ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 [email protected]
Select Page
Eat More Turmeric! Here’s How

Eat More Turmeric! Here’s How

Turmeric is quickly becoming an “it” superfood. You’ve probably seen the ingredient�all over�Pinterest and Instagram in the form of�golden-hued lattes, soups, and vegan ice cream. It�was even called a “rising star” by Google Food Trends,�since�searches for turmeric jumped�a whopping�56% between November and January.�And as a nutritionist, I’m thrilled, since this healthy food trend is both delicious and backed by research.

Turmeric, a root in the same family as ginger, has�long been used as an anti-inflammatory compound in Chinese and Indian medicine. Its�active ingredient, a yellow compound called curcumin, has been found to have�antioxidant,�antiviral,�and anticancer�properties in lab and animal studies. And although more clinical trials about the benefits�of curcumin for�humans are needed, it’s�been linked to lower total cholesterol levels�and improved liver function�after�liver disease or damage.

 

RELATED: 6 Cancer-Fighting Superfoods

 

I eat turmeric almost every day, and advise my clients do the same�with a few caveats. First, I do not advocate taking turmeric supplements, unless they�ve been prescribed (and will be monitored) by a physician, especially for pregnant women. I also caution my clients against going overboard with turmeric root or powder. Too much has been linked to unwanted side effects, including reflux, low blood sugar, increased bleeding risk, reduced iron absorption, and worsened gallbladder problems.

To reap turmeric’s benefits, here are some simple meal and snack ideas to help you get a healthy amount of the root in your diet.

 

RELATED: The A-Z Guide to Vitamins

Make Turmeric Paste

Turmeric paste is a mixture of ground turmeric, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, and black pepper. It’s used in golden milk lattes�those orange-yellow drinks you’ve probably seen on Instagram�which are�made by�dissolving the paste�into warm almond or coconut milk along with a little organic honey and fresh grated ginger. And while black pepper may seem like an odd ingredient, it actually helps boost turmeric’s absorption from the digestive system into the bloodstream.

Sip On Turmeric Tea

Add a pinch of ground turmeric to warm water along with lemon to start you day. (Note: I�m serious about a pinch�it�s pungent, so too much can be tough to swallow.) Alternatively, you can purchase turmeric tea bags, which can be steeped alone or with other types of tea, such as green, white, black, or oolong.

RELATED: 11 Things You Should Know Before Trying Kombucha

Whip It Into A Smoothie

For a tasty and unique kick of flavor, add a bit of ground turmeric to your morning smoothie. Or opt for fresh, peeled turmeric root, which you�ll find in the produce section, likely near the ginger. A little nub no bigger than the size of your pinky nail�is all you need.

Make It A Seasoning Staple

I love to keep ground turmeric handy to season nearly anything savory, including scrambled eggs, saut�ed veggies, soups, stir frys, and pulses (especially oven roasted chickpeas). You can also fold a little turmeric into nut butter or hummus, whisk it into homemade vinaigrette, or stir it into oatmeal along with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nuts or sesame seeds. The options are endless! In most dishes, I�ll start with an eighth of a teaspoon and add more to taste, making�sure the turmeric won�t overpower other flavors.

RELATED: Healthy 4-Ingredient Dinners You Can Make in 10 Minutes Or Less

Create A�Unique Dessert

To make homemade vegan turmeric �ice cream,� whip turmeric paste with one cup coconut milk or coconut cream, half of a ripe banana, a few pitted dates, maple syrup, and a little extra fresh ginger. Pour into BPA free pop molds, freeze, and enjoy.

Cynthia Sass�is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master�s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on�national TV, she�s Health�s contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels�clients�in New York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Yankees, previously consulted for three other professional sports teams, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Sass is a three-time New York Times best-selling author, and her newest book is Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast. Connect with her on�Facebook,�Twitter�and�Pinterest.

 

Call Today!

The Connection Between Chiropractic & Spinal Manipulation

The Connection Between Chiropractic & Spinal Manipulation

What’s the Connection?

