Peripheral Neuropathy: A Functional Neurologist’s Approach to Laser Therapy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. This damage can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, and muscle weakness. As a functional neurologist, my approach to treating peripheral neuropathy is holistic, focusing on both symptom management and addressing the underlying causes. One of the most promising treatments in our arsenal is laser therapy.

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can result from a variety of causes, including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, and exposure to toxins. The condition can affect sensory nerves (which control sensation), motor nerves (which control movement), or autonomic nerves (which control functions such as blood pressure and heart rate). The diversity of symptoms and causes makes it crucial to adopt a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.

The Role of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, particularly low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, has emerged as a powerful treatment for peripheral neuropathy. This non-invasive therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes that promote healing. Here’s how laser therapy benefits patients with peripheral neuropathy:

    1.    Nerve Regeneration: LLLT stimulates the production of nerve growth factors and enhances mitochondrial activity, leading to improved energy production (ATP) in nerve cells. This promotes the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves.

    2.    Improved Blood Circulation: Laser therapy enhances microcirculation, increasing blood flow to the affected areas. This improved circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged nerves, accelerating their recovery.

    3.    Pain Reduction: The anti-inflammatory effects of laser therapy help reduce pain and discomfort. By decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), LLLT provides significant pain relief for many patients.

Integrative Approaches

While laser therapy is central to our treatment strategy, it is often most effective when combined with other therapies. This multimodal approach ensures comprehensive care and addresses the various aspects of peripheral neuropathy.

    1.    Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is vital for nerve health. Key supplements that support nerve function and repair include:

    •    Alpha-Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and improves nerve function.

    •    B Vitamins: Particularly B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12, which are essential for nerve health and regeneration.

    •    Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These have anti-inflammatory properties and support nerve repair.

    Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. 

    2.    Electrical Stimulation: Techniques such as Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation can complement laser therapy. Electrical stimulation helps to enhance nerve function and reduce pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. 

    3.    Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing underlying conditions like diabetes through diet, exercise, and weight management is critical. For example, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels can prevent further nerve damage and enhance the efficacy of other treatments.

Clinical Evidence and Case Studies

Research and clinical experience strongly support the efficacy of laser therapy for peripheral neuropathy. Studies have shown that patients undergoing LLLT experience significant improvements in pain reduction, nerve conduction, and overall function. Many patients report decreased reliance on pain medications and improved quality of life.

In our practice, we have witnessed remarkable transformations across a diverse range of patients with peripheral neuropathy. Individuals with conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and trauma-related nerve damage have all experienced significant improvements. Laser therapy has provided relief from chronic pain, enhanced nerve function, and restored mobility for many, enabling patients to return to their daily activities with increased ease and comfort.

Conclusion

Peripheral neuropathy can be a challenging condition to manage, but innovative treatments like laser therapy offer new hope. In our office, we emphasize a holistic approach that combines laser therapy with nutritional support, electrical stimulation, and lifestyle modifications. This integrative strategy not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses the root causes of neuropathy, promoting long-term nerve health and overall well-being.

Laser therapy has proven to be a highly effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy, offering pain relief, enhanced nerve regeneration, and improved quality of life for many patients. By embracing a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan, we can provide the best possible outcomes and help patients regain function and enjoy a better quality of life.

Top 5 Ways to Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases, Like Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s


Even though neurodegeneration (the slow breakdown of your brain) is a natural process of aging, people generally want to avoid or prolong it as long as possible. The most common neurodegenerative diseases that aging people experience are dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately two out of three Americans experience some level of cognitive decline or impairment around the average age of 70. While this may be a scary statistic, it’s also one that can motivate you to incorporate healthy habits into your day-to-day life to limit the effects of these life-changing diseases. 

That’s why we’re sharing five simple ways you proactively prevent and delay cognitive decline, and maintain your quality of life. 

What Is Neurodegeneration & Why Does It Happen? 

Your brain is made up of billions of neurons, and neurons are specialized cells that send and receive signals, helping your brain work properly. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, occur when those neurons start to die and/or stop working. 

There are countless factors that contribute to cognitive decline and increase your risk of developing these diseases, many of them being repeated stressors over time. Examples include inflammation, long term stress and trauma. Neurodegenerative diseases can show up in many different ways, with symptoms including memory loss, anxiety, mood changes and more. 

