Alcoholic neuropathy has symptoms similar to other forms of neuropathy, with tingling and numbness in the extremities, loss of heat and cold sensation, loss of fine motor control, impotence in men, and so on.  All this is accompanied by the chronic pain typical in cases of peripheral neuropathy.  Because of the areas of the mind and body targeted by the alcohol, it is common for alcoholic neuropathy sufferers to exhibit outward signs of intoxication even when sober, such as slurred speech, stumbling gait, and clumsiness.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that, in severely affected patients, the legs and hands may be nearly useless to the point of paralysis and sensation may be entirely absent in extremities.  In these cases, the skin can also be dry and atrophic.

The specific causes of alcoholic neuropathy are difficult to pin down, and thus, the case can be tricky to diagnose.  If you frequently drink alcohol, let your doctor know!  Generally, a pattern of heavy alcohol use for a period of ten years or more will be accompanied by neuropathy symptoms.  A leading theory contends that the cause of alcohol-related neuropathy may be the combined effect of direct nerve-poisoning by the alcohol itself, coupled with the long-term poor nutrition that often accompanies alcohol abuse.  Alcoholics typically exhibit erratic eating habits, resulting in poor overall nutrient intake, and the damage to organs reduces the absorption of nutrients from food.  Of course, difficulty in motor control resultant from neuropathy often exacerbates the malnutrition, as the patient becomes socially uneasy about mealtimes and self-conscious about feeding themselves.

Nerve damage from alcoholism is usually permanent.  If you believe you suffer from alcoholic neuropathy, the first order of business, of course, is to bring your drinking and nutrition problems under control!  If your alcohol consumption is not severely limited and adequate nourishment is not supplied, additional treatments will be futile and your symptoms will almost invariably compound.  Beyond this, treatment will seek three main goals:

• To control symptoms
• To maximize and restore function (quality of life)
• To prevent further injury to the patient due to neuropathic vulnerabilities

Most treatments address these three tenets simultaneously.  Pharmaceutical treatments include the use of painkillers, either prescription strength or over-the-counter (such as analgesics).  Your doctor will probably recommend the lightest use of pain medication possible; this is very important if you, as an alcoholic, have a propensity for substance abuse.  During a period of withdrawal, you are especially vulnerable to new addiction.  Be aware of this danger, and  monitor use of any medicationsvery carefully.

Alcohol Related Nerve Pain Can Be Treated

Because of the underlying nutritional deficit usually at the root of alcoholic neuropathy, you may benefit from a system of nutritional supplements and parenteral multivitamins.  Consult a dietician or your NeuropathyDR® clinician to ensure the proper replenishment of nutrients necessary to prevent the spread of neuropathic symptoms.

Several new lifestyle habits can help you adjust to living with alcoholic neuropathy, such as carefully monitoring the temperature of bathwater to prevent burning, inspecting yourself and your clothing and footwear for points of rubbing or wear on your skin, and so forth.  Establishing these habits (which are themselves advisable for all neuropathy patients) can be instrumental in replacing the drinking routine that caused the problem.  Living with neuropathy can actually help you break the cycle!

Although nerve damage is usually permanent, your prognosis for sufferers of alcohol-related neuropathy can be very good if you are able to replenish your nutrition and stop drinking.  You probably won’t see substantial recovery from neuropathic symptoms for several months.  Of course, you’ll see subjective improvements in lifestyle and health almost immediately when you quit drinking, as a result of general detoxification.

If you believe you might be suffering from alcoholic neuropathy, it is vital to your quality of life that you find help!  Contact us right away—your NeuropathyDR® clinician is ready to give expert, judgment-free guidance to help you adjust your lifestyle and stop symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy in their tracks.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000714.htm

http://www.neillneill.com/alcoholic-neuropathy

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/alcoholic-neuropathy

http://www.learn-about-alcoholism.com/alcoholic-neuropathy.html

http://www.ajcn.org/content/9/4/398.full.pdf

Alcohol, Neuropathy and Chronic Pain is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. New Hope for Neuropathy Sufferers – Part 2 If you suffer from ·           Diabetic neuropathy ·           Post-chemotherapy induced...

If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, this scenario is probably all too familiar.  Insomnia (lack of sleep) affects almost half of the overall population, but among neuropathy sufferers, that ratio jumps to over seventy percent.  Experts recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep for most adults, regardless of their age or gender, an intimidating goal if you’re someone whose chronic pain keeps them up at night.

Neuropathic pain can intensify in the evening hours, both in reality and in perception (fewer distractions of the day can cause a sufferer to focus more on their pain the closer they get to bedtime).

There Is No Substitute For Caring NeuropathyDR Professional To Guide You...

Research suggests that sleep apnea, a common cause of insomnia, can actually cause peripheral neuropathy, as well.  Beyond a mere relationship, studies have shown that apnea is a high-risk condition among the insulin-resistant, which could likely be affecting incidents of neuropathy among diabetics in very direct ways.

