What treatment, other than drugs, can help my neuropathy? Neuropathy is a condition in which nerves become impinged or compressed, causing them to lose their sensation to the area which they supply.
While symptoms may first appear to be mild in the form of a tingling or prickly sensation, the condition can progress to the point that the area begins to feel numb.
Without treatment, symptoms will progressively worsen to the point that the tissue can become permanently damaged, resulting in a total loss of sensation.
One of the first lines of defense for treating neuropathy is through the use of over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
There are also creams containing capsaicin, the chemical which gives chili peppers their heat, can be found in the form of a topical solution.
But while certain types of medications are commonly prescribed for treating neuropathy, they typically offer little relief.
That's why it is important to consider other treatment options.
Additional ways to treat neuropathy There are many existing forms of treatment available that have shown to provide substantial relief for neuropathy patients: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Involves attaching electrodes to the skin and running a small electrical current through them and into the tissue and muscles.
The current, which varies in intensity, is designed to stimulate the nerves in the area so that they are encouraged to perform more on their own.
It requires multiple sessions conducted at regular intervals in order to experience relief.
Physical therapy: Performing physical therapy of the affected area can help to offer stimulation to the nerves as well as increasing blood flow.
Other types of implantable and non-implantable procedures which includes implanted spinal pumps and performing deep stimulations of the brain.
Which treatment is best for you? Since cases of neuropathy vary from individual to individual, it is impossible to pinpoint one exact method of treatment that will provide the greatest degree of success for everyone.
Therefore, it may be necessary for you to try several different types of treatment to see which one gives you the most positive response.
Should you see a doctor? It is always a good idea to see your doctor initially and at subsequent follow-up visits so they can determine the exact cause of the neuropathy and allow them to note your progress during treatment.
It will also give them the opportunity to choose what they believe to be the best form of treatment for you based on the severity of your condition.