Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition caused by damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the vital communication between your brain and the rest of your body.

Symptoms depend on the specific nerves affected:

• Sensory damage often causes "pins and needles," burning pain, or numbness in the hands and feet.

• Motor damage leads to muscle weakness or coordination issues.

• Autonomic damage disrupts automatic functions like digestion and blood pressure.

Common causes include diabetes, chemotherapy, and chronic alcohol use.

Neuropathy is a condition we treat at the clinic almost every day, with most cases involving a combination of sensory and motor types. A multi-pronged approach - incorporating acupuncture, electrical stimulation, neuro-acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork - has been found to be the most effective strategy. Neuropathy is very treatable. Some patients get better right from the get-go, others may need a few treatments before they feel significant relief. Typically, two or three of the above-mentioned modalities are used within a single session, and their cumulative effects accelerate over the course of treatments.

We have been treating a patient suffering from sudden onset neuropathy affecting all four limbs. She has been given the diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy. She had severe, debilitating symptoms of burning pain, tingling and weaknness. She started to improve right from the start. After three treatments symptoms are calmed and the affected areas reduced: now she only feels them from the middle of her forearms to her hands, and from the middle of her lower legs to her feet. She reported that she actually went on a three-mile walk.

“After one acupuncture session my small fiber neuropathy was better: the extent of area involved was lessened and the amount of pain was greatly reduced. And, with further sessions I have continued to improve. What a great outcome!” - Mary S