Insomnia from neuropathy can perpetuate its own problem, too.  Not only is neuropathic pain prodigious when it comes to nighttime restlessness, but the resulting lack of sleep can make the pain even worse!  Rest is essential to recovery and treatment, and lack of sleep can lower your pain threshold drastically.  You need that sleep, so what can you do?

There are several steps you can take if your neuropathy is keeping you awake at night.  Your NeuropathyDR® clinician can work with you to best help your specific situation, but here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Do your best to keep a regular sleeping schedule.  Be persistent! Getting to bed and getting up at the same times each day is one of the best ways to train your body to sleep correctly.
• Limit your intake of caffeine and any medication that incorporates a stimulant (non-drowsy), especially in the evening hours.
• Avoid heavy foods in the evening. Our bodies metabolize food for hours after we eat, giving us a boost of energy!  Energy is great when we need it, but can be a pain when we don’t.  Many cultures eat their biggest meal of the day in the morning and only a small snack at dinnertime for this reason.  Try it out!
• Try turning off the TV and computer a few hours before bed.  Mileage varies from person to person, but electronics tend to stimulate the senses.   Try a book or quiet conversation, instead.
• Adjust your environment to be ideal for sleeping.  Layer your covers to ensure you stay warm but not hot, and minimize light and noise.

There are a number of herbal and natural sleep aids as well, which may help you fall asleep quickly.  Sleep expert Elizabeth Shannon recommends entertaining a number of stress-relief methods, psychological conditioning, and homeopathic solutions for insomnia before resorting to pharmaceutical sleep aids, which can often form dependencies and, over time, exacerbate the problems associated with restlessness.  Always be cautious with medications, and consult your NeuropathyDR® clinician or other doctor before medicating.

Always remember, altering your sleep pattern won’t happen overnight (so to speak)!  It could be three to four weeks before any changes you make to your routine begin to have meaningful impact on your success getting to and staying asleep, and don’t be surprised if your restlessness gets worse before it gets better.  Contact us, and we can help you find a NeuropathyDR® clinician in your area and give you even more information about how to get the rest you need while suffering from neuropathy.

http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/content/159/1/213.full

http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy-basics

http://www.sleeplessnomore.com/

http://www.neuropathy.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8145&news_iv_ctrl=1221

Neuropathy and Sleep is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 3 About Those Supplements So… You’re walking… Getting more exercise… Paying special attention to...

So what causes neuropathy, and how can you tell the difference between symptoms of neuropathy and other problems that can cause similar pain?  The answer can be complicated, which is why neuropathy is understandably misdiagnosed in many sufferers when it is masquerading as something similar, such as simple poor circulation (a condition which, as many diabetic sufferers already know, can itself cause neuropathic symptoms).

While many pain treatments for conditions similar to neuropathy can help somewhat, they are no match for a correctly-identified and targeted diagnosis!  Learning about neuropathy and becoming familiar with its most common causes, signs, and treatments is the best course you can take to ensure that you’re seeing the right doctors, and that you’re doing your best to guide them to the most helpful diagnosis.

The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy with which you should be familiar are:

Shooting pain or burning sensations
Weakness or loss of dexterity in the arms and legs
Tingling and numbness, especially in the extremities
Loss of fine motor control (dropping things frequently becomes an issue)

Don't let Things Get Out Of Hand Before Seeking Help!

False sensory signals (reduced ability to sense temperature, sensations of being touched or wearing gloves, hats, or stockings when you are not

Other symptoms can also occur, of course, resultant from the above: sleep deprivation, restlessness, inability to sit still, irritability and nervousness, and so on.

So who should be on the lookout for signs of neuropathy?  This is another reason neuropathy can sometimes be tricky to diagnose: so many groups are at risk!

Some of the most common causes of neuropathy include (this is a partial list!):

• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy (increasingly over the past few decades, as cancer treatments become more and more effective)
• Kidney disorders
• HIV
• Nerve damage from injury or surgery
• Shingles
• Genetic diseases such as Ataxia, or even hereditary neuropathy

Even certain everyday activities and work habits can result in neuropathy: carpal tunnel syndrome (mononeuropathy, which affects only a single nerve) and chronic numbness in the lower back and buttocks are both common neuropathic conditions suffered from simply driving or working at a desk for extended periods!

If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy, there are constant developments in the world of medical research and development to help manage your pain.  Methods vary depending on the intensity, cause, and symptoms of your case.  Some studies suggest non-steroid painkillers (Motrin, Aleve) can help mild symptoms, while more extreme pain requires prescription medication.  Our treatments also utilize the ReBuilder® an external therapeutic device to help gently stimulate and sooth affected nerves. This should always be tried before surgically implanted devices wherever possible.

Of course, in cases where neuropathy is the result of a chronic or persistent illness, management of that underlying illness is key.  If you are diabetic, are undergoing physical therapy for an injury or after a surgery, or have another relevant condition, make the correct care of that condition a priority—most treatments for those conditions are designed to minimize neuropathic injuries.

