For The Health of It: Causes and treatments of Peripheral neuropathy
Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss Peripheral neuropathy
COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when peripheral nerves are damaged,
leading to a range of symptoms depending on which nerves are affected. Here is an
overview that includes definitions, causes, symptoms, nerve functions, and
management strategies, with insights from integrative and occupational therapy
approaches as practiced by experts like Hima Dalal.
Peripheral Neuropathy Definition
Peripheral neuropathy refers to the damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, which
are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This condition can affect sensory,
motor, and autonomic nerves, leading to varied symptoms.
Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
● Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves.
● Infections: Such as Lyme disease, shingles, and HIV/AIDS.
● Autoimmune Diseases: Like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré
syndrome.
● Genetic Disorders: Such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
● Trauma: Physical injury can damage nerves.
● Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals or certain chemicals.
● Medications: Certain chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics.
● Nutritional Deficiencies: Particularly B vitamins.
● Chronic Alcoholism: Can lead to nutritional deficiencies and nerve damage.
● Cancer
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Symptoms can vary widely but generally include:
● Sensory Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning pain, or loss of sensation.
● Motor Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, and loss of coordination.
● Autonomic Symptoms: Problems with blood pressure regulation, heart rate,
digestive system, and bladder control.
Autonomic Nerve Function
Autonomic nerves control involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure,
digestion, and temperature regulation. Damage to these nerves can result in:
● Orthostatic Hypotension: Sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up.
● Digestive Issues: Bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.
● Bladder Problems: Difficulty emptying the bladder or incontinence.
● Sweating Abnormalities: Either excessive sweating or lack of sweating.
Motor Nerve Function
Motor nerves control muscle movements and coordination. Damage to these nerves
can cause:
● Muscle Weakness: Difficulty lifting objects or walking.
● Twitching and Cramping: Uncontrolled muscle movements.
● Loss of Coordination: Difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt.
Sensory Nerve Function
Sensory nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations such as touch, temperature,
and pain. Damage to these nerves can lead to:
● Numbness and Tingling: Often described as "pins and needles."
● Burning Pain: Intense and often worse at night.
● Sensitivity to Touch: Even light touch can be painful.
● Loss of Position Sense: Difficulty knowing where body parts are in space.
Management of Peripheral Neuropathy
Management often requires a multifaceted approach, combining medication, lifestyle
changes, and therapeutic interventions. Hima Dalal and other integrative occupational
therapists emphasize the following strategies:
1. Medications:
○ Pain relievers such as NSAIDs.
○ Antidepressants and anticonvulsants for nerve pain.
○ Topical treatments like capsaicin cream.
2. Physical Therapy:
○ Exercise programs to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
○ Stretching and flexibility exercises to prevent muscle tightness.
○ Electrical nerve stimulation to reduce pain.
3. Occupational Therapy:
○ Techniques to adapt daily activities and maintain independence.
○ Ergonomic adjustments to workspaces and home environments.
○ Use of assistive devices to improve function and safety.
○ Revenge of fall
○ Recommendation of correct footwear
4. Integrative Therapies:
○ Acupressure -acupuncture for pain relief .
○ Crystal Myofascial release treatment-invented and proven to be effective
by Hima Dalal
○ Nutritional counseling to address deficiencies and promote nerve health.
○ Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi to improve overall well-being.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
○ Controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
○ Avoiding exposure to toxins and managing alcohol consumption.
○ Ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Effective management of peripheral neuropathy involves a comprehensive approach
that addresses the underlying causes, alleviates symptoms, and improves the quality of
life for patients. Integrative and occupational therapy play crucial roles in Functional
Independance and safety of People suffering with this . Don’t hesitate to hesitate to
email us at himadalalintegrativehealth@gmail.com or call us at 803-466-1082
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meditation.
www.himadalalintegrativehealth.com