About 80% of patients visiting a chiropractor receive some type of spinal manipulation, while chiropractors offer a number of treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Spinal manipulation is a distinctive type of hands on treatment (manual therapy) that’s different from several other kinds of manual therapy such as massage and mobilization. While chiropractors sometimes consult with spinal manipulation as an “alteration” or a part of an adjustment, the term spinal manipulation is simpler to define, more accurate, and more widely used global.

What’s Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulation is the use of a force (a rapid, shallow push) to spinal joints that moves the goal joint or nearby joints slightly beyond their normal range of movement. Spinal manipulation is often accompanied by an audible “pop”. This can be considered to be dissolved gas discharged from joint fluids with a quick drop in pressure. This gas abruptly joins into little bubbles, making a popping sound. Studies have demonstrated that it is not always essential to hear the audible pop for a spinal manipulation to work.

Chiropractors perform the majority of spinal manipulations in the US, followed by osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, and medical doctors.

What is the Aim of Spinal Manipulation?

Restore function to mechanical disorders of the spinal column and the aim of spinal manipulation is to reduce pain in.

Your chiropractor is trained in this highly-specialized form of manual therapy and may discover if your condition is suitable for this type of treatment. Spinal manipulation continues to be demonstrated to be most successful when coupled with lifestyle adjustments, as well as active treatments, such as stretching and exercise.

What Conditions Does Spinal Manipulation Treat?

While the precise mechanism through which spinal manipulation works is doubtful as of this time, numerous theories are being studied, including stretching tight muscles, stimulating the nervous system, unlocking trapped spinal joints and freeing entrapped joint folds.

Spinal manipulation was proven to be safe and effective for specific types of recent start neck and back malady, along with for more lasting or recurring musculoskeletal ailments. Your chiropractor is trained to identify any serious underlying conditions that might preclude spinal manipulation or perhaps manual treatment in virtually any form. She or he would then refer you to the appropriate medical specialist.

In conclusion, your chiropractor is extraordinarily trained to determine if you are a candidate for spinal manipulation and can also offer alternative kinds of manual therapy, together with active self-treatment recommendations.

 

Call Today!

 

Nerve Pain Drug Offers No Relief For Sciatica

Nerve Pain Drug Offers No Relief For Sciatica

Sciatica is a disabling condition characterised by pain in the leg along the distribution of the sciatic nerve. It can be accompanied by back pain, tingling, numbness, reduced strength and reflex changes in the leg.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by irritation of the nerve roots emerging from the lower spine. For this reason it is often considered a type of nerve pain.

It is estimated that around 5 to 10% of people with low back pain have sciatica, equating to around 200,000 to 400,000 Australians. It is notoriously difficult to treat sciatica with over-the-counter medications and complementary therapies.

Our study released today examines the commonly prescribed nerve pain treatment pregabalin for acute and chronic sciatica. The results show that pregabalin does not improve pain symptoms or function, but is associated with unwanted side effects such as dizziness when compared to a placebo.

Huge Uptake Of New Drug

Medicines that have shown to be effective for treating nerve pain were considered to be an exciting new treatment option for sciatica.

These include drugs used to treat epilepsy, such as gabapentin and pregabalin. These medicines, sometimes called gabapentinoids, seem to work by preventing normal conduction of pain signals along a nerve.

Pregabalin became subsidised by the Australian government for nerve pain in 2013 and quickly became widely prescribed for conditions such as sciatica. In its first year of listing, nearly 1.4 million prescriptions were written and in its second year, this figure increased to 2.4 million. This was 32% more than the government predicted.

Since its first approval in 2004 pregabalin has become the most widely prescribed medicine for nerve pain globally, with worldwide sales of between US$3-5 billion annually. The astonishing growth is likely to be a consequence of many factors but may partly be a reflection of the lack of effective treatments for sciatica.

But while pregabalin has been shown to be effective for other types of nerve pain, there was little evidence it helped patients with sciatica. There were also emerging concerns of increased harmful effects, including risk of suicidality and misuse.

