Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.
What is the role of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) in treating neuropathy?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a painless treatment utilized to manage symptoms of neuropathy, primarily pain, by utilizing electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves. The system consists of electrodes placed on the skin surface above the region of pain that deliver gentle currents of electricity. Hereafter is how TENS may be used in the management of neuropathy:
1. Pain Relief
How It Works: TENS works by relieving pain through stimulation of sensory nerves. The electrical impulses have the ability to block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing temporary relief from neuropathy pain.
Gate Control Theory: The “gate control theory” of pain is an explanation of the mechanism by which TENS works. The electrical impulses from the TENS activate the nerves sufficiently to interfere with pain impulses being transmitted to the brain, effectively closing the “pain gate” in the spinal cord.
Endorphin Release: TENS can also lead to release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, to contribute to pain attenuation as well as to overall good health.
2. Reducing Nerve Sensitivity
How It Helps: By exciting nerves with electrical currents, TENS has the ability to desensitize nerves in the long run. This is particularly helpful in the situation of neuropathy where nerves are hypersensitive and carry more sensation of pain, tingling, or burning.
Desensitization: TENS has the ability to desensitize the nerves, reducing the intensity of abnormal nerve impulses responsible for neuropathic pain.
3. Improved Circulation
How It Works: TENS’s electrical impulses can improve circulation in the treated area through vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). Increased circulation can reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with neuropathy.
Nutrient Delivery: Increased circulation also ensures that essential nutrients and oxygen reach the damaged nerves, which can facilitate nerve healing and repair.
4. Muscle Relaxation
How does it help: TENS can alleviate muscle cramping and tension. Occasionally, accompanying neuropathy. For example, if nerve damage results in muscle weakness or cramping, TENS might be able to unwind the muscles and reduce pain.
Reduced Spasms: This relaxation can be particularly beneficial for patients with peripheral neuropathy, which often produces muscle cramping and constriction in the legs and feet.
5. Supplement to Other Therapies
How It Works: TENS is generally paired with other treatment to optimize pain relief and function overall. TENS may be paired with drugs, physical therapy, and dietary changes to provide a comprehensive neuropathy treatment.
Non-Invasive Alternative: Another benefit of TENS is that it is a non-invasive modality, so it can be used in combination with other therapies, like oral drugs or topical therapy, without considerable risk of interactions.
6. Safe and Simple to Apply
How It Helps: TENS units are portable, simple, and quick to use at home, providing straightforward, on-demand pain relief for people with neuropathy. They can be increased or decreased for intensity and changed in terms of time for length, allowing the user to modify the treatment to their specific requirements and tolerance.
Self-Management: Pain management at home without having to go through invasive treatments or medication is a huge benefit, especially for advocates of conservative treatments.
7. Can Improve the Quality of Sleep
How It Assists: Neuropathic pain can affect sleep. Through pain relief and discomfort alleviation, TENS can aid those with neuropathic pain to sleep more and have better rest and recuperation.
8. Limitations and Considerations
Not a Cure: TENS is not a cure for neuropathy, but it may provide excellent relief for symptoms. Treatment is designed to temporarily eliminate pain and discomfort but not the underlying cause of nerve damage such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or infection.
Effectiveness Differ: The effectiveness of TENS can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience significant relief, while others may find it less effective.
See a Healthcare Provider: You should consult a healthcare provider before applying TENS treatment, especially if you have certain conditions, such as a pacemaker, epilepsy, or heart problems, as electrical stimulation can affect such devices or conditions.
Conclusion
TENS can be a valuable and worthwhile adjunct to the treatment of neuropathy symptoms, particularly pain relief, circulation improvement, and spasm relief. As a non-surgical, self-applied therapy, it offers an accessible option for patients who prefer to add TENS to their treatment of neuropathy symptoms. However, TENS must be applied under the guidance of a health professional for safety and optimal benefits.
Nerve blocks are a common interventional treatment used to manage neuropathic pain, particularly for conditions like peripheral neuropathy. They work by interrupting pain signals from some nerves, thereby reducing symptoms like burning, tingling, or stabbing pain. This is how nerve blocks may be used to manage neuropathy:
1. What Are Nerve Blocks?
A nerve block is the injection of medication (e.g., local anesthetic or corticosteroid) near specific nerves or bundles of nerves to block pain signals. The procedure may impact the nerve that transmits pain signals to the brain and reduce neuropathic symptom severity.
