Cold Laser for Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy, or the numbness and pain caused by nerve damage in the hands and feet, can be caused by many factors.
When the blood supply to the nerve is affected, the nerve fibers that are responsible for pain conduction are damaged and can cause a loss of sensation and create burning and tingling for the patient. This can occur in the hands and arms, but most commonly it is seen in the feet and legs.
Most treatments currently in use for neuropathy are geared towards treating the symptoms and not to cure the problem. These treatments help lessen the symptoms to make the disease more manageable for the patient; however, they usually involve prescription medications that mask the disease rather than treating it.
Recent research has shown that Cold Laser Therapy can help treat the underlying causes of neuropathy and help with symptom management.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Cold Laser Therapy helps by actually stimulating microcirculation around the nerve fibers, which increases blood flow to the nerves and helps to heal and reduce neuropathic pain.
Laser light energy penetrates the skin and stimulates increased oxygen on a cellular level. This increase in microcirculation around the nerve has been shown to help regenerate fibers and help heal peripheral nerves. Cold Laser Therapy is painless and has been proven to decrease neuropathy, decrease inflammation and aide in the healing of wounds and tendons.
Peripheral neuropathy is a frustrating, life impairing condition which is all too often inaccurately diagnosed and only treated with medications. Fortunately, with the recent advances in neurologic treatment technologies, relief is available for many neuropathy sufferers.
Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy
Five Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy
- Numbness
- Burning or freezing sensations
- Throbbing
- Prickling or tingling sensations
- Shooting/electric sensations
Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
- Diabetes Type 1 or Type 2
- Statin Drugs
- Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
- Nerve Compression due to Disc Protrusion or Stenosis
- Chemotherapy Treatment
- Vascular Compromise
- Metabolic Syndromes such as Thyroid Imbalances
- Nutritional Deficiencies like low B12, Folic Acid, or Minerals
- Heredity/Genetic Abnormalities
- Auto-immunity due to Food Sensitivities
- Anemia
- Impaired Gut or Liver or Kidney Function
Best Treatment for peripheral Neuropathy
Providing that the damage is not too severe, the goal of treatment is to create an environment that allows the nerves to regenerate. Stated simply, our nerves need fuel and activation to repair. The fuel is oxygen and glucose; activation is use.
To get oxygen to nerves we need to breathe properly and have healthy vascular function. Many peripheral neuropathy sufferers have blood sugar dysregulation.
Class IV Laser is the most powerful non-drug tool for speeding nerve regeneration. Class IV Laser has been quickly gaining popularity in the United States since its FDA approval in 2001. Near infrared (820 nm wavelength) light supplies energy to the body without tissue damaging heat. Near infrared light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria of our cells. This energizes the mitochondria, allowing increased production of ATP (fuel for our cells). This in turn accelerates healing of damaged nerves and surrounding tissues. Class IV Laser has a similar effect on our cells as sunlight does on plants, and is a key component of our safe pain-free treatment procedures.
Dr. Callie Gant and Dr. Michael Buczynski founded Art of Health Chiropractic to create a happier, healthier Nashville. Feel free to call the office at 615-953-7544 with any questions or to schedule your first appointment.
