Neuropathy is a condition which is characterized by damage to the nerves which results in altered sensation or functions of the concerned nerves. Neuropathy may be localized or systemic depending upon the extent of damage to the nerves.
Cold laser therapy has been found to be effective in the management of neuropathic pains. The technique is a non invasive technique and is considered to provide instant relief. This procedure is used as an alternative to drug therapy to manage neuropathy pain. In addition, this technique is used effectively in other conditions like back pain, neck pain, migraines, muscle aches, fibromyalgia, etc with great success.
Symptoms Of Neuropathy
Certain types of neuropathies tend to develop instantaneously while other forms have a slow and gradual onset. Though the severity of the symptoms may vary for different individuals, in general the symptoms of neuropathy are worse at night.
Symptoms of neuropathy depend upon the nerve that is affected and whether the nerve is a sensory, motor or autonomic nerve. Here are some common symptoms associated with neuropathy,
- Muscle weakness, spasms and cramps are associated with motor nerve damage. Occasionally the individual may complain of loss of coordination and balance
- Sensory nerve involvement is associated with numbness, tingling and pain.The other sensations include increased sensitivity to touch, burning sensation etc.
- Involvement of the autonomic nerves is often associated with abnormal heart rate and changes in blood pressure, constipation or poor gastric motility, inability to perspire and bladder dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness is also observed in autonomic nerve damage.
Causes of Neuropathy
Other than diabetes, it can also be caused by other factors and underlying conditions and diseases such as:
- HIV
- Herpes zoster or shingles
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Toxins
- Genetic abnormalities
- Immune mediated disorders
How to Treat Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be very difficult to treat because it’s the nerves that are damaged. However, there are certain home remedies that would likely reduce and improve the condition of the person. There are also measures and methods that have to be looked into to avoid and to prevent further complications.
- Provide adequate sleep and rest to the individual. They easily tire out due to the poor muscle coordination and muscle weakness.
- Because there is damage to the nerves, there is also the altered pain tolerance of an individual. They are likely to have decreased sensations especially in their hands and feet. This would result to them being at high risk for injury. They are prone to scald themselves because they can no longer tell if the object is hot or not.
- Healing the wounds is a primary concern to patients with diabetes. An individual with neuropathy will have no clue or idea that he is in pain. Hence, it will be too late for the person before he realizes that he is wounded. With diabetes at hand, there would be an increased risk of infection thus complicating the treatments.
Cold Laser Treatment For Neuropathy
The cold laser treatment therapy is a non invasive technique for management of neuropathic pains. Cold laser therapy releases low lever lasers combined with TENS unit, which is an electrical device used to treat different kinds of pain.
There are several reasons why cold laser therapy is preferred compared to the existing therapies. The treatment time is very low. Within a short duration of treatment the patient can actually experience relief in the pain. The procedure is completely non invasive, which makes it more acceptable among the users. The relief is almost instantaneous. Within a few minutes after the treatment, the patient may often experience complete amelioration of the symptoms.
- Cold laser therapy stimulates the affected nerves and has anti-inflammatory properties. This stimulation by cold laser therapy enhances blood flow to the affected nerve and improves the nerve functions, which is responsible for the instantaneous relief.
- Further it also encourages the production of vitamin D and collagen which in turn improves most of the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain.
- Recurrent stimulation of the affected area with cold laser therapy helps in enhancing and hastens the process of healing and eventually eliminates all symptoms associated with neuropathy.