Treatments for Neuropathy Pain and Improved Living

Best Treatments for Neuropathy Pain: How Nurse Practitioners and Integrative Chiropractors Can Help

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. It often starts in the hands and feet but can spread. Many people experience this every day, and it can make simple tasks difficult. The good news is that there are ways to manage it. This article examines common questions about neuropathy, such as the most effective medications for pain and how professionals such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and integrative chiropractors can help. We’ll cover causes, treatments, and strategies to improve the quality of life in patients with neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy and What Causes It?

Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or don’t function properly. These nerves carry messages between the brain and the body. When they’re hurt, signals are misinterpreted, leading to symptoms. Pain is a significant issue, often characterized by burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations. Other signs include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and balance problems.

The most common cause is diabetes. High blood sugar over time harms nerves, especially in the feet and legs. About half of people with diabetes get neuropathy (NewYork-Presbyterian, n.d.). Other causes include infections like shingles or HIV, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, injuries from accidents or repetitive motions, vitamin shortages like B12 deficiency, alcohol overuse, chemotherapy, and toxins like heavy metals. Sometimes, the cause is unclear and is termed idiopathic neuropathy (Azar, 2023).

• Diabetes Link: Uncontrolled blood sugar is the top cause in many countries. It damages blood vessels that feed nerves.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of B vitamins can harm nerves. Fixing this with supplements often helps.
• Medications and Toxins: Chemo drugs or statins for cholesterol can trigger it. Stopping or changing meds may improve symptoms.
• Injuries: Trauma from falls or sports can compress nerves, like in carpal tunnel.

Understanding the source is essential to preventing its worsening. Consult a doctor for tests such as blood work or nerve studies to identify the cause.

Managing Chronic Pain: Best Medicines and Their Side Effects

Pain from neuropathy can be tough, especially since regular painkillers like ibuprofen don’t always work well. Doctors often start with medicines that change how pain signals travel in the body. These are called first-line drugs.

The best options include gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine. Gabapentin and pregabalin are anticonvulsants that calm overactive nerves. They help with burning or shooting pain. Duloxetine is an antidepressant that boosts brain chemicals to block pain (Fornasari, 2017).

• Gabapentin: Starts at a low dose, like 300 mg at night. It can reduce pain by half for many people. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and weight gain.
• Pregabalin: Similar to gabapentin but acts more rapidly. Dose is 150-300 mg daily. Side effects include leg swelling, dry mouth, and sleepiness.
• Duloxetine: 60 mg daily helps with pain and mood. Side effects include nausea, headache, and insomnia.

These meds balance pain relief with safety. Start low and increase slowly. If one doesn’t work, try another or combine them. For example, gabapentin plus duloxetine can be better than one alone (Universal Neurocare, n.d.). Always watch for side effects, as they can affect daily life.

Topical creams such as capsaicin or lidocaine patches are effective for local pain. Capsaicin comes from chili peppers and blocks pain signals. Lidocaine numbs the area. These have fewer side effects since they’re not swallowed (NHS, 2023).

If pain is severe, opioids like tramadol might be used short-term, but they’re not the first choice due to addiction risk.

Non-Drug Treatments to Ease Pain

Not everyone wants meds, or they might not work alone. Non-drug options can help reduce suffering and improve function.

One common tool is a TENS device. It sends mild electric pulses through the skin to block pain signals. Use it daily for 30 minutes on sore areas (Azar, 2023). Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into points to release endogenous painkillers. Studies show it helps with tingling and burning (Straight A Nursing, 2023).

Physical therapy builds strength and balance. Exercises like walking or yoga keep muscles active without strain. Capsaicin or lidocaine creams provide rapid relief for feet or hands.

• TENS Units: Portable and easy to use at home.
• Acupuncture: Sessions once a week for a few months.
• Physical Therapy: Focus on balance to reduce fall risk.
• Topical Creams: Apply capsaicin daily; it may initially cause burning, but symptoms typically improve over time.

Integrative approaches such as massage or biofeedback can relax the body and reduce stress, which can exacerbate pain.

Why Does Pain Get Worse at Night?

Many people notice neuropathy pain ramps up at night. This occurs because fewer distractions are present, allowing the brain to focus more on the signals. Additionally, lying still allows swelling to accumulate in the legs, thereby compressing nerves. Cooler temperatures at night can tighten muscles, adding to discomfort (Yahoo News, 2023).

To help, keep feet warm with socks, use a TENS unit before bed, or practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Elevate legs to reduce swelling.

Symptoms often worsen over time if untreated. Pain may start in the toes and spread proximally. Nighttime flares are common, but so are cold weather or stress triggers.

What If My Medication Isn’t Working?