If you are diagnosed with one of these diseases, it can be hard to slow down the process, since the damage has already started to occur. So that means prevention is key. No matter what age you are now, the earlier you start prioritizing activities like we discuss below, the more it will help to prolong or even prevent these diseases from appearing. 

How Can I Prevent Or Prolong Neurodegeneration?

Luckily, there are proven approaches you can take to prevent or delay the onset of neurological diseases. Let’s explore five simple ways you can proactively protect your brain and its health, for as long as possible. 

  1. Exercise Regularly

Exercise does amazing things for your nervous system and is the number one activity you can do to help prevent neurodegeneration. 

Generally, we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, that gets your heart rate up to approximately 70% of its maximum rate. This amount of exercise can decrease your risk of cognitive decline by 35% or more (which is impressive alone), plus benefit the rest of your body and mind too.

Exercise is beneficial because while you’re improving cardiac function, you’re also increasing blood flow to your brain. And increased blood flow means your brain is receiving more nutrients and oxygen, making your blood vessels more pliable. This leads to healthier neurons and a reduced risk of stroke and brain disease. 

If you want to take it up a notch to benefit your brain and body even more, add resistive exercises to your routine. Ideally, you want to find something that you can do long term — whether that’s lifting weights, swimming, running, whatever! Find something you enjoy, because being consistent and making exercise part of your daily routine will produce optimal results. 

  1. Hit The Sauna

Did you know that using a sauna can give your brain almost the same results as exercise? 

It creates similar short term stress on your body and elevates both your blood pressure and heart rate, just as it would when you’re exercising. The only difference is that your muscles aren’t contracting (therefore, strengthening) as they would while you exercised. While using a sauna can benefit everyone, it’s especially a great option for those who can’t exercise. 

The amount of time you need to spend in a sauna to receive these benefits depends on the kind of sauna, as well as the type and temperature of heat you’re in. For example, spending 15-20 minutes in a sauna at a high temperature, could give comparable effects to spending 35-40 minutes in a sauna with a lower temperature. 

Studies show that people who use a sauna four to seven times per week have a 66% decrease in Alzheimer’s compared to those people who do less — wow!

  1. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

There are several different stages of sleep, and they’re all important. Both deep sleep and REM sleep (rapid eye movement) are important for your brain function and health. 

During deep sleep, your body flushes out and cleanses your brain of waste products using your lymphatic system. This process is very important for your brain health, and unfortunately doesn’t occur if you don’t get into a deep sleep. 

During REM sleep, you process emotions, organize memories, and rehearse activities or new things that you learned that day. This process is important for cognition — if you’re unable to reach REM sleep, your memory and cognition may be negatively affected.  

It’s been shown that people who have sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea and those who report being sleepy during the day, are more prone to cognitive decline. 

If you’re having trouble sleeping, we recommend you speak with a doctor for ways to improve your sleep hygiene. Book your free 15-minute phone consultation.

  1. Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is often connected to weight loss, but this practice has benefits for your brain as well. Even incorporating it as little as two times per week can be beneficial, and is incredibly simple to add to your regular routine.

Intermittent fasting is essentially restricting calories or any type of nutrients for a 16-18 hour window. This puts a low amount of stress on your body, which activates your immune system. When activated, your immune system naturally searches for damaged cells and clears them out before they cause problems. (This includes clearing out damaged or dying neurons in your brain that could contribute to neurodegeneration — and that’s why we recommend intermittent fasting to accelerate concussion healing as well.) 

  1. Take Healthy Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are wonderful for your health and many of us don’t get enough in a typical nutritional diet. Two types of these fatty acids in your body are omega-3 and omega-6.

Omega-6 fatty acids:

  • Are found in fried foods 
  • Cause inflammation in our bodies, which leads to nerve degeneration
  • Therefore are NOT recommended

While omega-3 fatty acids:

  • Are found in healthier foods, like fish, nuts, avocados
  • Are anti-inflammatory in nature 

Omega 3s are essentially a brain ‘super-food’ since they’re the building blocks of neurons. Neurons are coated in omega-3 fatty acids, so having an abundance of them in your diet gives your body the ability to repair neurons and keep your brain healthy.  

How Can I Improve My Brain Health? 

We always recommend that the sooner you can implement as many of these easy brain practices into your daily life as possible, the better.  

Because remember…

  • It’s never too late to start
  • Prioritize progress over perfection
  • Find exercise that you enjoy so that you’ll stick with it — consistency is key

If you’d like to learn more about proactive and preventative brain health exercises, contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Our team of professionals would be happy to discuss if the care and treatments we provide are right for you. 

Understanding Back Pain: The Signs, Symptoms & Treatments Of Disc Injuries

Most of us have experienced some form of back injury. Unfortunately, they’re all too common and the discomfort they cause can range from a slight twinge to unbearable pain. 

When back pain does occur, we often hear phrases like ‘I slipped a disc’, ‘I threw my back out’ or ‘I pinched a nerve’. These terms are often used interchangeably (and incorrectly) to describe any form of back injury. And while, yes, they each involve the spinal column, they actually refer to different types of disc injuries. 

So we’re here to explain what discs are, and the various signs and symptoms people experience so you know if and when you or a loved one should seek professional help.  

What Is A Spinal Disc?

Discs lie between your vertebrae, the bones in your spinal column, and each has a tough outer layer with a soft center. Discs serve as:

  • Shock absorbers for your spine, providing a cushion between your bones
  • Nerve root protection, creating space that prevents nerves from being pinched or compressed by the surrounding bones

But what’s really interesting about spinal discs is that they don’t have their own blood supply. Other body parts, like muscles and organs, have blood continuously circulating through them carrying nutrients, keeping your tissue healthy and healing any injuries.

However, since discs don’t have a blood supply, they require a different method to maintain their health and heal from injury. They do this through our natural, everyday movement. Your body’s motion throughout the day causes the discs to compress, stretch and relax, pushing much-needed nutrients into the discs. (That’s why doctors often say movement is the best medicine for a back injury.)

What Types Of Disc Injuries Are There?

The soft center of our spinal discs make them incredible shock absorbers for our spinal columns. However, that also means they can be easily compressed or distorted.

When this happens, we categorize disc injuries into two main types:

  1. Traumatic Onset 

An injury caused by a single moment of impact, movement or force that changes the shape and structure of your disc. Also known as a disc herniation. 

  1. Wear & Tear 

An injury that occurs slowly over time as your disc is compressed. Also known as a disc bulge.   

With a disc bulge, it’s common to lose the spacing and cushion from your disc, resulting in a compressed or pinched nerve from the spinal column, which can be quite painful. 

What Signs & Symptoms Indicate A Disc Injury?

By knowing how common disc injuries may look or feel, you can self-assess and better understand when you should seek help. 

Key signs and symptoms you should watch for include:

  • Loss of strength
  • Loss of sensation (numbness)
  • Loss in muscle mass and tone
  • Changes in reflexes 
  • Back pain
    • Note: Pain is a common symptom of disc injuries, but it alone is not an indicator of severity. It’s entirely possible to have a severe injury with minimal pain and a minor injury with extreme pain.
  • Changes in bowel or bladder function
    • Note: Some lower back spinal nerves travel to your bladder and bowel to help them function. Therefore, changes in function could indicate a spinal column injury if those nerves have been damaged. 

But remember, one of these symptoms alone does not necessarily mean you have a disc injury. For example, if you’re experiencing weakness or numbness, a disc injury is only one possible explanation. Think of your symptoms as puzzle pieces that need to be put together in order to see the full picture. 

That’s why, at Lancaster Brain & Spine, we consider all your symptoms during our thorough full assessment. If you do have one or more of these symptoms, book a free 15-minute telephone consultation with us so we can help you determine the cause.

Ok, I Think I Have A Back Injury — Now What?

Getting a professional, physical examination should be your first step. This assessment will determine if you have a disc injury, if so what type, and which treatment method is recommended.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we use a hands-on approach because it allows us to assess symptoms in combination, like reflexes, muscle loss and numbness. Once we’ve determined what type of injury you have and its severity, we develop a treatment plan specific to your injury, lifestyle and goals. 

With a wide range of treatment methods available in-house, we’re able to customize your treatment plan with targeted exercises, personalized treatments and laser therapy. All of our recommended therapies focus on healing your injury, decreasing your pain and helping you regain mobility. 

Tired Of Living With Back Pain?

Even if your pain feels minor, we recommend getting your symptoms assessed and treatment started as soon as possible, because:

  • The level of your pain does not always match the severity of your injury
  • An injury left untreated could lead to serious health and mobility problems down the road
  • A typical reaction when back pain is to sit still. However, specific movements and exercises may actually heal your injury and help you feel better (remember how discs require movement to receive nutrients?)
  • Early diagnosis and treatment puts you on a smoother and faster road to recovery

If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms of a disc injury, we recommend seeking a professional opinion to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. 