Living with neuropathy is uncomfortably inconvenient at best, and can be dangerous in many cases.  Many neuropathy sufferers experience some degree of loss in motor control and bodily function, and in some cases, impact of neuropathy on the body can become life-threatening or debilitating.

Don’t take chances if you suffer from any of the conditions that cause neuropathy and think you may have symptoms!  With a correct diagnosis, you can be treated.  Contact us, and we can help you find a NeuropathyDR® Clinician in your area and give you even more information on how to ease your specific condition.

http://www.medicinenet.com/neuropathic_pain/article.htm#tocd

http://pain.about.com/od/typesofchronicpain/a/neuropathic_causes.htm

http://www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=About_Symptoms

Neuropathy Symptoms, Chronic Pain and Their Causes is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 3 About Those Supplements So… You’re walking… Getting more exercise… Paying special attention to...

The Correct Physical Therapy and Neuropathy Patients – A Winning Combination

Peripheral neuropathy affects virtually every patient differently.

Some neuropathy patients suffer strictly from nerve pain, some have issues with numbness and still others have issues with mobility or some combination of symptoms.

Any neuropathy symptom can make functioning and carrying on a normal life virtually impossible.

While your pain may make any kind of physical activity the furthest thing from your mind, a good physical therapist can greatly increase your potential for rehabilitation.  Your neuropathy does not have to be a life sentence.

Who Should See A NeuropathyDR  Specialty Clinician

If you suffer from any of these issues:

·            Pain

·            Weakness or numbness

·            Increased nerve sensitivity

The NeuropathyDR Protocol is Based Upon Unique Combination Therapies

·            Abnormal gait when you walk

·            Decreased endurance

·            Limited range of motion

·            Difficulty keeping your balance

·            Problems with bracing yourself

·            Joints that are stiff or contracted

A good physical therapist, chiropractor or osteopathic physician may be able to help you.  Talk to your own doctor about recommending a NeuropathyDR® clinician near you for an evaluation. Clinicians who specialize in treating neuropathy patients, like our NeuropathyDR® physical therapists and chiropractors will have a strong knowledge base when it comes to addressing whatever your particular neuropathy symptoms happen to be.

What To Expect

We will do a complete history and physical and find out where you need the most assistance and what course of treatment will work best for you.  Physical therapy can be a crucial step to increase the likelihood of rehabilitation from your peripheral neuropathy.

Be sure to find a physical therapist with expertise in treating neuropathy patients.  A good physical therapy specialist will be able to develop a treatment regimen that won’t make your neuropathy symptoms worse.

One thing to remember – in order for your insurance to pay for physical therapy treatment, you will more than likely need a prescription from your treating physician.  Ask if there are any NeuropathyDR® physical therapists in your area or go online and find one yourself.

Physical Therapy Treatment Options

Some physical therapists will attack your particular issues directly or they may opt to work indirectly and work around the underlying problem to first address whatever your particular deficits may be.  If you have balance issues, they may work to build your muscle strength and allow you to be more grounded.

Every patient is different.  What worked for one may not work for the next.  A good physical therapist will take the time to fully understand your particular issues and prescribe a treatment regimen that addresses the areas where you need the most assistance and that will show the best opportunity for improvement.

If you’ve never been to a physical therapist, you may not really understand what they do.  Here are some basic treatment techniques used in a physical therapy regimen that might help you:

·            Soft tissue manipulation techniques

·            Peripheral and/or spinal mobilization

·            Thermal treatments

·            Electrical stimulation such as the unique ReBuilder® treatment protocol used by our NeuropathyDR® practitioners

·            Ultrasound

·            Near infrared phototherapy

·            Balance systems

·            Individualized therapeutic exercise

·            Functional activities

Seeing an expert physical therapist can give you a chance at a positive outcome and improve your ability to function normally.  Give yourself every opportunity to get your life back and live beyond your peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

We hope you found this information helpful and you take steps today to find a NeuropathyDR® practitioner in your area.

Be an informed patient.  Get your Free E-Book and subscription to the Weekly Ezine “Beating Neuropathy” at http://neuropathydr.com

Physical Therapy and Neuropathy Patients – A Winning Combination is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. “But, Doctor, It Hurts When I Exercise…” – Part 1 By now, everyone knows that exercise is good for you....

Or indigestion…

Or even muscle cramps or twitching…

Go online and “Google” any of those terms and see what you come up with.

I’m willing to bet you’ll be terrified by the results.

For headache you’ll see anything from brain tumor to bleeding in the brain to meningitis and encephalitis.

Indigestion will lead you to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, cancer, or even abnormality of the pancreas or bile ducts.

And muscle cramps or twitching will run the gamut from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease to ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Your search will also give you the more common reasons for any of these symptoms.  Many people latch on to the more dramatic reasons and begin living like every day is their last.[1]

Others will downplay symptoms, assume that they have something simple to treat and go to the corner drug store and buy whatever over the counter remedy “seems” to treat their symptoms.

Either of these reactions could be courting disaster.  Especially if you have a condition that can lead to peripheral neuropathy.  Delaying treatment with your local NeuropathyDR® clinician can lead to severe lifelong nerve damage that will destroy your quality of life.

