Neuropathy refers to a nerve malfunction or disease, encompassing multiple conditions that are a result of damage to nerves. The nerves are like electricity cords that connect different body parts and functions together. When neuropathy occurs, these functions can be disrupted, malfunction or even grind to a halt.
There are four main types of neuropathy: cranial, autonomic, focal and peripheral. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and occurs when nerve damage affects the extremities in the body. Cranial affects the nerves that directly exit the brain and can impact vision or sight. Autonomic neuropathy occurs from damage to the autonomic nervous system. This is what controls our involuntary body processes, like heart function, digestion, bowel and bladder. The last main type is called focal neuropathy, which is focused on one nerve or area of the body.
Here are 10 signs that you may have neuropathy:
- Fasciculations. This fancy word explains uncontrolled muscle twitching that you can see under the skin. It happens a lot in people’s eyelids, but can occur anywhere in the body
- Tingling sensations that begin in the feet or fingers and progress inwards
- Painful muscle cramps
- Severe pain from a light touch
- Pain in specific areas that feel worse at night and may disrupt sleep
- Focused pain like carpal tunnel or meralgia paresthetica (numbness and tingling in one thigh)
- Excess sweating or inability to regulate blood pressure
- Problems positioning your limbs, that can result in falls, balance problems, or issues coordinating movements like tying shoes or fastening buttons
- Reduced sensation in limbs that might develop sores or blisters and can become infected before you feel or notice it
- Incontinence or impotence.
WHY does neuropathy occur?
Diabetes is the most common condition linked with peripheral neuropathy. But, it can also occur due to vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 and folate. Autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome or Rheumatoid arthritis can be culprits, while shingles (a variation of the herpes virus) can cause a complication called post-herpetic neuralgia. There is also Alcoholic Neuropathy, lyme disease- and HIV/AIDS-induced neuropathy and neuropathy triggered by injury, medication, toxin accumulation and genetic disorders.
What can naturopathy do about neuropathy??
It really depends on why neuropathy is occurring and the extent of the nerve damage. Together with your doctor or specialist, we can find out what is going on in your body to cause your neuropathy, if it is reversible or not and find a treatment avenue to improve or healing the condition.
We can work together to repair cells, remedy deficiencies, increase circulation, support immune function and manage pain. At CK Health, we have wonderful herbs and nutrients at our fingertips that may be your answer to managing the symptoms.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you to your road to comfort and/or cure.
