Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain» Podcasts

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we'll talk a bit about how neuropathy can be diagnosed. Unfortunately, nowadays, due to insurance hurdles, proper laboratory tests are often not administered in time to make an early diagnosis. Neuropathy-causing conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed by observing trends in blood tests. Patients with metabolic syndrome that develop peripheral neuropathy are often diagnosed with "idiopathic" (of unknown origin) neuropathy because doctors may overlook all the evidence. One of the things NeuropathyDR clinicians do is observe all laboratory tests for the past five years to try and observe trends other physicians may have missed. Something that may cause neuropathy, in addition to diabetes and metabolic syndrome, is Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is endemic to the Northeastern U.S. and some other areas. It is important to seek treatment quickly for Lyme Disease (or ANY infectious disease) if you suspect you have it--even if a rash is not present. Lyme Disease is most accurately diagnosed using the Western Blot test. Another problem that can arise when diagnosing neuropathy is when not enough tests are performed and conditions can slip under the radar. One of the most under-diagnosed conditions is thyroid disease. The most common symptom of thyroid disease is unexplained fatigue. Tests for thyroid disease include TSH, T3, and others. It is also important to get diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disease early on, because it can cause peripheral neuropathy and other debilitating conditions. Please share your questions, comments, and show topic suggestions on our Facebook Page!

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we're talking about Sensory vs. Motor Neuropathies. There are actually many different kinds of neuropathy. Because everyone is biochemically and genetically different, people who develop neuropathy may develop it in different ways. Neuropathy can be the result of genetics, disease, or injury. Sensory neuropathies affect the ability to perceive with any of the senses. Most commonly, this presents as tingling or numbness.  Motor neuropathies involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone. Sensory neuropathies, which can often be the result of the effects of diabetes or chemotherapy, are more easily treatable. Motor neuropathies are generally much more difficult to treat and can be the result of a genetic condition such as Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT). CMT symptoms include weakness in the legs and feet. There are several types of CMT, and they can vary in severity and age of onset. CMT can be diagnosed with EMGs and CMVs; genetic testing can be extremely expensive and not covered by insurance. However, even if a diagnosis is definitively made, treatment can be difficult. Nutritional supplements and energy-enhancing treatments, however, have shown promise for CMT patients. What other topics would you like us to cover? Join the conversation on our Facebook page, Beating Neuropathy!

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we'll talk about autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is neuropathy that affects the "automatic" functions of the body, such as the heart, breathing, sweating, and digestion. Most cases of autonomic neuropathy is caused by diabetes, but it can also happen with injuries and inflammatory conditions. There is a screening you can do at home to test for autonomic neuropathy. Take your blood pressure while in a seated position, then stand and immediately take it again. Your blood pressure should rise by 10 points both systolic and diastolic. Though it is possible to get a false positive while doing this, it can be an indicator that autonomic neuropathy is happening. Making sure you are well-hydrated is important for everyone, but especially in autonomic neuropathy. Add a bit of salt to your water for electrolytes. Diet is important as well. Consuming enough water and fiber will help your digestive system stay healthy. Eat small, frequent meals instead of two or three large ones. Autonomic neuropathy requires careful evaluation and close supervision. We do not know if there is a significant or long-term cure for it right now. However, the types of treatment we advocate for peripheral neuropathy can also be useful. Join the conversation on Facebook!

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we'll discuss Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS. RLS affects middle-aged and older people and can result from several underlying causes. Some of these include kidney disease, iron deficiency, Parkinson's disease, spinal problems, pregnancy, or either not enough or too much physical activity. It can also be the result of withdrawal from certain drugs, including caffeine. Often, RLS is associated with patients who have peripheral neuropathy. RLS symptoms occur when one is at rest (sitting or lying down) and can manifest as sensations of pain, discomfort, pulling, and so on. These feelings can usually be immediately alleviated by walking around. These symptoms can also occur occasionally in someone who is dehydrated or low in magnesium. As with neuropathy patients, it is important to determine the underlying cause because it could be serious. If laboratory tests are not definitive, a trend in past tests can be observed. Drugs such as Requip/Ropineral can help with RLS symptoms. Patients who are more fit, in general, are less likely to get RLS. Stretching, massage, and yoga can be beneficial. Warm baths with epsom salts can be helpful as well. Supplementing with oral magnesium malate is also indicated with a physician's consent. We welcome suggestions for our future shows at Beating Neuropathy on Facebook. Please post any questions or comments there. Thank you for listening!

