Understanding the Peripheral Nervous System

To fully grasp the concept of peripheral neuropathy, a basic understanding of the nervous system is essential. The nervous system is the body's communication hub, facilitating interactions between the brain and the rest of the body. The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, acts as the control center, overseeing functions ranging from basic survival processes like breathing and digestion to complex actions like movement and cognitive functions. The spinal cord operates as a major conduit for transmitting messages to and from the brain to various body parts.
Peripheral nerves, branching out from the spinal cord, are akin to side streets stemming from a main highway, allowing electrical impulses from the brain and spinal cord to reach almost all body regions. These nerves can be categorized into three types:
Thyroid Motor Nerves

Responsible for controlling muscle movements.

Sensory Nerves

Transmit sensations such as temperature, touch, and taste.

Autonomic Nerves

Regulate involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood circulation.

Peripheral Neuropathy: An Overview

Peripheral neuropathy, therefore, refers to the dysfunction of these peripheral nerves. With over 100 identified types, each type of peripheral neuropathy presents unique symptoms and prognosis, dependent on the affected nerves. Symptoms can vary in intensity and nature, with some common ones including:

Motor Nerve Damage

Muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, and coordination issues.

Sensory Nerve Damage

Pain sensations, numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity.

Autonomic Nerve Damage

Irregular sweating, heat intolerance, digestive issues, and blood pressure regulation problems.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy can stem from a variety of different sources or multiple sources. Finding the underlying cause is very important in order to successfully treat and reverse neuropathy. It is best to be evaluated by one of our healthcare professionals for a proper diagnosis and proper course for treatment.

Diabetes

A significant number of diabetic individuals develop neuropathy.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Infections

Diseases like HIV, hepatitis, Lyme disease, and shingles.

Toxin Exposure

In some cases toxin exposure like Agent Orange can cause nervous system issues.

Mold Exposure

Serve Mold exposure or long term mold exposure

Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative changes to the spine can cause serve compression to spinal nerves affecting the peripheral nerves.

Medications

Side effects of certain medications can cause neuropathy

Physical Injury

Traumas or repetitive activities causing nerve pressure.

Blood or Vascular Problems

Reduced oxygen levels to nerves due to smoking or vascular issues.

Tumors

Both benign and malignant tumors pressing against nerves.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, lifestyle assessment, and family history of neurological diseases. The physical exam checks muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensitivity to sensations. Diagnostic tests may include:

Ultrasound

To identify vascular or blood flow issues

Blood Tests

To identify metabolic disorders, infections, or autoimmune conditions.

Nerve Function Tests

Such as electromyography (EMG) for detecting nerve damage.

Biopsies

Nerve or skin biopsies to find any nerve abnormalities.

Understanding the nuances of peripheral neuropathy is vital for effective treatment and management, as symptoms and causes can vary greatly among individuals. A comprehensive approach involving medical history, physical examination, and specific testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Types of Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy

Affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, typically in the hands and feet.

Diabetic Neuropathy

A common complication of diabetes, primarily affecting peripheral nerves and leading to sensations like pain or numbness in limbs.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls internal organs, and can affect heart rate, blood pressure, bladder function, and digestion.

Proximal Neuropathy

Also known as diabetic amyotrophy, it mainly affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs.

Focal Neuropathy

Involves sudden weakness or pain in a specific nerve or nerve group, causing muscle weakness or pain.

Cranial Neuropathy

Affects any of the twelve cranial nerves, often impacting vision, eye movement, or facial sensation and movement.

Sensory Neuropathy

Primarily affects sensory nerves, leading to problems with sensation.

Motor Neuropathy

Specifically impacts motor nerves, leading to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Compressive Neuropathy

Caused by pressure on a nerve, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hereditary Neuropathies

Genetic disorders causing nerve damage, like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Idiopathic Neuropathy

Neuropathy with an unknown cause.

Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

Caused by cancer treatment drugs.

Small Fiber Neuropathy

Affects small nerve fibers, causing pain and sensory changes.

Uremic Neuropathy

Associated with kidney failure and the buildup of toxins.

Alcoholic Neuropathy

Caused by excessive alcohol consumption affecting nerve health.

Each type of neuropathy can have different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms to consult with one of our healthcare professionals for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Understanding Our Neuropathy Treatment Approach

Neuropathy is often addressed with prescription medications like Gabapentin, Cymbalta, or Lyrica, which primarily serve to conceal symptoms without halting the progression of the condition. At BMW, we adopt a more enduring approach to tackle this issue.

Introducing Our Neuropathy Reversal Program

Our Neuropathy Reversal Program is designed to foster optimal health and facilitate the healing of damaged Peripheral Nerves under the right conditions. This program is grounded in scientific principles and physiological knowledge. It includes easy-to-follow at-home protocols, ensuring a comprehensive approach to enhance your recovery process.

We craft a bespoke plan tailored specifically for you, combining in-office treatments with at-home strategies to expedite your healing journey and help you regain mobility and comfort.

We recognize that each individual and their neuropathy experience is distinct, with unique stories and challenges. The most effective way to determine if our program aligns with your needs is by arranging an initial consultation. This one-on-one discussion with a doctor offers insight into your options, with no obligation to commit to the program immediately.

We recognize that each individual and their neuropathy experience is distinct, with unique stories and challenges. The most effective way to determine if our program aligns with your needs is by arranging an initial consultation. This one-on-one discussion with a doctor offers insight into your options, with no obligation to commit to the program immediately.

Let's Start Feeling Like Yourself Again!

Wellness Docs, our dedicated team is ready to provide you with top-notch care, expert guidance, and the necessary resources to help you regain your full health and vitality. Reach out to us for a consultation today and take the first step in beginning your wellness journey!