If meds don’t help after a few weeks, don’t give up. Next steps include switching drugs, adding non-drug therapies, or seeing a specialist. For example, if gabapentin causes too much dizziness, try pregabalin. Combination therapy, such as medication plus physical therapy, often works better (Fornasari, 2017).

Tests such as electromyography (EMG) assess nerve function. If an underlying issue like a compressed nerve is found, surgery might be an option, but it’s rare. Focus on the whole picture: diet, exercise, and stress management.

How Nurse Practitioners Can Help

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are great for managing neuropathy. They can diagnose, prescribe meds, and create care plans. NPs often spend more time listening to concerns, like how pain affects sleep or work.

They adjust meds to fit your needs, like starting low to avoid side effects. NPs also teach about managing diabetes or vitamins. In chronic pain, they’re well-suited because they look at the whole person, not just symptoms (Smith & Torrance, 2021). They might refer to therapy or diet experts.

For example, an NP can monitor blood glucose and recommend interventions to prevent nerve damage. They handle follow-ups to track progress.

The Role of Integrative Chiropractors

Integrative chiropractors use hands-on methods to ease neuropathy without drugs. They focus on spine alignment to reduce nerve pressure. Adjustments improve blood flow and nerve signals, cutting pain (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).

They add therapies, such as cold laser therapy (to promote tissue healing) or exercises. This boosts function and quality of life.

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, shares observations from his practice in El Paso, Texas. He notes that neuropathy is often associated with spinal issues or injuries. His approach combines chiropractic with functional medicine, addressing nutrition and stress. Patients experience less pain and improved mobility after adjustments and rehabilitation (Jimenez, n.d.). He emphasizes early intervention to prevent further deterioration.

• Adjustments: Gentle moves to free pinched nerves.
• Laser therapy reduces inflammation without adverse effects.
• Exercises: Build strength to support nerves.

Both NPs and chiropractors aim to lessen discomfort and improve daily life. They work together for the best results.

Lifestyle Changes and Can It Be Reversed?

Lifestyle tweaks can slow neuropathy or ease symptoms. Control blood sugar if diabetic—eat balanced meals, exercise 30 minutes daily. Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as they harm nerves. Add B vitamins from foods like eggs or greens (HealthCentral, n.d.).

• Diet: Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish and vegetables.
• Exercise: Low-impact, such as swimming, to enhance circulation.
• Foot Care: Inspect daily for cuts to prevent infection.

Reversing depends on the cause. If from vitamins or meds, yes—fix it, and nerves may heal. For diabetes, it’s not fully reversible but can improve with control. Early action halts disease progression (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, n.d.).

Conclusion

Neuropathy doesn’t have to control your life. With meds like gabapentin or duloxetine, non-drug options like TENS, and help from NPs and chiropractors, relief is possible. Dr. Jimenez’s work demonstrates that integrative care is effective. Talk to a provider today for a plan that fits you. Managing it early leads to better days.

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References

Azar, A. (2023). 10 treatment options for peripheral neuropathy. Arizona Integrated Pain Consultants. <https://www.azipc.com/post/10-treatment-options-for-peripheral-neuropathy>

El Paso Back Clinic. (n.d.). Common questions about neuropathy in El Paso, TX – solutions. El Paso Back Clinic. <https://elpasobackclinic.com/common-questions-about-neuropathy-in-el-paso-tx-solutions/>

Fornasari, D. (2017). Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain: A review. Pain and Therapy, 6(Suppl 1), 25–33. <https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5701897/>

HealthCentral. (n.d.). Neuropathy: What you need to know. HealthCentral. <https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/neuropathy>

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Dr. Alex Jimenez. DrAlexJimenez.com. <https://dralexjimenez.com/>

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (n.d.). Managing peripheral neuropathy. MSKCC.org. <https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/managing-peripheral-neuropathy>

NewYork-Presbyterian. (n.d.). Neuropathy: Symptoms & causes. NYP.org. <https://www.nyp.org/neuro/neuromuscular-disorders/neuropathy>

NHS. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy – treatment. NHS.uk. <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/treatment/>

Smith, B. H., & Torrance, N. (2021). Assessing practice patterns and influential factors for nurse practitioners who manage chronic pain. Pain Management Nursing, 22(4), 435-441. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S152490422100014X>

Straight A Nursing. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy. StraightANursingStudent.com. <https://straightanursingstudent.com/peripheral-neuropathy/>

Universal Neurocare. (n.d.). Questions to ask neurologist about neuropathy. UniversalNeurocare.com. <https://universalneurocare.com/questions-to-ask-neurologist-about-neuropathy/>

Yahoo News. (2023). Questions to ask your doctor about nerve pain. Yahoo.com. <https://www.yahoo.com/news/questions-ask-doctor-nerve-pain-194107814.html>