We designed our study to examine whether pregabalin is effective and has tolerable side effects in patients with sciatica.

Pregabalin Does Not Work For Sciatica

The research compared the effects of pregabalin against placebo (identical inactive capsules) in 207 patients with sciatica.

Patients were randomly assigned to take up to eight weeks of pregabalin or placebo, prescribed and monitored by a general practitioner or a medical specialist. To keep the results as unbiased as possible, patients, doctors and study staff were kept blinded to who was treated with pregabalin and who received placebo capsules.

This study found after eight weeks there was no difference in the severity of leg pain between those who took pregabalin and those who took placebo capsules. The same result was seen at one year. There were also no differences in other relevant outcomes, such as back pain severity and function, at either eight weeks or one year.

However, people who took pregabalin reported more adverse effects. The most common adverse effect reported in the trial was dizziness.

The study shows that taking pregabalin does not improve your sciatic symptoms when compared with placebo, but you are more likely to have adverse effects when taking pregabalin.

Treatment Options For Sciatica

 

 

Few alternative treatment options exist for people suffering from sciatica.

There is limited data describing the effects of nonsurgical treatments such as exercise, spinal manipulation or acupuncture on sciatica.

There is also no convincing evidence to show medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs, oral corticosteroids or opioid analgesic medicines are effective. Epidural corticosteroid injections have been shown to have a small benefit in the short-term only.

Surgery confers a short-term effect in selected patients with sciatica, but after a year people with sciatica who have not had surgery do just as well as people who�ve had the procedure.

The good news is that sciatica does get better with time. It�s important to stay as active as possible and to avoid prolonged bed rest (as this can delay recovery).

If you�re currently taking pregabalin, speak to a doctor about your condition, and mention any improvement or adverse effects you�ve experienced since starting pregabalin. It�s important not to stop pregabalin abruptly � usually doses should be reduced slowly over a few weeks. Abruptly stopping pregabalin can have some ill effects and should be done with care, close monitoring and advice from a doctor.

It�s unfortunate, but we do not currently have a lot of effective treatment options for people with sciatica. Speak to your doctor or treating clinician (such as a physiotherapist) about what may be appropriate for you, including specific advice on how you can stay as active as possible.

 

Call Today!

Chiropractic Therapy Types

Chiropractic Therapy Types

Although their main method of treatment is the spinal manipulation, many chiropractors also use other therapies to treat their patients. The following is a brief description of some of the most common therapies chiropractors offer.

 

Therapeutic Exercise

Chiropractors commonly prescribe specific strengthening exercises for their patients with back, neck, and extremity problems. These exercises can decrease pain, prevent muscle deterioration, promote joint health, increase strength, stability and range of motion, and protect against new or recurring injuries.

Your chiropractor will show you how to do the exercises and supervise you until you are comfortable doing them on your own. It’s important to keep up with your exercises as prescribed (similarly to drug prescriptions). Studies show that individuals who follow their exercise instructions heal faster than those who do not.

Therapeutic Stretches

Following an injury, therapeutic stretching is an important way to prevent scar tissue from forming. Even after the injury has healed, maintaining a regular stretching program helps keep tissues flexible, increases mobility, and protects you from new injuries. As with exercise, your chiropractor will instruct you on proper stretching techniques and will supervise you until you are comfortable enough to do them on your own.

Traction

Many chiropractors use traction, in which traction devices are applied to distract areas of the spine. This treatment helps separate the vertebrae resulting in disc decompression, reduced nerve root pressure, and decreased.

Soft Tissue Manual Therapy

Chiropractors use a variety of hands-on soft tissue therapies to improve the function of the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules).�These include pin and stretch, also known under a proprietary name Active Release Technique (ART) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (Graston Technique).

Physical Therapy Modalities

Muscle Stimulation

This type of therapy uses light electrical pulses that are transmitted to specific areas of the body through electrodes placed on the skin. There are many different types of electrical stimulation. Some are more beneficial for pain relief or to reduce inflammation, some best treat muscle spasm, and some actually cause muscles to contract in order to reduce muscle atrophy. Some forms of electrical stimulation have combination effects.

