Neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord. This damage causes painful symptoms like; numbness, burning, tingling, sharp...
If you have symptoms that have been lingering for some time such as numbness, burning, tingling, sharp pains, and even loss of balance and coordination, you may have neuropathy. Pain is not the only symptom!
Neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord. If left undiagnosed and untreated neuropathy can dramatically disrupt simple activities of daily living like buttoning your shirt, sleeping, tying your shoes, simple walking like at the grocery store, being active with your kids and grandkids, feeling the gas and brake pedals on your car, working, providing for your family, and much more.
It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from Neuropathy, that number is believed to be a low estimate since many with symptoms of neuropathy don’t get tested,
Causes of Neuropathy
Many of the people we listen to with neuropathy symptoms are told they cannot have neuropathy as they are not diabetic. That is not accurate at all! There are over 100 known causes of neuropathy, and often my clients come to me with idiopathic neuropathy, which means the exact cause of the neuropathy is unknown.
You may know the exact cause of your symptoms, or you may not. Most people have more than one of them which makes it confusing for many to know is it neuropathy or not. It is vital to have a thorough health history and look at you as a whole person to help understand your journey with neuropathy, including potential causes.
Neuropathy Warning Signs
Neuropathy is a degenerative disease that will get worse over time without proper treatment. While early symptoms of numbness or tingling may be easier to overlook, over time those symptoms will worsen and become much more painful and difficult to live with. In extreme cases, untreated neuropathy can even lead to amputation.
Common symptoms of neuropathy
Neuropathy most commonly affects the extremities of the body, hands and feet, since they are the furthest from the spinal cord, where peripheral nerves start. However, neuropathy can occur anywhere in the body.
Common symptoms of neuropathy include:
- Numbness, pain, burning or tingling in hands or feet
- Trouble sleeping or getting comfortable at night
- Shooting pains down your legs or arms
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness or aching
- Blood pressure issues
- Constant loss of balance or coordination
- Struggling with balance and coordination is especially an issue.
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- 20-30% of these falls result in moderate to severe injuries, including bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas…while 10% of these are fatal.
- In fact, falling is the leading cause of injury and death among those over the age of 65.
If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms for over 6 months, it is time to seek help. Remember, neuropathy will not go away on its own, and it will worsen over time.
Sadly, no medication, shot, or surgery will cure your neuropathy. Some medications may help cover up the pain that you are experiencing, but they will not fix the root issue.
If you’re suffering from neuropathy, you’re not alone, and relief is possible. Whether you choose to go it alone or work with the support of those who have been there, taking a holistic approach to healing can help reverse your neuropathy and get you back to feeling like the best version of yourself. My team at Momentum is here to help guide you no matter where you are in your Neuropathy Journey.