Expecting the Worst

If you fall into the “I know I’m dying” category, you will probably begin doctor shopping.  Going from specialist to specialist looking for someone to confirm the worst.  Even beyond the physical damage the stress of this process can do to your body, your emotional well-being is destroyed.

You live day to day expecting the worst with the specter of the Grim Reaper hanging over your shoulder.  That is no way to live.

The first thing you need to do is make appointment with your primary care provider, preferably a NeuropathyDR® clinician.  Tell them your symptoms and let them do some diagnostic testing.  If the results warrant it, they will get you started on a treatment protocol to not only alleviate your symptoms but treat the root cause of your medical problem.  The NeuropathyDR® treatment protocol includes nutrition counseling, diet planning, stress management techniques, and hands on adjustment to properly align your nervous system.

If you actually do have a serious condition, the earlier you start this process, the better off you’ll be.  The earlier you receive treatment for any condition that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, the less your chances of permanent nerve damage.

Ignoring the Obvious

There Is No Substitute For Caring NeuropathyDR Professional To Guide You...

The other end of the spectrum is the patient who does their own research, opts for the condition easily treatable with over the counter meds, and puts off seeing a specialist until their symptoms are much worse.

Let’s take the muscle twitching or cramping symptom as an example.  Yes, this could be caused by overworking the muscle or even a vitamin deficiency.   Either of those are easy to fix.

But what if it’s something more serious?

If the condition lasts longer than a few days, you need to see your local NeuropathyDR® clinician. You could have a condition leading to peripheral neuropathy.  Failing to treat the underlying cause quickly can lead to lasting nerve damage, muscle degeneration, and ultimately, even amputation of the affected limb.[2]

Something as simple as seeing a specialist well versed in conditions affecting the bones, muscles and bones, like your local NeuropathyDR® clinician, can make the difference between life in a wheelchair and getting back to normal quickly.

Cyberchondria vs. Informed Caution

Before you think we’re advocating running to the doctor every time you have a hang nail, that is definitely not the case.  We’re not advocating the spread of Cyberchondria[3] (i.e., the rising epidemic of online diagnosis and treatment), just asking that you approach any medical condition with informed caution.

An informed and educated patient is a gift for any physician.  Informed patients are much more likely to participate in their own care and keep their physician apprised of any changes in their condition.  That’s a win for both sides.

Instead of using the internet as a tool to diagnose (or, in many cases, misdiagnose) your own conditions, choose to use it as a means of educating yourself enough to provide your health care provider with all the information he needs to accurately and quickly diagnose your illness.

You’ll be making your life, and your NeuropathyDR® clinician’s life, much easier.

For more information on coping with your peripheral neuropathy, get your Free E-Book and subscription to the Weekly Ezine “Beating Neuropathy” at http://neuropathydr.com.

Avoiding Self-Diagnosis Roulette is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. “But, Doctor, It Hurts When I Exercise…” – Part 1 By now, everyone knows that exercise is good for you....

Increased blood pressure…

Higher than normal insulin or blood sugar levels…

Excess body fat, particularly around your waist…

Abnormal cholesterol levels – and that means both “good” and “bad” cholesterol…

If you have not just one but all of these conditions, you may have Metabolic Syndrome. And that increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

If you know you have one of these symptoms, you may have others and not know it.  Do any of these sound familiar?

1.    Obesity – Are you carrying excess weight, particularly around your waist? Do you have an “apple shape”?

2.    Elevated Blood Pressure – If your systolic (the top number) blood pressure is higher than 120 or your diastolic (the bottom number) is higher than 80, you have blood pressure issues that you need to talk to your doctor about.

3.    Abnormal Cholesterol Levels - If you have high triglycerides (blood fat) and low “good” or HDL cholesterol, you need to ask your doctor about treatment.

4.    Insulin Resistance – If your body doesn’t properly regulate the amount of sugar in your blood, you could be on your way to becoming diabetic.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about testing to make sure you don’t have others.  With the exception of obesity, any of these could be silent symptoms that remain undetected without proper medical testing.

What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?

Sometimes Called Pre-Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome is rampant in our society...

As the name implies, Metabolic Syndrome is linked to your body’s metabolism and could be caused by your body’s inability to properly regulate the amount of insulin in your bloodstream.  Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas and it helps control the amount of sugar in your blood.

If your body is operating normally, your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into sugar (what doctors normally refer to as glucose).  Your blood then carries the glucose to your tissues where the cells use it as fuel.  Insulin helps the glucose enter the cells.  If you’re insulin resistant, your cells don’t respond normally to insulin and glucose can’t enter the cells as it should.

The body reacts by producing more and more insulin thinking that will help the glucose get into the cells, sort of like pumping the gas pedal in your car to get more fuel to the carburetor.  Just as that can flood the engine in your car, the result is higher than normal levels of insulin in your blood.  And that can, and often does, lead to diabetes.