TENS

A TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) unit is a small, battery-powered, portable muscle stimulation machine that can be used at home to help control pain. Variable intensities of electric current are used to control pain. This treatment is recommended to help patients get through periods of severe (acute) pain. TENS units are typically not recommended for chronic pain. In fact, a 2009 �report from the American Academy of Neurology found that TENS units are not effective at treating chronic low back pain.1

Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a form of deep heat therapy created by sound waves. When applied to soft tissues and joints, the sound waves are a form of micro-massage that help reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and decrease pain, stiffness, and spasms.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Ice and heat have long been used to treat many painful conditions. Ice therapy is often used to reduce swelling and help control pain immediately after an injury. Heat therapy is used to relax the muscles, increase circulation, and can provide relief to patients with chronic pain. Depending on the patient’s condition, a combination of ice and heat can be used.

Diet and Nutritional Counseling

Studies have shown that poor diet and nutritional imbalances contribute to a number of serious illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Chiropractors are specifically trained in diet and nutritional counseling. Your chiropractor can design a nutritional program specific to your needs that can help you maintain good health and minimize the risk of developing these serious health conditions.

Lifestyle Modification Counseling

Good health is much more than the absence of pain or disease. The lifestyle choices you make on a daily basis can greatly affect your long-term health. We now know that years of seemingly small unhealthy lifestyle choices can, over time, turn into very large health problems. Examples of lifestyle choices and behaviors that can have negative effects on your health include:
  • lack of regular exercise
  • smoking
  • poor diet
  • excessive mental stress
  • over-reliance on medication
  • excessive consumption of alcohol
  • poor posture
  • improper lifting
Your chiropractor will talk to you about your lifestyle choices, help you sort through and identify unhealthy health habits, and give you practical strategies to deal with and manage them.

As you can see, chiropractic medicine is more than just spinal manipulations. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities to help the body to heal itself and return the patient to a pain-free and healthy life.

Call Today!

Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression & Diagnosis

Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression & Diagnosis

What is a Herniated Disc?
Herniation of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) occurs when the nucleus pulposus (gel-like substance) breaks through the anulus fibrosus (tire-like structure) of an intervertebral disc (spinal shock absorber).

normal disc, vertebra, nerves
A herniated disc occurs most often in the lumbar region of the spine especially at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (L = Lumbar, S = Sacral). This is because the lumbar spine carries most of the body’s weight. People between the ages of 30 and 50 appear to be vulnerable because the elasticity and water content of the nucleus decreases with age.

 

herniated disc
The progression to an actual HNP varies from slow to sudden onset of symptoms. There are four stages: (1) disc protrusion (2) prolapsed disc (3) disc extrusion (4) sequestered disc. Stages 1 and 2 are referred to as incomplete, where 3 and 4 are complete herniations. Pain resulting from herniation may be combined with a radiculopathy, which means neurological deficit. The deficit may include sensory changes (i.e. tingling, numbness) and/or motor changes (i.e. weakness, reflex loss). These changes are caused by nerve compression created by pressure from interior disc material.

?disc
Progression of Herniated Disc
 

The extremities affected are dependent upon the vertebral level at which the HNP occurred. Consider the following examples:

Cervical – Pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms
Thoracic – Pain radiates into the chest
Lumbar – Pain extends into the buttocks, thighs, legs

Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs from a central disc herniation and is serious requiring immediate surgical intervention. The symptoms include bilateral leg pain, loss of perianal sensation (anus), paralysis of the bladder, and weakness of the anal sphincter.

Diagnosis of a Herniated Disc

The spine is examined with the patient laying down and standing. Due to muscle spasm, a loss of normal spinal curvature may be noted. Radicular pain (inflammation of a spinal nerve) may increase when pressure is applied to the affected spinal level.

