Peripheral Neuropathy is caused by some disturbance to the nervous system. It is usually caused by some irritation to a nerve or the nerve endings. Irritation to a nerve is usually something that causes the nerve to become inflamed. The trick is to find out what is causing it and locating where the irritation is located. I have developed an electro-acupuncture technique that works as good as cortisone but without the downsides that cortisone has. That means that I can do as many treatments as needed.
Disturbance of a nerve or nerve endings can also be caused by chemical irritation either by toxins, drugs, other chemicals, or infections. even chemicals that the body itself produces can become toxic when in the wrong place or too high a concentration. By stimulating the flow of extracellular fluid (which is one of the mechanisms of acupuncture), we can help flush the toxins from the area.
Every nerve in your peripheral system has a specific function, so symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are classified into:
- Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration or touch, from the skin
- Motor nerves that control muscle movement
- Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder
Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:
- Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
- Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, freezing or burning pain
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Lack of coordination and falling
- Muscle weakness or paralysis if motor nerves are affected
If autonomic nerves are affected, signs and symptoms might include:
- Heat intolerance and altered sweating
- Bowel, bladder or digestive problems
- Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness