You might have a fall or get hurt playing sports and think you just have a few bruises. You may even heal, and think it’s no big deal. But later, the side effects of your injury can come creeping in, such as a tingling in your extremities. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing nerve pain, it may be due to a disease.
Western medicine has solutions for nerve pain, but they don’t always yield the right results. It’s a good thing that acupuncture can be an excellent alternative to manage all kinds of pain in a natural way! Depending on your situation, acupuncture may be the best way to relieve nerve pain and heal peripheral neuropathy.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
The term neuropathy refers to any damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. Any nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (which form the central nervous system) are referred to as peripheral nerves. Therefore, peripheral neuropathy refers to any damage to peripheral nerves.
Many people don’t know this, but peripheral neuropathy is very common, and neuropathy can lead to various symptoms including tingling and muscle weakness, especially in the hands and feet. There are various ways in which peripheral nerves can be damaged, including:
- Injuries from falls or sports activities can lead to the stretching, compression, cutting, or crushing of nerves.
- Medical conditions can affect nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes.
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome can impact nerves.
- Hormonal imbalances, narrow arteries, and tumors can also cause damage.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage
We use our motor nerves to function on a basic level, such as walking and holding items. Damage to these nerves can cause:
- Muscle weakness
- Painful cramps
- Uncontrollable muscle twitching.
Sensory nerves help us perceive our surroundings, from the temperature and material of an item to the detection of pain. Damaged sensory nerves cause:
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Numbness
- Imbalance when eyes are closed
Autonomic nerves control unconscious bodily functions, such as breathing and food digestion. When these nerves are damaged, you may experience:
- Fluctuation in blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Intolerance to heat
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Slow pupil dilation
It’s possible to experience various symptoms at once since injuries can affect more than one type of peripheral nerve.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine the Best Treatment for Nerve Pain?
The best treatment for nerve pain and damage depends on the individual and the condition of their nerves. Western medicine offers many solutions, such as surgery, physiotherapy, and drugs.
But the utilization of Eastern medical techniques like acupuncture can be a more natural way to relieve pain. This treatment can stimulate blood flow and spur the natural regenerative processes of the body, including those in the nervous system. Using the insertion of needles into specific acupuncture points on the body, patients can experience enormous relief, all without the need for expensive pills that can have unfortunate side effects.
Acupuncture can be conducted through different methods, and a reputable practitioner will determine the appropriate acupuncture treatment for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Yan is an expert in her field, and one of the best people to ask about the subject.
Since 1988, she has studied the ancient practice of acupuncture, including its benefits on nerve pain and many other medical issues. She established her clinic in 2006, spreading awareness of this ancient, healing practice. Dr. Yan is well respected in the community.
How Long Does it Take for Acupuncture to Work on Pain?
Each individual requires a personalized acupuncture treatment. Depending on your medical history, current condition, and medical needs, the treatment plan Dr. Yan designs will vary. Acupuncture can take a short or long time to work on pain. Some patients start to feel relief after the first session while others experience it gradually after several sessions.
Need acupuncture in Calgary? Contact Dr. Yan today to book an appointment!