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we will again be discussing chemotherapy-related neuropathy. Chemotherapy given for cancer--or other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases--can, unfortunately, cause nerve damage (neuropathy). Patients may or may not develop neuropathy based on which medications they are taking. Platinum-based chemotherapies in particular will usually cause neuropathy. Patients who undergo hormone or radiation therapy in addition to chemotherapy also have a high chance of developing peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of chemotherapy neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and burning, usually in the hands, feet, and legs. Drugs prescribed to alleviate these symptoms can actually worsen the condition. The good news is, a neurostimulator is a drug-free alternative that can actually be used during chemotherapy. Other options light therapies such as include Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and LED Therapy. Manual therapies such as massage and spinal and joint manipulation are also crucial. Work with your team of medical professionals to find out which combination of these work best for you. Join our growing Facebook family on Beating Neuropathy! For a free mail information kit and a free ebook, visit NeuropathyDR.com. Contact us at any time to be referred to a NeuropathyDR treatment center.

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we're going to talk about shingles. Shingles is a recurrence of the chicken pox virus, varicella zoster. If you had chicken pox as a child, the virus can be reactivated in your body and become shingles. It can present as unexplained acute mid-back pain and should be treated with antiviral medication within the first 72 hours of onset. Early diagnosis and treatment will lessen the duration and likelihood of complications from shingles. One of the side effects of shingles is difficulty performing daily activities, pain, lesions, and postherpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is a significant complication that occurs in about 50% of shingles sufferers. It presents as shooting pains, burning, or tingling that can last to months--or even--years after a shingles episode. Treatment for shingles complications often consists of strong drugs, pain injections, and radio frequency ablation. There are some recent studies showing the effectiveness of other, less invasive modalaties for treating shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. These include TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) and LLLT/LED (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy). One study showed that treatment with TENS showed a significant lessening in the development of postherpetic neuralgia. This kind of treatment must be administered by a trained clinician. Another study showed LLLT was effective in treating both active shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Yet another, related article shows LLLT was also effective in treating the same kind of herpes that causes cold sores. To learn more about these exciting new treatments, visit us at NeuropathyDR. Join the conversation on our Facebook page! Questions for us are encouraged!

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we'll again be discussing the benefits of exercise for patients for patients who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. A new exercise program should only be performed with approval of your treating medical professional. If you have difficulty with balance, or experience numbness in your feet, please perform exercise only under the guidance of a personal trainer or physical therapist. Good, proper-fitting footwear is important as well, both to support and protect the feet. Some may be concerned that exercise may not be good for people experiencing peripheral neuropathy. This can be true. People with diabetic ulcerations or skin fragility should use extreme caution. Treadmills should also be avoided. Even though they are popular, they create a lot of vibration which can aggravate neuropathy and chronic pain conditions. A better way to exercise the large muscles of the thighs is to use an exercise bike. Pedal wheels are an option for those who may not easily be able to ride a bike. Another option is a "trainer", which a regular road bike can be placed on and used indoors. The purpose of exercise is to create more blood flow, which will creae a rise in temperature which will be beneficial to people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. As treatment progresses, the easier it will become to increase body temperature through vasodialation. This is another reason why supervised exercise is beneficial. References: A Moderate-Intensity Weight-Bearing Exercise Program for a Person With Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy Effects of a combined strengthening, stretching and functional training program versus usual-care on gait biomechanics and foot function for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial Effects of peripheral neuropathy on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases Join the conversation on our Facebook page, Beating Neuropathy!

Tonight we will be discussing LLLT (low-level laser) and LED (light-emitting diode) therapies as used for neuropathy and chronic pain. Much of the research on light therapy has been done by NASA and the US Military. The laser--LLLT--we are talking about is not the same type used in surgeries. It does not cut or burn the skin. Instead, it uses light at a certain wavelength to help the body heal itself. LLLT is anti-inflammatory and encourages the body's own healing mechanisms, including nerve regeneration. One study has specifically shown that LLLT improves diabetic polyneuropathy by improving nerve conduction velocity. Research has also shown that LED therapy speeds wound healing. Unfortunately progress on implementing photobiological treatments like LLLT and LED has been slow in the United States. Most insurances will not cover these treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment also depends on the device itself, the location and number of times administered, and, of course, the clinician using it. As of now, not many clinicians have access to these devices; however, this is changing. Find out more about these exciting new treatments and find your local NeuropathyDR clinician at NeuropathyDR.com. Join our vibrant Facebook community and post any questions or comments you may have!