2. Types of Nerve Blocks Applied to Neuropathy
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: These are usually used for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or severe peripheral neuropathy. Sympathetic nerves, which are part of the autonomic nervous system, can be overactive in neuropathy and produce pain. Blocking these nerves could reduce pain and increase blood flow to the involved areas.
Epidural Nerve Blocks: In cases of neuropathy caused by compression or irritation of spinal nerves (e.g., by a herniated disc), epidural steroid injections can be used. These are placed in the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and deliver corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks: For neuropathy that is localized to one area, such as the hands, feet, or legs, local nerve blocks can be directed at specific nerves. For instance, a sciatic nerve block can reduce pain in the legs caused by nerve compression or irritation.
3. How Nerve Blocks Help Treat Neuropathy
Break Pain Signals: Nerve blocks work by numbing the tissue around the affected nerve, so pain signals are not transmitted to the brain. This can be a significant relief from pain, especially for those patients with extremely severe, chronic neuropathic pain.
Reduce Inflammation: Some of the nerve block injections contain corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation around the nerve, improving nerve function and pain relief.
Improve Blood Circulation: Through the interruption of the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, nerve blocks improve blood flow to the affected region. This comes in handy, particularly in neuropathy from reduced circulation, like diabetic neuropathy.
4. Advantages of Nerve Blocks in Neuropathy
Instant Pain Relief: Depending on the type of nerve block, patients experience immediate relief from neuropathic pain. Anesthetic composition in the injection anaesthetizes the painful region, providing instant relief.
Long-Term Relief: While nerve blocks are short-term relief techniques, they can also be long-term when combined with other modalities like physical therapy or medications. On some occasions, periodic doses of repeated nerve block injections are given over a span of many months or weeks to provide continuous pain control.
Less Need for Oral Medications: Nerve blocks can reduce the need for oral pain medications like opioids with side effects and abuse potential. By having good pain control through nerve blocks, patients may not need pharmacologic relief as much.
Improved Functionality: By relieving pain and improving circulation, nerve blocks can restore some measure of function in the affected area. For example, if neuropathy is causing weakness or walking impairment, pain relief can improve mobility and quality of life.
Less Invasive: Nerve block procedures are less invasive than surgery and can be performed on an outpatient basis with relatively quick recovery rates.
5. When Are Nerve Blocks Used for Neuropathy?
Nerve blocks are generally reserved when:
Conservative therapy (such as physical therapy or medication) does not control neuropathic pain.
Pain is incapacitating or very severe, and the patient cannot function with activities of daily living.
There is localized nerve pain that can be specifically treated by a nerve block (such as one area of the body affected with neuropathy).
Other pain control methods, such as oral medication, have produced undesirable side effects or problems with dependency.
6. Nerve Block Procedure
Preparation: The nerve block procedure is generally provided by a neurologist or pain management specialist in an outpatient or clinic setting. The patient may be asked to lie down or sit in a specific position based on the area being treated.
Injection: With the help of fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray) or ultrasound for precision, the doctor will locate the involved nerve(s). A needle is inserted, and the medication (like a local anesthetic or corticosteroid) is injected close to the nerve.
Post-Procedure: Patients may experience numbness or weakness in the treated area following the procedure. This is transient and pain relief may start within hours, though a few days will elapse before the full effect is felt.
7. Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any procedure of a medical nature, nerve blocks do carry some risks:
Infection: Infection at the site of injection is very rare, but there is a risk.
Nerve Damage: This is the rarest possibility, in which the needle can injure a nerve and thus worsen the condition.
Bleeding or Bruising: There may be some bruising or bleeding at the point of injection.
Temporary Side Effects: The analgesic effect of the anesthetic can sometimes cause temporary numbness or weakness of the part.
Incomplete Pain Relief: Occasionally, the nerve block will not completely relieve pain, or relieve it only for a short while.
8. Post-Treatment Care
After a nerve block, patients are usually advised to:
Rest the affected area for a period of time to avoid irritating the treated nerves.
Monitor for side effects such as pain increase, weakness, or infection at the injection site.
Follow up with the healthcare provider to evaluate the success of the procedure and schedule further treatments if necessary.
Conclusion
Nerve blocks can be a very valuable weapon in the management of neuropathic pain, providing considerable relief to those with chronic neuropathy, especially when other treatments are insufficient. Nerve blocks break the transmission of the pain signals, reduce inflammation, and increase blood supply to the involved area, leading to pain relief and improved quality of life. If you’re considering having a nerve block for neuropathy, you’ll need to speak with a pain management specialist who can review your case and determine whether or not this would be a good option for you. Would you like to know more about how to find a pain management clinic or where to seek other treatment for neuropathy?
Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.