An estimated 20 million people in the United States have some form of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nervous system — the communications network that transmits information between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and every other part of your body. The peripheral nervous system nerves are:
Sensory Nerves: communicate cold, heat, pain and touch.
Motor Nerves: control movement and the muscles that allow you to move
Autonomic Nerves: control the automatic or involuntary functions of your body such as heart rate, blood pressure and digestion.
Neuropathy is a condition that can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. It makes things as simple as walking, sitting or even sleeping seem like painful and exhausting tasks. Many people who suffer from this condition have seen many specialists, had multiple tests and searched for something to help ease the pain without any success.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
• Avoid excessive stress, an over-obligated schedule, and becoming sleep deprived. • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and caffeine dependency which can lead to nutrient deficiencies; also avoid smoking. • Rule out other metabolic disorders such as cancer, autoimmune disease and other inflammatory conditions; check for heavy metal accumulation. • Avoid sitting for long periods of time or leading a generally sedentary life; participate in a regular, balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer or FitBit tracker to encourage more movement and calculate steps taken. If walking is too strenuous, consider swimming or whole body vibration. • Consider alternatives such as acupuncture and reflexology.
Dietary Tips and Caveats:
• Avoid gluten and high glycemic grains, including refined carbohydrates such as cereals and pastas. • Avoid sugars and artificial sweeteners. • Get a balance of omega-3 fats (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines) and omega-9 fats (olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados); avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils and fried foods. • Cook with olive oil, coconut oil, or macadamia nut oil at low heat. • Eat high quality protein at every meal including fish, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken and lean meat. • Snack on vegetables, anti-inflammatory berries and small amounts of raw nuts, olives or avocado. • Incorporate fiber into the diet.
Neurofeedback and Neuropathy
Neurofeedback training can help teach patients with peripheral neuropathy how to change their own brain waves to lower their perception of neuropathy and help improve their overall quality of life.
Chiropractic Care and Neuropathy
When the vertebral joints of the spine begin to degenerate, which is common as we get older, it can press on the roots of the spinal nerves, causing the classic symptoms of neuropathy. Dr. Clark is trained to relieve this pressure by performing spinal adjustments to bring the vertebrae back into alignment, releasing trapped or compressed nerves.