It’s estimated that over 20 million people in the United States have neuropathy, a condition that results from damage to peripheral nerves. Neuropathy can produce various symptoms including pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially in the feet and hands. While there is no cure for this condition, there are a number of ways to manage symptoms and maintain good quality of life and a productive work schedule.
What is Neuropathy?
The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and brain and peripheral nerves extend throughout the rest of the body to organs, arms, legs, hands and feet. When there is damage to peripheral nerves, the result is nerve pain or neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy interferes with information between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy
There are many signs and symptoms of neuropathy, some of which may be worse than others. Sings and symptoms may come and go, while others can linger for a long time, especially when associated with diabetes. In fact, over 30% of individuals diagnosed with neuropathy also have diabetes. Neuropathic signs and symptoms can include:
- Spontaneous pain like pins and needles, electric shock-like pain, numbness or burning
- Pressure, cold or brushing against the body cause pain
- The experience of extreme pain from normally mild pain experiences (heat)
- Decreased response to pain when there should be a painful experience
- Lack of coordination or falling
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Bowel, bladder or digestive health issues
- Changes in blood pressure causing dizziness
Causes of Neuropathy
While diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy, many times referred to as diabetic neuropathy, the condition may be caused by a wide variety of health issues including:
- Shingles
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Facial nerve conditions
- Alcohol use disorder
- Chemotherapy
- Amputation and phantom limb pain
- Compression of the spinal cord
- Tumors
- Surgery
Treatment of Neuropathy
While there is no cure, there are many medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes that can help in managing or relieving symptoms. Treatment will depend on the cause or type of neuropathy. Before considering treatment, it’s best to consult health providers who will provide a physical exam and various tests to rule out other conditions and provide a definitive diagnosis of the condition. The goals of treatment include providing relief from pain, maintaining the ability to function, treat underlying causes, and improve quality of life.
Medications for Neuropathy
A wide variety of medications and prescription drugs have been used to relieve peripheral neuropathy. Not all medications are successful and some may cause negative side effects, but under the care of a health provider, one or more of the following medications may help, including:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol)
- Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pamelor)
- Antiseizure medications (Neurontin, Lyrica)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Topical medicines (capsaicin, Lidocaine)
Therapies and Procedures for Neuropathy
Along with the appropriate medication, symptoms of neuropathy may be better managed with some form of treatment. Based on the cause and severity of the condition, the health care provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Nerve blocks
- Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin
- Surgery
- Psychological counseling
Lifestyle Modifications
Prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and various forms of treatment may all be helpful to some degree, but modifying one’s lifestyle can also manage symptoms. Most of these are healthy behaviors that could benefit regardless of diagnosis, but might be particularly helpful in managing neuropathic pain. These healthy behaviors and routines include:
- Eat plenty of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables for nerve health
- Commit to a low-impact workout routine involving 30-60 minutes more days than not throughout the week
- Avoid toxins and over-exposure to alcohol, smoking, harsh working conditions, and toxic chemicals
- Monitor blood sugar if diagnosed with diabetes
- Wear good supportive diabetic or orthopedic shoes
- Practice stress management, meditation or prayer
- Remain as socially and emotionally involved with others as possible
- Modify the workspace as much as possible for comfort and support
- Keep appointments with specialists and other health care providers
Final Thoughts on Living and Working with Neuropathy
Neuropathy affects over 20 million Americans, many who wish to remain active and continue working later in life. While no cure for this condition exists, plenty of medications, treatments, therapies, and lifestyle changes may help to reduce pain, maintain functionality and independence, treat underlying causes of neuropathy, improve quality of life and work in older adulthood. To get ahead of unwanted symptoms, it’s always best to find a good health care provider who will give a definitive diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.