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we specialize in these types of injuries and would be happy to discuss how we can help you. To speak with one of our experts, please contact us for your free 15-minute telephone consultation. 

What Is Dysautonomia? A Comprehensive Guide For Patients and Caregivers

As a chiropractic neurology clinic, you can imagine we encounter patients struggling with a variety of neurological disorders. One of the main conditions we see and treat is dysautonomia. 

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for a complex neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a range of symptoms and can present in a variety of ways that can be challenging to diagnose and manage. 

This condition isn’t rare either. Dysautonomia International estimates that over 70 million people have some form of this condition. Despite its widespread population, it takes most patients years to receive a diagnosis simply because they’re unaware of what dysautonomia is.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we aim to increase awareness of complex conditions by educating our patients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dysautonomia is, and cover the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this condition. 

What Is Dysautonomia?

Our autonomic nervous system regulates many of the body’s automatic functions. This includes things like your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and temperature control. Dysautonomia occurs when there is a dysfunction in this system, resulting in a range of symptoms that can affect many of your body’s functions. 

Dysautonomia can be a primary condition, meaning that it’s a result of a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system itself. Or it can be a secondary condition, meaning it’s the result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Lyme disease or multiple sclerosis. 

Symptoms Of Dysautonomia

How dysautonomia presents in the body can vary greatly from person to person. These symptoms can include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
  • Fainting or near-fainting (known as syncope)
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat (known as tachycardia or arrhythmia)
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog or cognitive difficulties
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bladder dysfunction
  • Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
  • Temperature intolerance
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, please contact us for a free phone consultation.

The Different Types Of Dysautonomia

There are three main forms of dysautonomia that we diagnose patients with:  

  1. Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS)

Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS) or Vasovagal Syncope is the most common form of dysautonomia. It’s a typical cause of fainting that relates to a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. In NCS, a sudden and brief drop in blood pressure and heart rate occurs, leading to a lack of blood flow to the brain and causing you to faint. 

Emotional stress, pain or prolonged standing can often be triggers of NCS.

Symptoms of NCS include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or sweating
  • A sudden feeling of warmth or coldness
  1. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) 

A rapid increase in heart rate without a significant decrease in heart rate characterizes POTS. This sensation can occur when a person moves from lying down to standing up. The body is unable to adjust to the change in posture, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities and reducing blood flow to the brain. 

Symptoms of POTS include:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Occasional fainting
  • Palpitations
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog 
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  1. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that usually occurs in older adults. A build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain leads to the death of nerve cells and causes MSA.

MSA is a rare and often difficult-to-diagnose condition. Early recognition and management of symptoms is important for improving quality of life.

Symptoms of MSA include:

  • Problems with movement or balance
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Bladder control issues

Causes Of Dysautonomia

The causes of dysautonomia can vary, depending on what type you might have. 

Primary dysautonomia can be genetic or idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. While secondary dysautonomia can be the result of various underlying conditions, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing dysautonomia can be challenging. As you’ve seen, the symptoms are often vague and overlap with many other possible conditions. 

That’s why, at Lancaster Brain & Spine, we examine “the whole you,” not just the symptoms you come in with. We’ll look at your past history and your body’s various systems while asking extensive questions and performing a thorough examination.

Our specialist diagnostic testing includes tilt-table tests, heart rate variability, videonystagmography and autonomic function that we have in-house at our Lancaster, PA clinic. These extensive testing facilities are why so many surrounding clinics send their neurological patients our way.

The treatment for dysautonomia depends on the underlying cause and the specific symptoms presented. In some cases, lifestyle changes can have a very beneficial impact, such as:

  • Increasing salt and fluid intake
  • Wearing compression socks
  • Regular exercise
  • Staying hydrated
  • Avoiding triggers

At our Lancaster-based clinic, we administer treatment and monitor you throughout the process. We also perform therapies in stages, from lying down to tilted or standing, to ensure consistent, but not overwhelming, growth. We track the variability of regulating blood pressure, heart rate and breathing and aim to improve your symptoms with the least discomfort possible.

That’s why we offer intensive weeks. We can improve neurological problems with consistent treatment spread out over a few days due to the brain’s neuroplasticity. Wondering if an intensive week could work for you? Book a free 15-minute telephone consult to discuss this treatment option with our staff. 