Even if you don’t develop diabetes, elevated glucose levels can raise your triglyceride levels or interfere with how your kidneys work.  All of which puts you at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and a host of other conditions.

Think You May Have Metabolic Syndrome?

If any of these symptoms or conditions applies to you, talk to your doctor about testing to make sure you don’t have the others before they cause serious health problems.

If you’re not sure what to ask your doctor, here are some basic questions:

•       Are the symptoms I’m experiencing now related to metabolic syndrome or some other condition?

•       What kinds of tests do I need to best manage my conditions?

•       What else can I do to improve my health?

•       What other options do I have to manage the conditions that cause metabolic syndrome?

•       How do best manage all of these conditions together?

•       What restrictions do I need to follow?

•       Where can I get more information on metabolic syndrome or any of the conditions I currently have?

One More Thing to Think About

We’re seeing more and more metabolic syndrome in younger patient populations.  And one of the first symptoms they experience is peripheral neuropathy.  Because nerve tissues are especially vulnerable to damage from diseases that affect the body’s ability to transform nutrients into energy or produce some of the components of cell repair (think diabetes), nerve damage and the resulting peripheral neuropathy is very common.

Classic symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:

•       Tingling and/or burning in hands and feet

•       Neuralgic-like pains

•       Loss of the sense of touch or an inability to feel vibration

•       Temperature changes in the flesh – do your extremities feel excessively warm or cold?

•       Serious sleep disturbances with resultant depression or side effects from pain medication

If you have a confirmed diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and are now experiencing any of these symptoms, you don’t have to just live with it.  Contact us today for information on how peripheral neuropathy can be treated, your suffering lessened and exactly how to find a NeuropathyDR Treatment Center in your area.

What You Need To Know About “The Silent Killer” Metabolic Syndrome is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. New Hope for Neuropathy Sufferers – Part 2 If you suffer from ·           Diabetic neuropathy ·           Post-chemotherapy induced...

Or you’ve had shingles…

Even if you’ve completed a successful course of chemotherapy…

And you suffer from pain or burning in your feet, legs or hands, you could have peripheral neuropathy.

You’re not alone…

You don’t have to just live with it…

You don’t necessarily have to swallow more pills and pay for more expensive prescriptions…

There are things you can do to help manage your pain.

The NeuropathyDR Protocol is Based Upon Combination Therapies

More than half the people suffering from neuropathy report that they’ve tried some complementary treatments in addition to traditional medicine to relieve their pain.

There are many things you can do daily at home to help you improve your pain.  Here are few to think about:

If You Have Diabetic Neuropathy, Control Your Blood Sugar

This may sound like a no-brainer but many people with diabetes don’t realize how toxic high blood sugar is.  High blood sugar is what causes nerve pain and damage.  Keeping blood sugar levels close to normal can not only stop ongoing damage; some damage may even be reversible.  That provides even more promise for fighting neuropathy pain.

Take Care of Your Feet

Nerve pain is usually what brings people in to see their doctors.  But the numbness in their feet and inability to feel even the smallest injury can lead to infections and ulceration and ultimately end in amputation.   If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy you need to take special care of your feet and be very aware of any sign of problems.  Some things you can do are:

•        Clean and inspect your feet every day.  If you have an injury that’s not healing properly, call your doctor immediately.

•       Wear comfortable shoes.  Don’t wear shoes that pinch your toes or rub blisters on your heels.

•       Wear padded socks to cushion the ball of your feet and the heel.

•       Either cut your toenails straight across or have a doctor do it for you.

Walk, or Better Yet Cycle As Much As Possible

You don’t have to run a marathon or even walk one.  You don’t have to race a titanium frame bicycle. Just move the big muscles in your legs as often and as much as you possibly can.  Exercise, even very gently at first improves circulation and improved blood flow to the legs and feet will help nourish damaged nerves.

A Warm Bath Can Do Wonders

Warm baths increase blood flow; reduce stress and aid in relaxation.  All three of these benefits will make the pain a little easier to tolerate.  But a word to the wise, check the water temperature with your elbow or your wrist before you get in the bathtub. The nerve damage in your feet makes them an unreliable source for judging temperature. Use a thermometer. We like 100 degrees Fahrenheit with some added minerals and antioxidants.

Take Targeted Supplements

Vitamins B-1, B-12, B-6 and folic acid are all vital to healthy nerves. We have found certain combinations in professionally tailored packages for each case often works best.  If you eat a healthy diet, you may still not be getting the recommended daily amount of some vitamins and other nutrients. Talk to your doctor first, though, before you take any supplements to make sure they won’t interact badly with the medications you’re taking.
You can easily check for drug-nutrient interactions. Special caution is advised in thyroid disease and cancer therapies during neuropathy care.

Better Self Care Means Better Quality of life...

Control Your Alcohol Intake

High intake of alcohol is a toxin to your nerves.  And if the nerves are already damaged, it’s even worse.  Some people think that a drink a day is good for your health. I respectfully disagree. If you have nerve damage, that’s a chance you don’t need to take.  Don’t drink more than four alcoholic beverages a week if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, and none would be even better

That’s Why NeuropathyDR™ Doctors and Physical Therapists are trained

Before you begin any self-care regimen or add supplements, herbs or vitamins to your healthcare regimen, always talk to your professional first.  Virtually everything has some side effects so make sure that what you’re planning to take won’t cause you more harm than good.

