You’ve gone to the doctor, had your checkups, and have been told you have neuropathy. What now?
Neuropathy is a condition that is characterized by nerve damage. It presents challenges that affect daily life and can range from being mildly uncomfortable to causing a severe disability.
But what does neuropathy mean for your quality of life? How long can you live with neuropathy?
We know navigating these questions is overwhelming and scary, so we are here to help. Read on for more information on what neuropathy is, how it can affect your life, and the symptoms to look for.
Neuropathy is a condition that arises where there is damage to the nerves of your body. While it typically affects older adults, nerve damage and neuropathy can happen at any age.
Your nerves are responsible for sending sensory information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When these nerves are damaged, the entire body may be affected or just certain parts.
Neuropathy can be caused by a plethora of different conditions
This list is by no means exhaustive and neuropathy can be caused by preventable conditions as well as conditions that are out of your hands.
There are several different types of neuropathy and they are usually named after the part of the body that is affected.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the extremities such as feet, hands, arms, and legs.
Autonomic Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy impacts the autonomic nervous system which controls internal organs. This can affect your blood pressure, bladder control, and digestion.
Proximal Neuropathy: Proximal neuropathy is caused by type 2 diabetes and affects areas such as the hips, legs, and buttocks.
Focal Neuropathy: Focal neuropathy is damage to a single nerve in a specific area. One of the most common ailments is carpal tunnel syndrome.
Neuropathy symptoms vary widely depending on the type of neuropathy your body is experiencing.
In general you should watch out for any numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, or pain anywhere in the body that gradually worsens or goes away and comes back. These sensations will, over time, progress to other parts of the body. You may begin to experience pain and weakness in these areas.
If you notice any changes in your day to day functioning, it’s time to consult your doctor. They will be able to come up with a treatment plan for pain relief.
While some causes of neuropathy are genetic, and therefore beyond your control, other causes may be caused by lifestyle factors that you have the power to change.
Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can cut down on your neuropathy risk. For type 2 diabetics, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial to preventing proximal neuropathy.
Because neuropathy can cause pain, weakness, and other discomfort, exercise may seem like a pipe dream. The truth is, exercise is considered part of an effective treatment plan for nerve pain.
It’s recommended to take it slowly and do plenty of low intensity aerobics, stretching, and balancing exercises. Things like walking, swimming, yoga, and chair stretches are wonderful for neuropathic pain.
It’s important to note that neuropathy does not directly affect your life expectancy but that the conditions causing the neuropathy can.
For many, neuropathy is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Along with early diagnosis and working with your doctor, proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments can help individuals lead active and fulfilling lives.
Advanced treatments and technology, like those provided by Bedrock Bioscience can play a crucial role in managing neuropathy. From cutting edge technology like red light therapy to specially formulated supplements, Bedrock Bioscience uses research backed approaches to optimize your healing and pain management.
Neuropathy can pose significant challenges but understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options often empowers patients to manage the condition effectively.
With advancements in the healthcare industry, science, and companies like Bedrock Bioscience helping you to manage symptoms, living with neuropathy becomes more manageable, and in exchange, you get to go back to living your best life!
Call us today or have your doctor reach out to us for some FDA cleared options we provide.
