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.
Safe Exercise for People with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) If you’ve been diagnosed with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) , you know that movement can feel tricky. Joints may slip, ache, or feel unstable, and sometimes exercise feels intimidating and overwhelming. However, the right kinds of exercise will help you get stronger, protect your joints, and improve your daily comfort. The goal with hEDS is not to push your body to extremes—it’s to gradually, over time, build gentle strength, stability, and confidence. Why Exercise Matters with hEDS The right types of movement can: Strengthen muscles that support loose joints. Improve balance and body awareness (reducing injury risk). Ease pain and fatigue. Boost mood and energy. Nurse Pro Tip : Think “support” not “stretch.” The goal isn’t more flexibility—you already have plenty—but stability and protection. ✅ Safe & Helpful Exercises When choosing activities, think slow, steady, and supportive. 💧 Water-Based Exercise Swimming, water walking, or gentle aquatic therapy take pressure off your joints while still giving you resistance to build strength. 🧘 Modified Pilates or Yoga Focus on core strength and stability. Skip deep stretches—keep movements small, controlled, and steady. 🏋️ Light Strength Training Resistance bands or light weights help build protective muscle. Stick with lighter loads, higher reps, and slow, intentional movements. 🚶 Walking or Cycling Flat-ground walking and recumbent cycling are gentle, low-impact ways to support cardiovascular health. 🤲 Physical Therapy Exercises A physical therapist who understands hEDS can teach you safe, customized strengthening routines to stabilize your most vulnerable joints. ( Email me @ yourinspiredvitality@gmail.com for personalized recommendations or referrals to Utah PTs familiar with hEDs). ❌ Exercises to Avoid Some activities can increase the risk of injury or worsen symptoms. It’s best to avoid: High-impact sports (running, jumping, contact sports). Heavy weightlifting (places too much strain on joints). Deep stretching or “contortion-like” yoga. Fast-paced HIIT workouts with explosive movements. Gymnastics or flexibility-focused training. Nurse Pro Tip : If the focus of a workout is “how far you can stretch” or “how heavy you can lift,” it’s probably not the right fit for hEDS. 💡 Tips for Moving Safely Listen to your body—stop if something feels wrong. Prioritize stability, not flexibility. Work with professionals who understand hypermobility. Progress slowly—small, consistent steps are safest. ✨ The Bottom Line -- Living with hEDS doesn’t mean avoiding exercise. It means finding the right kind of movement that supports your body instead of stressing it. With gentle, strengthening exercises, you can feel stronger, reduce pain, and enjoy a more active, confident life.
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