Living With Dysautonomia

Living with this condition can be challenging. But it is possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. The best way to do this? Work with knowledgeable professionals who can create a custom dysautonomia treatment plan for you. Depending on your circumstances, this plan may include medical intervention or lifestyle modifications. Whatever the recommended treatment, it’s a plan to help you get back to living your best life. 

Want A Second Opinion?

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with dysautonomia, we recommend you seek a professional opinion. 

Request a free telephone consultation with us by completing our quick contact form. One of our lovely staff will arrange a call between you and one of our experts, where we can discuss your symptoms and the next best steps. 

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we specialize in invisible pain, so you’re in safe hands.

Book your free 15-minute telephone consult with us here.

A Guide To Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy: 10 Ways To Self-Assess At Home

We all know that regular health assessments are crucial for maintaining good health. Not only can they help us detect problems early on, but they also provide valuable insight into your overall well-being. 

While your primary care physician may perform health assessments during your annual check-up, you can also take responsibility for your health by conducting tests and screenings at home. By regularly performing self-assessments, you can identify warning signs or symptoms of various conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy. 

We’re here to help you understand what peripheral neuropathy is, so you’re better equipped to detect the early warning signs at home. 

First Things First — What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing them to work improperly. This nerve damage or irritation can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. 

It’s most commonly felt in the hands and feet, and can appear as a change in sensation, perception or strength, often described as “weakness” or “atrophy.” 

Some signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
  • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch or muscle weakness
  • Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as putting weight on your feet or when they’re under a blanket
  • Lack of coordination and falling
  • Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy 

There are various conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy. For example, many people with diabetes will develop some type of neuropathy. Many inherited disorders, tumors, autoimmune diseases and infections can also be a cause.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition, but often there is a lack of information about recognizing signs and symptoms. This is a problem, because the sooner you can catch or identify nerve damage, the better chance you have at restoring it to its original state.   

Now a physician can diagnose peripheral neuropathy, but knowing when to seek further help leaves many people feeling unsure. Self-assessment allows you to check if you should seek a professional opinion. Below you’ll find a self-assessment diagnostic that you can use in the comfort of your home.

10 Ways To Self-Assess For Peripheral Neuropathy At Home

To complete this self-assessment, find a quiet place, a pen and a piece of paper. Either physically complete the tests or answer the questions, and then note your score. You can also ask a loved one to help you perform the tests, or self-assess your loved one. 

If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

1. Can you reach into your purse or wallet, and correctly identify the type of coin? 

2. If you put your hand under running water, can you tell if it’s warm or cold, simply by touch? Does it feel the same on both hands? 

3. Is there a visible color difference between your hands or feet? One might look bluer or redder, while the other is a normal skin tone.

4. Can you tell the difference between the sharp and dull ends of an object, say a pen, while your eyes are closed? Is this sensation the same for every finger and toe?

5. When you’re barefoot, can you tell the type of floor you’re touching? Can you tell if it’s a fluffy carpet or rough hardwood? Can you feel the seams in the wood?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

6. Do you have hypersensitivity or difficulty with certain footwear feeling constrictive or unsupportive?

7. Do you feel like you constantly need to wear gloves or mittens outside to maintain a constant temperature sensation in your hands?

8. Do you have discoloration from one finger to the next? Does one nail look less healthy than another on either your hands or feet?

9. Do you often trip or stumble?

10. Do you often burn or cut yourself in the kitchen?

What’s your final score? If you or your loved one scored at least 1 point, that could indicate a potential peripheral neuropathy, and you should seek a professional medical opinion. 

Want our opinion? Request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form. If we think it’s necessary, we’ll invite you in for further testing. 

What Does Getting A Diagnosis Look Like?

Understanding your condition depends on your individual circumstances, but it usually starts with seeking a medical opinion and undergoing diagnostic tests, which may include:

  1. Bedside examination — an in-person examination helps diagnose the structure and functional capacity.
  1. Bloodwork — this is a common first step, and involves drawing blood and testing it for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
  1. Diagnostic testing — there is equipment called an EMG (Electromyography), which can determine the specific nerve location and extent of the damage.
  1. Nerve biopsy — this is a more invasive procedure, but along with genetic testing, it can help determine why you have peripheral neuropathy and what can be done to improve it.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options 

Peripheral neuropathy can be treated using various methods, with many options for non-invasive or non-surgical treatment options. Laser therapy, for example, has been widely proven to help heal symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy.

Want Our Professional Medical Opinion?

If you think you might have peripheral neuropathy, request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form here.