And Above All Else…

Don’t give up.  Self-care is vital to managing your neuropathy.  While you may need a combination of these self-care tips and medication, sorting out yourself is not always wise.

Contact a local NeuropathyDR doctor or physical therapist to explore treatment options in addition to taking care of yourself.

Tips On Better Managing Neuropathy During The Holidays is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. “But, Doctor, It Hurts When I Exercise…” – Part 1 By now, everyone knows that exercise is good for you....

Even for the healthy, the holidays can be incredibly stressful…

Some surveys have even found that people are more stressed by the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas than by asking the boss for a raise…

But when you have

•       Diabetes

•       Diabetic neuropathy

•       Peripheral neuropathy

•       Post Chemotherapy neuropathy

And now you have the stress of the holidays to deal with as well, your health could take a serious beating that will take you months to recover from.

Here are some steps you can take to make the holidays (and the months following them) a little easier to deal with:

1.    Understand How Stress Affects Your Body

You Can Make Healthier Choices This Holiday Season...

Stress (both mental and physical) causes the body to release hormones that prompt the liver to secrete glucose.  That can wreak havoc on your blood glucose levels if you suffer from diabetes.  In Type 2 diabetics, stress can also block the release of insulin from the pancreas and leave that extra insulin floating around in the blood stream.  In Type 1 diabetes, the effects are a little different.  Some Type 1 diabetics say that stress drives their glucose up, others maintain that stress drives their glucose down.  Either way, your energy levels are wrecked.  On a good day, that can be difficult to deal with.  At the holidays, it can be pure misery.

If you are feeling stressed and your energy is especially low, you are less likely to pay attention to your glucose levels or eat as you know you should. Pay particular attention to your body during the holidays and take the extra time you need to take care of yourself.

2.    Do What You Can To Reduce Mental Stress

Many of the things that stress us at the holidays are easy to manage or control.  Make your life as easy as possible during this trying time.

If traffic really works your nerves, leave home a little earlier or try getting to work by a different route and avoid the areas that are particularly congested.

If your boss is a nightmare, plan to take vacation around the holidays if at all possible and give yourself a mental break.

Volunteer to help with the holiday activities of a local charity.  Doing something good for someone else is a wonderful way to make someone else’s life better and make yourself feel good at the same time.

Resolve to start a new exercise program or learn a new skill or start a hobby as soon as the holidays are over.  Enlist a friend to do it with you so you can encourage each other.  Giving yourself a goal and something to look forward to after the grind of the holidays is over will do wonders for your state of mind.

3.    How Do You Cope?

Everyone has a coping style.  Some people are the take charge type and takes steps immediately to solve their problems.  Other people just accept the problem, recognize that they can’t fix it, acknowledge that it’s probably not as bad as it could be, and go their merry way.  Still others are hand wringers and feel perpetually out of control.

The take-chargers and accepters have less problems with stress both at the holidays and on a daily basis and, as a result, their blood glucose levels don’t become elevated.

4.    Relax…

One of the most useful things you will ever learn (diabetic or not) is to relax.  For many, the ability to relax is not natural but it can be learned.  Some ways to help yourself relax are:

o      Breathing Exercises

Sit down or lie down without your arms or legs crossed.  Inhale deeply.  Push as much of the air as possible out of your lungs.  Repeat the process but this time, relax your muscles while you exhale.  Start with this exercise for 5 minutes at a time and increase your time until you’re practicing breathing at least 20 minutes at a time, once a day.

o      Progressive Relaxation Therapy

Tense your muscles then relax them.  Lie still and repeat the process for 5 minutes at a time, at least once a day.

o      Exercise

We can’t say enough about the benefits of exercise.  As we’ve said before, you don’t have to run a marathon to get the stress reducing benefits of exercise.  You can walk or stretch and get the stress reducing benefit of exercise.

o      Watch Your Mindset

When it comes to reducing stress, a lot can be said for the power of positive thinking.  It’s really easy to let your mind overwhelm you this time of year…

“I’ll never get it all done…”

“What if they don’t like what I give them?”

“Oh man, I have to spend time with my brother again this year…”

Just watch your mindset and you can eliminate much of the stress of the holiday season.  Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.  Say a prayer or recite a poem or a quote that makes you feel good.  Think of something that makes you happy.  It may sound trite, but go to your happy place.

Choose one or more of these methods to relax and do it daily.  Relaxing doesn’t come naturally to us but we can definitely learn to do it with practice and the health benefits are beyond measure.

Face the fact that many holiday stressors are not going away.  The relative you don’t get along with, the traffic, the never ending list of things to do will always be there.

But you can learn to manage the holiday stress.  And if you can learn to manage holiday stress, just think of what you can do the rest of the year.

