PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY TREATMENTS
There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms, and, for certain causes, slow or even stop the progression.
Treatment is often a matter of trial and error. A treatment that may work well for one person may be totally ineffective for another. Persistence and perseverance may be the key contributors to successfully finding help. A saying originated by a WNA support group member is that “We are an experiment of one.”
ADDRESSING THE CAUSES
A key place to start in treating peripheral neuropathy is to limit the effects of the cause, if known. For a diabetic, this means keeping sugar levels under control. For someone with alcoholic peripheral neuropathy, ceasing drinking would be vital. If a medication or toxin is involved, limiting or eliminating exposure will help. A celiac disease sufferer would need to avoid gluten. Sometimes, addressing the underlying cause may be all that's needed to reverse or halt the spread of symptoms.
MEDICATIONS
Prescription medications for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy typically fall into two categories: anti-seizure medications and anti-depressants. Such medications work by affecting the electrical and chemical activity of the nerves. Neurontin (gabapentin) has been widely used with great effect in some. Lyrica (pregabalin) is a prescription medication specifically approved for the treatment of neuropathy pain. Unfortunately, most pain and nerve medications can have side effects of drowsiness and fogginess. An example of an anti-depressant specifically approved for neuropathy is Cymbalta (duloxetine).
Some people have had great success with the use of medications made by compounding pharmacists, typically medication in an ointment form that is applied to the affected area. Some people who experience side effects from an oral medication may tolerate it better in a compounded application where the medication stays local and immediately enters the bloodstream by bypassing the digestive system.
Over the counter pain relievers may provide relief to some. In addition, various creams and ointments have proved helpful or soothing.
THERAPIES
Various therapies including exercise, occupational therapy, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture/acupressure, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, infrared light, chiropractic care, and many, many others have proven helpful to some. Our monthly newsletter contains articles detailing these and other therapies.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Check out the complementary alternative treatments document which describes treatments that various WNA support group members have found helpful.
SUPPLEMENTS
Many supplements have been touted as helpful for different conditions in recent years. Alpha lipoic acid has been used for years in Europe as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy. For those with neuropathy caused or exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, supplements can be vital.
PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINICS
Medical groups, hospitals, and independent organizations may offer pain management clinics. These facilities include specialized staff that can help a patient try various types of medications and therapies in order to find treatments that work best for the individual.
IMPORTANT
Always work with your doctor in developing a treatment plan.