A Lasegue test, also known as Straight-leg Raising Test, is performed. The patient lies down, the knee is extended, and the hip is flexed. If pain is aggravated or produced, it is an indication the lower lumbosacral nerve roots are inflamed.

Other neurological tests are performed to determine loss of sensation and/or motor function. Abnormal reflexes are noted as these changes may indicate the location of the herniation.

Radiographs are helpful, but Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides more detail. The MRI is the best method enabling the physician to see the soft spinal tissues unseen in a conventional x-ray.

 

Radiographic Evidence of HNP

 

herniated disc
 

The findings from the examination and tests are compared to make a proper diagnosis. This includes determining the location of the herniation so treatment options can be reviewed with the patient.

Written by ; Reviewed by

Call Today!

Tips For Better Sex… Even With Back Pain

Tips For Better Sex… Even With Back Pain

Chiropractor, Dr. Alexander Jimenez examines being able to have sex despite having back pain.

The results of SpineUniverse’s national survey on Sexual Satisfaction and Back Pain (read the article Back Pain and Its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction for survey results) indicate that back pain is ruining the sex lives of many people.

It is vital to consider that behind the numbers are real individuals, while the statistical results of the survey are very important. People who care about their partner’s and about their sexual gratification satisfaction. People who are now frustrated and even depressed regarding the impact of back pain on their sex lives.

What exactly can they do to better their situation?

Most specialists agree that three tips can allow you to have better sex� even with back pain:

embarrassed_on_off_switch40639147_M_cropped.jpg

Tip # 1: Talk It Out

For many people, talking about sex comes for others, their faces turn red even thinking about possibly referring to sex.

Nonetheless, you as well as your partner have to locate a method to discuss your back malady, and the way that it will impact-� or already does change�your relationship.

Take the time to talk through the five dilemmas below:

  • Back pain: How intense is the pain? Where does it hurt? What moves or increase or positions alleviate the pain?
  • Sex drive: Is your back pain killing your sex drive? Then you’ve got to discuss this, if it is. If you do not clarify why and simply begin avoiding having sex, you�re your relationship with your partner can be damaged. It’s more straightforward to identify that it is a problem, and never simply theirs �and then find a solution together.
  • Emotional Impact: What does back pain do to your emotions? Do you feel less appealing to your own partner? Depressed?
  • Physical Limitations: Living with back pain means living with physical constraints in multiple facets of your daily life. What physical constraints would you now need to work about during sex?
  • Intimacy: What physical and nonphysical steps can enhance familiarity? (Yes, familiarity means more than sex.) Within the limits caused by back pain, what else can you do to feel close and connected?
  • Tip # 2: Practical Changes

    Here we go, the nitty gritty details of what to do (or not do). (It is ok in case you skipped ahead to this part, but make sure to return and browse the remaining post.)

    Position Matters

    It may not be the sexiest thing to think about, but you have to remember your diagnosis. Have you got spinal stenosis? A herniated disc? Degenerative changes in your spine? Because what is causing your pain affects how your body reacts to different positions, your analysis is vitally important during sex. For example:

  • If you have spinal stenosis, your back pain will probably get worse if you arch your back during sex.
  • Your pain will probably improve should you bend forward during sex when you have a disc herniation or degenerative disk disorder.
  • So if you’re able to identify which positions naturally lessen your back pain, you can then accommodate your position during sex to help make the experience less painful, given your specific state. For example:

  • Men that have degenerative disk disease may locate their back pain is decreased by lying with a pillow placed under their low back, while their partner straddles them.
  • Change The Place

    As we’ve learned from Hollywood films, sex does not occur merely in a bed. And perhaps being out of bed will actuality help lower your back pain. For example:

  • In case you like lying in your back during sex, a solid surface, such as a rug on the floor, may be more comfy for you.
  • But remember, back pain is individual, if you are on a soft mattress, and perhaps your pain is less during sex. You are required to figure out what’s best for you and your partner.

    Rest Your Back

    Back pain is frequently made worse by your muscles becoming tense as well as knotted around the region that was painful. Going in a hot tub before sex, having a soothing massage, and sometimes even just using heat or ice packs on the affected region can all ease away muscle pains just before sex.