Talk to your Contact a local NeuropathyDR™ doctor or physical therapist to explore ways to handle the holiday stress-a-thon and make it a healthier and more enjoyable experience this and every year.

Yoga will keep you limber and stretches the muscles in slow, easy, fluid movements.  You can do it as slowly as you like.  You don’t have to qualify as a Cirque Du Soleil acrobat to get the benefits of a good yoga practice.  Just do the postures to the best of your ability.  If it has been awhile since you’ve exercised, don’t expect to be limber overnight.  Give yourself time.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a very slow moving martial art.  Each and every movement is done slowly and through a complete cycle, works every muscle group in the body.  Even though it is not a strenuous exercise program, the health benefits for your bones and muscles are undeniable.

Swimming

If your joints are so painful that walking is not a good option for exercise, try swimming.  Your movements are easier in water and you will put little weight or pressure on your feet.  Make sure that the water is warm, not cold.  Prolonged exposure to cold water will have a detrimental effect on your circulation and make a bad situation worse.

Stretching

You can stretch while lying in bed.  This is a good stretching program that will give you a good total body stretch without ever getting on your feet. Do each of these small stretches 6 or 8 times:

•       Start with your fingers and toes and gently stretch and contract them

•       Next, move to your wrists and ankles and make circles with the joints

•       Bend your elbows, bring your hands in to your shoulders

•       Bend your knees, one at a time, toward your chest

•       Bring your arms up to your ears and down, gently stretching your shoulder muscles

•       Raise each leg, keep it straight, and raise it as far as you can.

None of these stretches requires a broad range of motion but will increase the circulation in your arms and legs and work your joints.

Remember, you don’t have to over exert yourself to stretch your muscles and improve your circulation.  When you deal with debilitating pain, just doing those two things can lead to great improvement in your overall health condition.

Start small, take it easy and do the exercise you choose at your own pace.  Be gentle with yourself.  The more you do even the smallest exercise, the better you are going to feel.  And that’s the best way to ensure a good outcome from any medical treatment.

There is lots more information for you in aour local treatment centers and at http://neuropathydr.com

Holidays can be incredibly stressful…they don’t have to be! is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
3. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 1 If you have diabetes… Or you’ve had shingles… Even if...
4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
5. “But, Doctor, It Hurts When I Exercise…” – Part 1 By now, everyone knows that exercise is good for you....

Alternative Therapies for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy, you know what the side effects can be.  Most side effects are well known, even to the person who has never experienced them.

-       Nausea

-       Hair Loss

-       Digestive problems

Another less widely discussed side effect is chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

It’s virtually impossible to predict which chemotherapy patients will develop chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.  Some never do.  Others suffer terribly with symptoms like[1]

-       Shooting pain

-       Burning and numbness

-       Tingling in the hands and feet

-       Inability to sleep because of the pain

For many, their symptoms last well beyond their chemotherapy.

If you suffer from CIPN, there are drugs that can be prescribed to help deal with the pain.  If you want to be even more proactive and do everything you can to alleviate your current symptoms and lessen the possibility of permanent nerve damage, you might want to check into additional, alternative therapies to help you deal with the chemotherapy induced neuropathy symptoms.

What Else Can You Do?

While many think of anything outside of conventional medicine as “alternative”, that’s really not accurate.  Alternative treatments are defined as anything not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.  The treatments we’re talking about here are more complementary or integrative therapies.  In other words, they’re therapies you use in addition to and to complement traditional medicine, not take the place of it.

Because of the growing popularity (and effectiveness) of these complementary and integrative therapies, the medical community has actually named them – Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Some complementary and alternative therapies providing good results for chemotherapy induced chemotherapy patients are:

-       Cancer treatment specific diets

-       Herbal supplements

-       Non-herbal supplements (like Vitamins B6 and B12, alpha lipoic acid)

-       Acupuncture

-       Massage therapy and Reflexology

The NeuropathyDR Protocol is Based Upon Combination Therapies

-       Exercise

-       Homeopathic and ayurvedic medicine

Any of these therapies, in the hands of skilled practitioner, is a great complement to your chemotherapy and other cancer treatment and can provide substantial relief from chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy pain[2].

Talk to Your Oncologist

Before you start any Complementary and Alternative Medicine regimen, talk to your oncologist.  Make sure that what you’re planning to do will not have an adverse effect on your chemotherapy regimen (some antioxidants do).  Always keep your oncologist in the loop on what you’re doing to complement your chemotherapy regimen.

Many of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine regimens we mentioned above will help you deal with and even alleviate some of your chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

The body is a finely tuned instrument and all the systems work together.  Massage therapy, acupuncture and Reflexology can help with muscle pain and stimulate the systems within your body you need to fight your cancer.

Herbal and non-herbal supplements can help give your body the nutrients and vitamins it needs to repair itself and eliminate the possibility of permanent nerve damage caused by your chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Your Treatment Specialists Need to Get Acquainted

None of the medical specialties you employ to help you fight your cancer and treat your chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy operates in a vacuum.  They all need to know what the others are doing.

