Every year thousands of cases of peripheral neuropathy are recorded so it is only fitting to discuss it. So, what exactly is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy can be described as a condition characterized by one or all of the following: loss of sensation, tingling, numbness and burning, sleep disturbance and all the other unpleasant sensations that patients who have been diagnosed with this condition (PN) experience. Some patients may experience only one of these many symptoms. However, there are patients that experience all these very bothersome symptoms.
Peripheral Neuropathy is very widespread. In the United State, it has been estimated that around 15 to 20 million patients are suffering from it. What causes Peripheral Neuropathy? It is no longer Diabetes. Most cases are idiopathic or due to unknown causes.
In some cases, Peripheral Neuropathy is caused by medicine intake, post-chemotheraphy, or heavy metal toxicities. More and more people in poor physical shape suffer from the Metabolic Syndrome, where blood sugar and blood lipids (fats) are abnormal. Metabolic Syndrome is becoming much more common in a more sedentary and obese society.
In the United States alone, the annual medical costs of Peripheral Neuropathy are phenomenal. In one study it was discovered that the complications from diabetic peripheral neuropathy alone approach $11 billion! The total cost of peripheral neuropathy and its complications is really extraordinary. It is approaching almost $14 billion annually. Also, around 27% of the direct cost of medical treatments for diabetes may be attributed to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
If you like, you can personally do up to the minute research on the treatment of virtually any health condition, including neuropathy online. You’ll find the traditional, the fringe, the alternatives, and it really can be dizzying. You like most patients have likely done so already.
However, we learned that most our patients do best when they initially connect with a licensed health care professional trained in appropriate care. They can definitely help you sort through numerous information available about certain a health condition.
This is very much true for Peripheral Neuropathy. Because PN is often of unknown caused, diagnosis involves determining what it’s not. The diagnosis of PN is truly a diagnosis of exclusion. It is important that patient’s medical history, genetics and record of medication intake are thoroughly reviewed.
Chiropractors and physical therapists that take care of peripheral neuropathy patients also coordinated with many physicians of different disciple to ensure that everything is accounted for when reviewing a case.
Tramadol

