Digging Deeper into Neuropathy Care

Picture this: a woman in high heels, sitting in a chair and holding her back, reads, “The cause of your back pain is lower than you think.” The quote prompts her to look beyond her immediate pain to find the real source of her discomfort — poor posture caused by the heels. It’s likely that treatments like massage, exercise or medication won’t cure her pain long-term if she continues to wear high heels every day.

This method of treating potential causes away from the area of pain is used across many areas of healthcare. For example, if a patient has a heart problem, a provider will look at their lifestyle, diet and exercise and help them implement healthier habits that will also improve their heart health. Sometimes, providers must dig deeper to find the root cause of their patient’s health problems.

People experiencing peripheral neuropathy understand the struggle of living with an illness that manifests in many ways. With symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to crippling pain, peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact quality of life. Like the examples above, effective treatment requires identifying and addressing root causes rather than just relieving pain.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-term patient or a care provider seeking answers, we welcome you to join us as we dig deeper into neuropathic care.

Understanding peripheral neuropathy

Our peripheral nervous system sends important information from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body and back using a vast network of nerves. We rely on our peripheral nervous system to control autonomic (involuntary) functions, such as blood flow, heartbeat and digestion. It also controls somatic (voluntary) functions, including muscle movement and sensation.

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves, or the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, become damaged. It can cause weakness, numbness, pain and even paralysis in all areas of the body. It often primarily affects the hands and feet.

Experts have identified over 100 known causes of peripheral neuropathy. Most cases have been linked to multiple dysfunctional or damaged systems, ranging from traumatic injuries and infections to hormone imbalances and metabolic conditions.

For instance, the immune system can attack critical areas, causing inflammation that affects the nerves. Problems with the heart’s ability to pump blood may play a role. Changes in the nervous system’s ability to regulate blood flow can also play a role. Additionally, issues with the vagal nerve can trigger circulatory and digestive concerns.

Symptoms are not always clearly related to the underlying problem. For that reason, peripheral neuropathy treatment often requires a more holistic approach.

Treating the roots of the problem: A comprehensive approach

We’ve discussed how peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition with multiple “roots” to the problem. A comprehensive treatment plan for neuropathy should address all aspects of the condition. Your plan should include four key elements:

1. A trained professional: Find a trained specialist who can help you dig deeper into the causes of your diagnosis. Because peripheral neuropathy is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, you will need a healthcare provider who can identify and treat any pre-existing conditions. Providers also offer regular screenings, tests and tailored treatment plans.
2. A wellness plan: Lifestyle can greatly influence the severity of peripheral neuropathy. Major lifestyle components like diet, exercise, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol consumption and smoking can heavily affect our health. Talk with a specialist to create a wellness plan that fits your specific health needs.
3. Targeted therapies: Work with your provider to find targeted therapies, such as medications, physical therapy and vitamin supplements. Targeted therapies can treat your underlying condition, help you manage your pain and prevent your symptoms from worsening.
4. A motivated patient: One of the most critical components to treatment is your ability to persevere and overcome obstacles throughout your journey. Maintaining a positive attitude and fostering hope for eventual healing will aid your progress as you begin therapy. 

Sources

• Hammi, C. (2022, October 15). Neuropathy. StatPearls [Internet].
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220/#article-25827.s8 
• Peripheral neuropathy. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). 
  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-neuropathy