    For more practical tips about sex and back pain  and more details on sexual positions go to Sex & Back Pain.

    Tip # 3: Speak To A Medical Specialist

    We know, talking about sex together with your doctor isn’t the most appealing notion (unless your doctor is Dr. Ruth). But think of this: When Viagra first became available, many men were too embarrassed to talk about erectile dysfunction using their doctor. Subsequently Bob Dole appeared in among their advertisements, and that made it more easy to talk to your physician about sex. (Maybe the thinking was�’If Bob Dole, a politician, can declare he has a problem, maybe I can, too!’)

    Besides, physicians have heard it all and they’re prepared to help. Your physicians care about all facets of your physical and emotional well-being; they won’t pity, judge or mock you. So take a deep breath, push past the potential embarrassment, and confer with your physician about how back pain is affecting your sex life. Often, physicians can give advice that is really useful. By way of example, even just a modest change in a medication can make a major difference to your pain.

    Because Sex Is More Than�

    Sex is more than just the sum of its own physical parts�it’s more than a formula of physical steps that lead to the “perfect” experience. Lots of that which we see in films and on TV these days makes sex the pinnacle of a relationship, the one thing that clearly defines you as a couple (think Grey’s Anatomy).

    However, for the vast bulk of people, sexual satisfaction depends on numerous variables, not just physical performance. Factors for example emotional connectedness, a bouquet of flowers sent for no reason, attentive listening, saying thank you for the small things, or sending the kids to Grandma can add to sexual gratification.

    And your back pain limits none of those things. You can still have a satisfying, intimate relationship�back pain or not.

    Facts: Peripheral Neuropathy & Four Big Myths About Neuropathy

    Facts: Peripheral Neuropathy & Four Big Myths About Neuropathy

    Interesting Facts About Peripheral Neuropathy That You Need To Know

    Almost everyone is well aware of what peripheral neuropathy means as well as its symptoms. However, many people will be surprised to know that tingling sensation, numbness and pain aren�t the only symptoms experienced by people with peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms of this condition are subjective to the type of nerve that is being affected. The three main types of nerves include motor, sensory and autonomic nerve; each having its own symptoms.

    People diagnosed with diabetes must be very careful when it comes to taking all the necessary precautions of peripheral neuropathy. According to top researches, estimates of 70 percent of diabetic patients tend to develop one or more symptoms of neuropathy. While some of the medications may help improve the condition of neuropathy, many medications have the tendency to worsen the situation. Moreover, medications to treat other diseases like cancer are likely to cause nerve damage that leads to peripheral neuropathy.

     

     

    It is essential for people with this condition to not take the simple symptoms like numbness lightly as it can cause some serious problems with time. For example, if you are feeling a sensation of numbness on your feet then you will not realize it if you even step on a broken glass. For this reason, you must never ignore even the simplest of the symptoms as it can lead to severe results. You must visit http://www.neuropathycure.org for more details.

    Unfortunately, there is no treatment of peripheral neuropathy that can completely diminish the matter. The treatments of medication and therapy can only contain the symptoms as well as improve the condition so that the individual suffering can be relived from intense pain and agitation. For this reason, you must not get your hopes up with the prescribed medical treatment.

     

     

    Can you recall the first time you were told you might suffer from neuropathy?

    Chances are unless you already knew someone who suffered from neuropathy � you didn�t know much about the condition. You�ve likely learned quite a bit about the condition since then � but you no doubt came across false or misleading information along the way.

    The truth is, there are still a lot of misleading rumors and false information about neuropathy out there. In fact � you may be surprised to learn that some of the information you�ve picked up over the years may not be completely true.

    I�ve encountered a number of half-truths and misleading facts over the years. While some are harmless, others can send you down the wrong path or prevent you from getting the best treatment for your nerve damage. To help dispel these myths, I�ve put together a list of four half-truths, misleading rumors, and other misconceptions about neuropathy that a lot of people still believe.

