Neuropathy Treatments
Evangeline Lindorf
Traditional and Holistic Treatment Methods for Neuropathy
Welcome back to our neuropathy awareness series! In this week's blog post, we'll discuss the various treatment options available for managing neuropathy. While medications play a crucial role in symptom management, there are plenty of alternative and complementary therapies that can provide relief and improve overall nerve health.
Traditional Medical Treatments
Prescription medications are often prescribed to help manage the symptoms of neuropathy and slow disease progression. Some common medications used in the treatment of neuropathy include:
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids may be utilized to help alleviate neuropathic pain.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants (such as Nortriptyline or Amitriptyline) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs such as Duloxetine), have been found to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
Anticonvulsants: Drugs commonly used to treat seizures, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, can also help relieve neuropathic pain by stabilizing nerve signals.
Topical Treatments: Topical medications containing capsaicin or lidocaine may be applied directly to the skin to help relieve localized nerve pain.
While these medications can be effective for some individuals, they may also be associated with side effects and limitations in long-term use.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
In addition to traditional medical treatments, many individuals with neuropathy find relief from alternative and complementary therapies. These approaches aim to address the underlying causes of neuropathy, reduce inflammation, and promote nerve regeneration. Some alternative therapies that may be beneficial for neuropathy include:
Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese therapy involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve function and promote healing. I have a wonderful local acupuncturist I'd love to refer you to--he has helped me with my own health issues over the years.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy techniques, such as exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, can help individuals with neuropathy manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Dietary Supplements:
Certain vitamins and supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been studied for their potential benefits in neuropathy management. Correcting iron deficiencies can also be helpful.
Mind-Body Practices: Practices such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being, which may indirectly benefit individuals with neuropathy.
Combining Approaches for Comprehensive Care
Many individuals with neuropathy find that a combination of traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies provides the most comprehensive approach to symptom management and overall well-being. Working closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and preferences is key to achieving optimal outcomes.
In my next post, I'll discuss the different types of neuropathy and discuss their unique symptoms, risk factors, and treatment considerations. Stay tuned for "Types of Neuropathy: Understanding Peripheral and Diabetic Neuropathy."
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to neuropathy treatment. Exploring different options and finding what works best for you is essential on your journey toward better nerve health and overall wellness.
Mold Illness vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference? When people think of mold, they often assume it just causes seasonal allergies—sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. But mold illness goes far beyond typical allergic reactions, affecting multiple systems in the body and often mimicking chronic or autoimmune conditions. Mold Allergies: The Basics Mold allergies are an immune response to mold spores. Symptoms may include: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Cough or post-nasal drip Mild fatigue These symptoms usually flare up in humid environments, basements, or during seasonal changes. They’re often treated with antihistamines or allergy shots. Mold Illness: A Deeper Toxic Load Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) , is triggered not by an allergic reaction, but by a toxic overload from mycotoxins —dangerous chemicals produced by certain molds . These toxins can accumulate in your body, especially if your detox pathways are compromised. Symptoms may include: Brain fog Chronic fatigue Digestive issues Hormonal imbalances Neurological symptoms like anxiety or depression Joint and muscle pain Key Differences Mold Allergy Mold Illness (CIRS) Involves histamine reaction Involves chronic inflammation Symptoms are seasonal or triggered by exposure Symptoms persist and worsen over time Usually treatable with OTC meds Requires detox, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment What If You Have Both? Some people suffer from both mold allergies and mold illness, making symptoms even more complex. If you’ve been treating allergies with little to no relief, it may be time to explore the possibility of deeper toxicity. If you have both mold allergies and mold illness, you will have to treat both. Remediate all mold out of your environment. Test for the presence of mold in your home and office environments. Remove high mold foods from your diet. What to Do Next If your symptoms go beyond allergy season and don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time to consider mold testing and a functional approach to healing. At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold illness holistically. Detoxification strategies (sauna therapy, sweating, supplements, and binders), as well as dietary and environmental changes can help. Testing for the presence of specific mycotoxins is important to do as well and can be done through a simple urine test. Ready to feel better? Book a consultation today and let’s find out what’s really behind your symptoms.
Is Mold Making Me Sick? Common Symptoms & What to Watch For Mold exposure is more than just an allergy trigger—it can be a root cause of chronic illness that is often overlooked. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis, mold might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Let’s explore the most common signs of mold illness and how to determine if your environment is making you sick. Common Symptoms of Mold Illness Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), can affect multiple systems in the body. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms: 1. Respiratory Issues– Chronic sinus congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, or a persistent cough can indicate mold exposure. 2. Brain Fog & Cognitive Issues – Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion are common in mold toxicity. 3. Fatigue & Weakness – If you feel exhausted despite adequate rest, mold-related inflammation may be depleting your energy. 4. Skin Reactions – Unexplained rashes, itching, or increased sensitivity to chemicals could be linked to mold exposure. 5. Digestive Problems – Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be triggered by mold. 6. Muscle & Joint Pain – Widespread body aches, stiffness, and inflammation may indicate mold-induced toxicity. 7. Mood Changes – Anxiety, depression, or increased irritability can result from mold-related neuroinflammation. 8. Increased Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smells – Mold can affect the nervous system, making you more sensitive to stimuli. How to Determine If Mold is Making You Sick - Evaluate Your Environment – Have you noticed symptoms worsen at home, work, or school? Musty odors, water damage, or visible mold growth are red flags. - Track Your Symptoms – If symptoms improve when you leave a certain space for an extended period, mold may be a contributing factor. - Consider Testing – Mold illness isn’t always obvious on standard medical tests. Specialized urine mycotoxin tests and inflammatory marker panels can help confirm exposure. Next Steps: What You Can Do If you suspect mold is impacting your health, here’s what you can do: - Schedule a consultation for mold illness testing and a personalized treatment plan. - Take steps to assess and remediate mold in your environment. - Begin supporting your body’s detox pathways with proper nutrition, binders, and lifestyle changes. Ready to Get Answers? At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold-related illnesses. If you suspect mold exposure is affecting your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your healing journey.