Debunking Neuropathy Myths in Traverse City

Neuropathy in Traverse City is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves — those responsible for communication between your brain and spinal cord and the rest of your body. When this communication is disrupted, it can lead to weakness, numbness, and pain.

If you deal with peripheral neuropathy, you have probably heard some common myths about the condition. It is our goal to clear up these myths and help you to find the best treatment for neuropathy naturally.

Myth #1: Neuropathy in Traverse City only occurs in people with diabetes.

It is true that diabetic people are at a higher risk for neuropathy —uncontrolled high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and disrupt their ability to send signals. However, there are other causes of neuropathy too, including alcoholism, vitamin deficiency, cancer treatment, and traumatic injury and infections. And many cases cannot be tied to a specific cause.

Myth #2: Neuropathy doesn’t get worse over time.

In reality, the condition tends to get progressively worse and can become debilitating if left untreated. Letting the condition progress without addressing the underlying causes can lead to severe disability and further health complications, such as depression, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and more. Thus, early detection and treatment of neuropathy are crucial.

Myth #3: Neuropathy only affects the hands and feet.

While you may experience symptoms in these areas first, neuropathy can spread up to the calves and forearms. You may feel heaviness, weakness, and pain in these areas. Neuropathy has also been known to affect speech and in some cases can lead to issues with organ function.

Myth # 4: Damaged nerves cannot repair themselves.

Extensive research has shown that peripheral nerves do have the ability to regenerate. Various treatments, such as laser therapy, nutrition, exercise, and electrical nerve stimulation are effective at healing nerves and reducing patients’ symptoms.

Myth #5: I can manage my neuropathy symptoms with pain medication.

Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication might make daily life with neuropathy more manageable for a period. However, all this really does is mask the symptoms while allowing the underlying condition to worsen. Not to mention, long-term use of painkillers can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

Myth #6: Neuropathy has no cure, so I should just live with it.

While there is no universal cure for neuropathy, it also does not have to be treated as a life sentence. The good news is that for many patients, simple lifestyle changes can change the course of their neuropathy and alleviate their symptoms. These changes can include:

• Keeping blood sugar levels under control
• Monitoring vitamin deficiencies and eating a well-rounded diet, supplementing where needed
• Limiting alcohol use, since alcohol damages nerves
• Managing stress and practicing mindfulness
• Light exercise or physical therapy to increase strength, balance and range of motion
• Not smoking
• Taking warm baths to help circulation and alleviate pain

Now that you can separate neuropathy fact from fiction, you may be ready to give us a call at (231) 846-8897 or email us at info@theshifttc.com.

Let’s work together to overcome your neuropathy for good!