This week on Beating Neuropathy & Chronic Pain, we will once again be talking about the ideal diet for someone suffering from peripheral neuropathy. This diet is primarily plant-based (vegan) and gluten-free. Dr. Hayes recommends a "paleo" type diet, which is free of processed foods and does contain periodic consumption of lean meats such as salmon. Nutrients such as Acetyl L-Carnitine, found in large quantities in meat, can improve neuropathy and other health conditions. One of the biggest offending ingredients is dairy. Other than periodic traces of dairy, most people should not consume dairy. Dr. Hayes suggests reading The China Study for those who may be skeptical. Eliminating gluten as well will reduce inflammation. An excess of inflammation in the body will set the stage for serious illness such as cancer. It is not always easy to avoid dairy and gluten, but most who do are glad they did so! Soy products contain compounds called phytoestrogens, which may be beneficial in improving insulin resistance. Consuming soy protein may reduce excess insulin, which is important for people who suffer from metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes) or diabetes. Another food chronic pain and neuropathy patients can benefit from is healthy fat. Plant-based fats such as coconut and olive, despite their saturated fat content, are not unhealthy. Essential fatty acids improve inflammation, as well as hair and skin. A study in India showed that the EFAs (particularly lauric acid in coconut oil) improved diabetic neuropathy in rats. Consuming sulfur-rich foods such as garlic and onions will help detoxify the body. Garlic has also been used as an antibiotic and antiparasitic. Expanding your dietary horizons to include more unprocessed, plant-based foods and limited quantities of high-quality meats and fish will surely improve your quality of life whether you suffer from neuropathy or not! Find us on Facebook, and email us with questions and/or suggestions!

This week on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we're talking about some of the nutritional components in treating neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy. The first nutrient we'll talk about is Alpha-Lipoic Acid. ALA is one nutrient that is essential to health, and can speed the healing process in patients with diabetic neuropathy. ALA, like any other supplement, should not be taken alone. Often, low doses of supplements in combination with others work best. Most importantly, especially with ALA, blood sugar should be monitored closely. Stimulating metabolism with supplements may require a reduction in medications needed to manage blood sugar. Diabetics can especially benefit from vitamin D supplementation. One study in particular shows the reversal of diabetic neuropathy in a patient with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes by bringing vitamin D levels up. Vitamin D is important for everyone, especially for those of us living in temperate or cold climates and don't get a lot of sun exposure throughout the year. Keep your vitamin D levels closely monitored and maintained by working with your physician. Another study shows that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be able to prevent neuropathy in those with Type 2 diabetes. CoQ10 helps to serve as a protector of cell membranes. Deficiencies can come from aging, taking statin medications, and poor diet. CoQ10 and ALA are sometimes used in combination because of their additive effects. Patients taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin should exercise caution when taking CoQ10 or glucosamine. The last study we'll look at today shows that a vegetarian diet can improve insulin resistance in those with Type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet is high in antioxidants, which maintain cell health. Because we are all different biologically (bioindividuality), not every regimen will work the same for everyone. Please be clearly aware of all drug-nutrient reactions. When buying supplements, make sure they are of the highest grade (sometimes called "nutraceutical") available. Keep in touch with us through email or on Facebook! Thank you for listening (or reading)!

Welcome back to Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain! This week, our first show of 2013, we'll be focusing on fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is classified as widespread aches, pains, and sensitivity to touch that persists from 3-6 months. It presents similarly to myofascial pain syndrome, which occurs after sleep disturbance, stress, or magnesium deficiency. The biggest difference between this and fibromyalgia is that myofascial pain syndrome will disappear in a short period of time, while fibromyalgia lasts significantly longer. Fibromyalgia must be a diagnosis of exclusion. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions must be ruled out first. One significant finding is that approximately 50% of patients with fibromyalgia have underlying thyroid disease. This is often overlooked since more than just TSH levels must be tested. Thyroid disease, particularly autoimmune hypothyroidism, can produce fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia sufferers must look beyond short-term relief. Like neuropathy, drug-only therapy for fibromyalgia, such as antidepressants, can worsen and extend the symptoms. A plant-based (vegan), gluten-free diet can make a big difference. This kind of diet can eliminate allergens (dairy, eggs, gluten) which exacerbate symptoms. Consider taking magnesium (magnesium malate) orally, unless you suffer from kidney disease. Make sure you are not taking supplements which interact with your medications. Although fibromyalgia can come with exercise intolerance, moderate exercise can help improve symptoms. After taking magnesium, exercise intolerance can improve or disappear. Please keep your great questions coming through email and Facebook! Or call our office at 781-659-7989.

