Triad Tech School of Massage Therapy
Hello! I am Brandi Krismer, a current student at Triad Tech School of Massage Therapy. I believe, as we all believe here at Triad, that education is one of the best forms of prevention when it comes to your health in terms of illnesses and conditions. That's why I really hope that you have a few moments to read along as I expand upon the importance of Neuropathy Awareness.
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What is Neuropathy?
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What are the types of Neuropathy?
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The term “Neuropathy” covers a wide area of nerves. It is an abnormal and degenerative state of the nervous system or nerves. The problem it can cause depends on the types of nerves affected.
1. Sensory nerves- (nerves that control sensation) can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in hands or feet 2. Motor nerves- (nerves that allow power and movement) can cause weakness in feet and hands 3. Autonomic nerves- (nerves that control systems of the body -etc. stomach, bladder) can cause changes in the heart rate and blood pressure or may cause swelling Causes of Neuropathy
Diabetes
B12 or folate deficiencies Drugs- chemotherapy and medicines used to treat HIV can cause damage to peripheral nerves Poisons (toxins)- insecticides can cause peripheral nerve damage Cancers- peripheral neuropathy can occur in people with some cancer (lymphoma, multiple myeloma) Excess alcohol consumption Chronic kidney disease- imbalance of salts can cause peripheral disease Chronic liver disease Injuries- broken bones can put pressure on nerves Infections (shingles, HIV, and Lyme Disease) Hereditary diseases- (Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome and Friedreich’s axtaxia) Some inflammatory conditions Connective tissue disease- (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus Erethrmatosus) Gullian-Barre syndrome Statistics It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of PN. 60% are Diabetic, 23% are idiopathic, 10% are Chemo-induced, 2% are HIV/AIDS related and 5% are other causes. Nearly 54,000 diabetics have amputations each year. 75% of these amputations could have been preventable with proper management. $58 billion is the estimated cost to treat diabetic complications such as DPN. 30-40% of all cancer patients have Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy. CIPN is caused by chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatments. Chemotherapy is the hardest on the nervous system in that nerve cells are more sensitive than any other cell. 60% of PN sufferers are male and the other 40% are female. The minimum age for PN is 21, maximum age is 93 and the mean age for PN is 63. January 2012 to December 2016 are the dates in which these statistics were collected. Benefits of Neuropathic Massage Therapy Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion Lessen depression and anxiety Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow Improve condition of the skin Increase joint flexibility Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs which improves circulation Relieves nerve pain Reduce cramping and spasms Release endorphins- amino acids that work as the body’s natural pain killer Relieves Arthritis Relieves migraine pain |
Peripheral – most common , occurs when damage has occurred outside brain or spinal cord, affects extremities (toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands , and/or arms)
Proximal – specifically in thighs, hips or buttocks. Sciatica is a good example Cranial – takes place when nerve damage has occurred in one of twelves cranial nerves. 1. optic – damage of optic nerve 2. auditory – nerve that carries signals from inner ear to brain (hearing) Autonomic – nerves of involuntary system (heart, circulation, digestion, bowel/bladder, sexual organs, and nerves of perspiration) are damaged Focal – restricted nerve damage to one specific nerve of group of nerves, or certain area of the body. Symptoms appear suddenly without warning and often affect nerves of the head (especially nerves that go to eyes) torso or legs How do I look for symptoms of Neuropathy?
Tingling and numbness
Pins and needles, hypersensitivity Increased pain or loss of ability to feel pain Loss of ability to detect hot and cold Loss of coordination and proprioception Burning, stabbing, lancing, shooting pains Skin, hair or nail changes Foot and leg ulcers, infections, gangrene Muscle Weakness- unsteadiness and difficulty performing small movements such as buttoning a shirt Muscle wasting Muscle twitches and cramps Muscle paralysis Dizziness and fainting (sudden changes in blood pressure) Racing heart Reduction in sweating Inability to tolerate heat Loss of control of bladder ( incontinence) Bloating, constipation, diarrhea Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection (impotence Massage Therapy: A Holistic Approach To Neuropathy Treating Neuropathy in a manner that provides long lasting relief may seem impossible to those who have suffered with neuropathy for a long period of time. Neuropathy is a chronic condition that affects millions. Massage Therapy is an excellent neuropathy treatment for several reasons. The main reason massage is a great choice is due to the safeness of it’s use. No side effects, and promotes better blood flow. This can help send vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to damaged areas. Studies have shown that the benefits of massage are an effective treatment for: -Decreased anxiety -Enhanced sleep quality -Greater energy -Improved concentration -Increased circulation -Reduced fatigue |
"My mission statement is to alleviate, rejuvenate and appreciate those to whom you provide your services. "
Treatments and Contact Information
Addressing the underlying cause is a preventative strategy, particularly against Diabetic Neuropathy, where addressing high blood sugar levels can prevent nerve damage.
For toxic causes, remove exposure to suspected toxin or culprit drug will halt further nerve damage Conservative treatments include rest, heat and limited courses of drugs to reduce inflammation Referral to a pain specialist should be considered at any stage if pain is severe, pain significantly limits daily activities and quality of life, the underlying health condition that has caused to neuropathy has deteriorated If a single-nerve neuropathy progresses is spite of conservative measures, surgery may be needed. If nerve compression is fixed ( a tumor), treatment also relies on a surgery. |
We would be happy to address any questions you may have or redirect you to helpful services. For Questions or Comments please contact us below:
Triad Tech 431 5th Avenue Huntington, West Virginia www.triadtech.org 304-781-TECH Brandi Krismer [email protected] |