Luckily, most oncologists these days are familiar with the Complementary and Alternative Therapies chemotherapy patients are turning to for relief from the chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.  Make sure your treaters are communicating with each other.  That will help them help you and design an effective treatment program that will get you the optimum results you deserve.

The ReBuilder Can Be Used In a Variety of Ways in our Centers To Enhance Results...

For more information on complementary and alternative therapies to deal with your chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms, get your Free E-Book and subscription to the Weekly Ezine “Beating Neuropathy” at http://neuropathydr.com.

Alternative Therapies for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
2. Making the Most of Your Time with Your Doctor to Treat Your Peripheral Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, chances are that...
3. Peripheral Neuropathy and Your Quality of Life If you’re suffering from peripheral neuropathy, you know how much...
4. Why Herniated Discs Can Cause Neuropathy Have you been diagnosed with a herniated disc? If so,...
5. New Hope for Neuropathy Sufferers – Part 2 If you suffer from ·           Diabetic neuropathy ·           Post-chemotherapy induced...

Talk to your local NeuropathyDR™ clinician or other medical professional about diet planning.

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Post chemotherapy peripheral neuropathy
• Dry mouth

You can help yourself heal without resorting to even more medication.

By giving your body the nutrients and vitamins that it needs for repair and recovery.

If you’re suffering from loss of appetite, telling you to eat may sound crazy but you have options.  You can eat a healthy diet, with foods that are appetizing, and give yourself a head start on healing.

Nutrition and Cancer

Chemotherapy wreaks havoc on your immune system[1].  You need to give yourself every ounce of immune support possible.  A diet of whole foods that are easy on your sensitive digestive tract is your best option.

Get plenty of anti-oxidants and protein.  Your chemotherapy nutrition plan must include foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C, D and E and nutrients like soy isoflavones, amino acids, folic acid, l-glutamine, calcium and carotenoids.  Make sure you stay well hydrated (especially if you are nauseated) and forget about counting calories.  Eat every calorie you can get your hands on – this is not time to worry about weight issues.

If you’re having problems with digesting food, invest in a good juicer.  A juicer will make it easy for your digestive system to break down the food you take in and still get the nutrition your body desperately needs to build itself back up.

The Best Foods For The Chemotherapy Patient

To make it easy for you to remember which foods you need[2], here is a simple cheat sheet of foods that will ensure that your body is being well nourished while undergoing chemotherapy:

Vitamin C

• Red cabbage
• Kiwi fruit
• Oranges
• Red and Green Bell Peppers
• Potatoes
• Strawberries and tangerines

Vitamin D

• Salmon and tuna

Vitamin E

• Nuts, including almonds and peanuts
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Mangoes
• Sunflower seeds

Carotenoids

• Apricots
• Carrots
• Greens, especially collard greens and spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Acorn squash

Soy Isoflavones

• Soybeans
• Tofu
• Soy milk – might be easier to digest than regular milk because it’s lactose-free

Folic Acid

• Asparagus
• Dried beans
• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Garbanzo beans
• Lentils
• Turkey

Talk to your local NeuropathyDR™ clinician or other medical professional about diet planning to make sure that you’re getting everything from your food that you need to rebuild your immune system.

The Beauty of Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs and spices to your food will not only make them taste better (which is vital if you have no appetite), many herbs and spices have medicinal properties.  Some really good options are:

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Basil
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Ginger (natural anti-inflammatory properties)
• Garlic (natural anti-biotic properties)
• Mint (great for fighting nausea as well)
• Fennel
• Turmeric
• Parsley

Again, talk to your NeuropathyDR™ treatment specialist about cancer recovery nutrition and diet planning. Sit down and formulate what you need to eat and gather recipe ideas that sound appealing to you.  By working with your medical professionals and doing what you can on your own to rebuild your immune system, you will have a much better chance of recovery, both from your cancer and your chemotherapy treatment.  By giving your body what it needs, you can also give yourself a better chance of fewer long term effects from post chemotherapy neuropathy.

Have this article handy for your next doctor appointment and take it with you when you go to the grocery store. It’s a great reference for planning your weekly diet and making sure you’re eating the right foods for chemotherapy recovery.

For more information on nutrition to help you fight cancer and post chemotherapy neuropathyget your Free E-Book and subscription to the Weekly Ezine “Beating Neuropathy” at http://neuropathydr.com.

Taking Chemotherapy? You Need A Healthy Diet is a post from: NeuropathyDR(R) Neuropathy Doctors and Physical Therapists

Related posts:

1. Could Your Diet Be Making Your Neuropathy Worse? If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of[1]...
2. Answering the “Why” of Neuropathy If you’ve been diagnosed with neuropathy as a result of...
3. Is Your Diet Affecting Your Neuropathy? The next time you have a headache… Or indigestion… Or...
4. Managing Your Nerve Pain – Part 3 About Those Supplements So… You’re walking… Getting more exercise… Paying special attention to...
5. Nutrition Support for the Cancer Patient If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, no one has to...