    Myth #1 � Nerve Damage is Irreversible:

    You may have been told at some point that your nerve damage is irreversible. The truth is, it largely depends on the cause and severity of your nerve damage. No one case is the same � but for many people, their nerve damage can in fact be slowed and even reversed. This is especially true for those suffering from diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage resulting from a vitamin B12 deficiency.

    For those with diabetic neuropathy, managing blood sugar is the single most effective step one can take to both slow and reverse nerve damage. For those whose neuropathy was a result of a vitamin B12 deficiency, replenishing the body�s B12 reserves can both repair and regenerate damaged nerves.

    Of course, those with diabetic neuropathy or a B12 deficiency aren�t the only ones who can hold on to the hope of reversing their nerve damage. With the right treatment, I�ve seen individuals with various different causes of their neuropathy experience nerve regeneration and a reduction (and even elimination) of their symptoms.

    Myth #2 � Only people with diabetes develop neuropathy

    While it�s true that around 70% of people with diabetes will also develop neuropathy, it isn�t the only cause of nerve damage. There are a number of other causes, affecting people from all walks of life. A list of known causes of neuropathy include:

    • Vitamin B12 deficiency
    • Chemotherapy
    • Medications (see list of 65 medications that can cause neuropathy)
    • Surgery
    • Alcohol Consumption
    • Exposure to Toxins
    • Infections
    • Autoimmune Diseases
    • Trauma
    • Repeated Pressure on Nerves
    • Kidney Disorders
    • Inherited Disorders

    MORE: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Neuropathy Causes & Treatments

    Myth #3 � Prescription medications cure neuropathy

    There is no prescription medication on the market that �cures� neuropathy. In fact, many of the neuropathy drugs on the market today were originally intended for other medical conditions, such as epilepsy.

    Rather than cure neuropathy, the prescription drugs on the market today are designed to mask the pain. They act as a volume knob, temporarily turning down the pain levels � but eventually wearing off. As such, the user never gets permanent, lasting relief.

    Not only that, but some independent studies have shown most of the common neuropathy prescriptions on the market today to be �largely ineffective�. In one study published by the Cochrane Library in 2015, researchers found that only 1 in 10 patients taking anti-seizure medications for nerve pain experienced a reduction in pain. And of the 10% that did have a reduction in pain, the reduction was minimal.

    More: Researchers: �Popular drugs for nerve pain are ineffective�

    Myth #4 � Tingling, Numbness and Shooting Pains Are the Only Symptoms of Neuropathy

    While these are the most common symptoms associated with neuropathy, there are many other problems that can manifest themselves if you�re suffering from nerve damage. Depending on the type of nerves that have been damaged, your symptoms could range from tingling sensations in the hands or feet to heartburn or indigestion.

     

     

    Your peripheral nervous system has three types of nerves: sensory, motor, and autonomic. Each has a different function and the symptoms of your nerve damage will vary depending on which of these nerve types was damaged. In some cases only one type of nerve may be damaged, while in others multiple nerve types may have been compromised.

    Common Symptoms of Nerve Damage (based on nerve type):

    Sensory:

    • Pins and needle-like pain (sharp, painful sensations)
    • Tingling or numbness
    • Extreme sensitivity to touch

    Motor:

    • Loss of balance
    • Muscle weakness
    • Loss of muscle control (i.e. difficulty gripping things, difficulty walking)
    • Cramps or twitching

    Autonomic:

    • Dizziness when standing
    • Abnormal heart rate
    • Shortness of breath
    • Excessive sweating
    • Lack of sweat
    • Digestive problems
    • Bladder problems
    • Vision Problems

    While there are many other myths and misleading facts floating around out there � these are four of the ones I�ve encountered most often in my years helping people suffering from neuropathy. Some of them can be more harmful than others � depriving the person that has fallen for them of the real information that could make a difference in their life.

    What myths or misleading information have you been told over the years � only to discover the truth later on?

    Call Today!

    Mastodon