Tonight on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we'll be talking again about advances in managing neuropathy and chronic pain. For those of you who are technically-minded, there are some relevant studies on PubMed to read over. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has published the NINDS Chronic Pain Information Page that can provide definitions and helpful information. Last week we talked about adopting an avoidance or anti-inflammatory diet. One of the diets that can help gastrointestinal issues is the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea) diet. This is a good remedy for gastric flu as well. We strongly recommend avoiding gluten and dairy. One of the substances we use in our NeuropathyDR clinics is benfotiamine. It is a fat-soluable version of thiamine, or Vitamin B1. Patients who take benfotiamine orally or topically can experience an increase in cellular metabolism. For this reason, we do not recommend patients actively fighting cancer to take benfotiamine. Dr. Hayes co-developed a product called Benfo-Spray, which is available at ReBuilder Medical. Another resource is Benfotiamine.net. Capsaisin, if used long-term and frequently, can cause skin cancer. Always check with a licensed health care professional before trying these products. Other options include taking Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Distilled fish and krill oils are good sources of Omega-3's. Many people have magnesium deficiencies and benefit from taking a formulation such as magnesium malate, or taking epsom salt baths. Magnesium is one of the best tools for treating chronic pain. Thank you for being part of the Beating Neuropathy family! Please continue to submit your questions to us through facebook.com/BeatingNeuropathy or email.

Today on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we will discuss some of the advances made in the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain, as opposed to acute pain, which resolves quickly, is pain that presents itself over a long period of time. Pain that does not go away can lead to other problems. One of these painless, drug-free treatments is a laser pain block, which blocks the nerve signals that transmit pain. Another promising treatment out of Europe is "pain scrambling". We will have more information on this treatment soon. Some things that can be effective in the day-to-day management of chronic pain include eating a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet and engaging in physical activity. If you are able to move around, the simple act of motion can alleviate pain. Many people can be very sensitive to artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame. Natural stevia (where stevia is the only ingredient) is the best sugar substitute. Eliminating high-fructose corn syrup is important for anyone suffering from neuropathy or chronic pain. Experimenting with eliminating artificial food dyes can make a big difference. Basically, the more pure the diet is, the easier it will be to eliminate chronic pain. Thank you for being part of the Beating Neuropathy family! Please continue to submit your questions to us through facebook.com/BeatingNeuropathy or email.

Today on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we'll answer some questions on pharmaceuticals often prescribed for neuropathy. Gabapentin and neurontin help dampen communication between nerves to help painful and disabling symptoms. Unfortunately these drugs do not treat the underlying conditions that cause neuropathy. Long-term use of these drugs can cause damage to the central nervous system. Maintaining a diet free of foods that worsen these conditions (especially dairy and gluten) is very important. Brian asks, "If I eliminate dairy, how to I build my bones?" In Diet for a New America, John Robbins writes that societies of people who did not develop osteoporosis did not consume dairy or a high amount of animal products. Instead, they spent time being active outdoors. Consuming dairy is not necessary to prevent osteoporosis or bone loss. Modern soft drinks including phosphorus also help deplete bone mass. Another book which highlights the dangers of dairy consumption is The China Study. What is the best diet for most people? Dr. Hayes recommends the "paleo diet". It is largely plant-based, but includes high-quality animal protein such as organic salmon, chicken, and eggs. Robert asks, "Will (neuropathy) get worse and go into other areas than the feet and the legs?" The majority of the time, the longest nerves in the body (feet, hands) get effected first. It depends on the kind of neuropathy--though the majority of symptoms will be in the hands and feet. Thank you for being part of the Beating Neuropathy family! Please continue to submit your questions to us through facebook.com/BeatingNeuropathy or email.

In this episode of Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we will go over what we see as critical for managing neuropathy and chronic pain. There is no one thing in particular that will completely treat neuropathy; however, combining treatments has a high success rate. The protocol we recommend is: 1, attention to the musculoskeletal system with manual therapy; 2, improving nutrition through diet and supplmentation, and; 3, "neuro-regenerative" therapies, including the ReBuilder device, a dual-frequency nerve stimulator. Delane asks, "Can my nerve damage be repaired? Can I build muscle mass without my nerves?" Unfortunately, muscle mass needs nerve function to rebuilt. In addition to the methods we outlined above, a recent European study actually showed that a healthy emotional and love life can improve neurologic health. Bonnie asks, "How can I stop the tightness in my feet?" The first thing to do is identify what is causing this. It could be something as simple as wearing improper footwear, or it could come from neuropathy. As long as your kidneys are healthy, you could supplement your diet with magnesium. Keeping your feet warm is important as well. Keeping your core temperature warm will also help keep your extremities warm. Investing in "therapy socks" may be helpful as well. Norman asks, "Can I get anything over the counter to help repair the nerve damage in my lower limbs, and get the feelings back in my feet?" Unfortunately, no. Long term use of acetominiphen as well as taking it while drinking can cause liver damage. For a day or two at a time after acute injury, using these medications is fine, but they were never meant for long-term use. Some supplements have been proven to help repair nerve function. One of these is Acetyl L-Carnitine; it should, however, only be taken under a doctor's supervision. Please continue to submit your questions to us through facebook.com/BeatingNeuropathy or email.