve diagnosis, especially in systemic conditions (non-musculoskeletal). In neuropathy cases due to musculoskeletal entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica, orthopedists, physiatrist, and chiropractors can also properly evaluate and diagnose.

• Myofascial Manipulation Therapies: Techniques such as Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) and Stecco Fascial Manipulation are great for releasing tension from fascia, muscles and tendons that can be contributing to nerve entrapment. They can help to mobilize the nerves as they run through these soft tissues and bony grooves, assuring they are able to slide without restriction and irritation.

• Acupuncture or Dry Needling: Inserting thin needles at specific points can relieve pain, regulate and calm the nervous system, release tension from the surrounding muscles and fascia, and improve microcirculation to the nerve. Needles can directly stimulate the nerve, thereby improving function.

• Exercise Therapy: A chiropractor, physical therapist or experienced exercise professional can provide exercises and stretches designed to relieve pressure, strengthen stabilizing muscles, enhance balance and coordination, and mobilize the nerves, which can help restore function and reduce discomfort. “Nerve flossing” is a great example of an exercise to help restore movement to nerves and alleviate nerve entrapments. This can be done on the major peripheral nerves in the arms and legs.

• Activity and Lifestyle Modification: Modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms is important to alleviate nerve irritation and damage, especially in cases of entrapment neuropathy. This can include improving ergonomics of a workstation (altering monitor height, standing desks and changing mousing patterns), changing workout or training routines, being mindful of posture and repetitive movements.

• Chiropractic: Chiropractic adjustments can help mobilize the spine and other joints, alleviating nerve irritation, relieving pain, and improving function.

• Passive Therapies such as Heat, Infrared, Red Light, Laser, PEMF: Applying passive therapies can help with pain control, reducing inflammation, and improving microcirculation.

• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help manage pain perception and reduce stress, which can cause and amplify muscle/fascial tension and nerve pain. Maintaining a healthy mindset and understanding the pain process and how the subconscious mind can play a role is important and helpful in healing.

• Yoga, Tai Chi, Gentle Stretching, and General Movement: Dynamic movement systems such as yoga and tai chi can help to strengthen muscles and mobilize joints, soft tissues and nerves. They can also help to improve balance and coordination. Movement in general is important to optimize circulation and also stimulate muscles and nerves. Even simple total body movements such as walking and swimming are great for this.

• Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Some herbs, such as turmeric (known for its anti-inflammatory properties) and ginger, may help reduce inflammation and pain. Alpha-lipoic Acid, a natural antioxidant, has been shown to potentially help with neuropathy. has been shown Omega 3 fatty acids can be helpful for nerve support and have anti-inflammatory properties. B complex vitamins, Vitamin E and Copper are deficiencies that contribute to neuropathy. Lab testing may be warranted to accurately find and target deficiencies. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplements.

• Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet consisting of clean, organic whole foods, avoiding unnatural, processed inflammatory junk foods, and staying properly hydrated are important for all aspects of health but also help support the healing process.

In my practice, I’ve found the combination of myofascial manipulation therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic along with exercise therapy and mindfulness to be extremely effective in cases of entrapment neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Finding the root cause of the problem is a key component. This may be difficult in cases such as chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, in which the root cause may not be able to be removed as it is part of the treatment protocol. So targeting and supporting nerve function is the goal.

In cases of entrapment neuropathy, though, the actual root cause may be different that the actual entrapment. There may be a biomechanical imbalance elsewhere that is causing the entrapment area to overload and eventually become a problem. There may also be multiple areas of entrapment, known as “double crush syndrome”. For example, someone presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome may also have median nerve entrapment at the elbow, shoulder or neck. Once there is entrapment in one location, it’s likely that other locations can become involved eventually. This is why a good evaluation is essential.

A simple concept to keep in mind when rehabilitating function is to target the deficit. So for example, if someone has a motor or strength deficit, then the target should be activating that muscle or muscle group that’s showing weakness. If there’s a sensory deficit, focus on stimulating the sensory nerves with various methods such as vibration, pressure, proprioception, temperature changes, etc.

If there is hypersensitivity or pain, it’s important to calm the nerve(s) and break the cycle of pain while gradually increasing movement/function.

No matter whaat the cause of the neuropathy, it’s a good idea to optimize all aspects of nerve health as much as possible. Practice mindfulness and manage emotional/mental stress. Keep a positive attitude toward your health and healing. Assess the biomechanics and make sure the nerve is moving properly without restriction. Incorporate rehab exercises including nerve flossing, neurosensory training (balance, coordination, proprioception), strengthening and dynamic movements. Reduce exposure to toxins and systemic inflammation. Be sure to eat a clean, nutrient-dense diet and hydrate adequately. Supplement appropriately if deficiencies are detected. These basic concepts will provide a solid foundation to work upon.

Conclusion

Neuropathy can be a frustrating and stubborn condition, but never give up hope. Understanding its causes and how to stimulate nerves is important and an empowering part of the healing process.

Some cases can be simple and respond quickly to conservative care. Some can be more complex and require more aggressive interventions.

Applying the basic concepts of optimizing nerve health will always be helpful and provide a foundation on which to build a more targeted strategy.

In cases of nerve function loss, it’s always recommended to see a professional to be evaluated and diagnosed appropriately. A knowledgable professional can help to develop an effective, individualized plan and guide you on your journey toward recovery and better health.

Remember, there’s always a solution even if you haven’t found it yet. Most importantly, your body is capable of healing!