With over 25% of the American population suffering from some form of neuropathy, it’s safe to say that neuropathy is relatively common. But just because it is common does not mean you need to suffer through it. At SOHMA Integrative Health Center in Long Beach CA, we offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to help you with your pains and struggles with neuropathy. Neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of health issues involving nerve damage. Although rarely fatal, neuropathy can lead to life-altering problems.
Today we’re going to talk about how neuropathy can affect you and how PRP therapy can help treat the symptoms of and may restore damaged nerves.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects over 3 million Americans every year. There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy however, the most common cause is diabetes. Other causes may include:
- Injury
- Trauma
- Exposure to toxins
- Infections
Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. Auto accidents, sport,s or even injuries caused by a slip and fall can have the potential to cause nerve damage. Don’t ignore the symptoms, as the longer you let the injury remain untreated, the longer it may take to recover. In some cases recovery is impossible.
Being exposed to toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, and some insecticides can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Heavy drinkers and smokers also have an elevated risk of developing neuropathy.
Many different viruses like chicken pox, shingles, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) just to name a few can also cause nerve damage.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
The symptoms of neuropathy are varied, much like what causes neuropathy. The most common symptom of them will be numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The feelings of pins and needles as well as an uncomfortable burning sensation can sometimes accompany the numbness. Symptoms are most frequently experienced in the evenings but can begin to develop during the day. Though this can also be caused by sitting awkwardly for too long or having poor posture when you sleep. If the symptoms persist then we recommend talking to your primary care provider about getting a diagnosis for neuropathy.
A less common symptom is pain, though when present it presents itself as unusually intense. Pain can be felt in the neck, face, arms, and legs.
Neuropathy can affect the muscles as well. Many patients will lose strength in their arms or legs. Making their muscles feel weighed down or slow to respond. Older adults may lose balance and fall causing potentially dangerous injuries.
Platelet Rich Plasma and Neuropathy
PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from the patient’s blood. Once separated, the PRP is then injected into the affected joints or tissue in order to help the body treat and recover from a number of conditions. When a blood vessel is damaged it will send a signal to attract platelets. Platelets cause growth healing functions and play a key role in the body’s natural healing process.
Our bodies have power, and natural healing ability and PRP therapy only aids our body’s healing process. PRP therapy comes from the patient (autologous), so there is no risk of disease transmission or rejection of the body’s immune system.
When injected into an area of the body being affected by neuropathy, the PRP triggers the body to begin repairing damaged tissue. These platelets promote regeneration and can minimize the amount of time needed to repair tendons, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and nerve damage.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
