Acupuncture Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain Albany Schenectady Saratoga NY Acupuncture may help with neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathy by modulating pain signals, improving blood flow to nerves, reducing stress, and potentially aiding nerve regeneration. While research on its mechanisms is ongoing, studies suggest it can be an effective complementary therapy, with some showing improvement in pain, nerve conduction, and quality of life. Typical treatments involve a series of sessions, often using electroacupuncture, with varying results depending on the patient's condition. At the Albany Pain Management Art Institute, the 7th generation acupuncture doctor, Dr. Rui Wang, offers integrative acupuncture to manage peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic Pain in greater Albany NY, the New York Capital Region, including Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady, NY. Albany Pain Management Art Institute neuromedicine clinic delivers word class nerve pain management techniques to relive peripheral neuropathy symptoms and neuropathic pain (neuralgia). The advanced acupuncture techniques relive neuroinflammation, repair damaged nerve, and restore nerve functions, serving Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga, New York. Neuropathic Pain, the Nerve Pain (Neuralgia) Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves, leading to symptoms like burning, tingling, and numbness. Causes include diabetes, injury, surgery, and other diseases, while treatments range from oral medications like gabapentinoids and antidepressants to topical applications and alternative therapies like massage. Symptoms Burning sensations Tingling or "pins and needles" Numbness "Electric shock-like" pain Muscle weakness or uncontrolled twitching Heightened sensitivity to stimuli (hyperalgesia) or a pain reaction to non-painful stimuli (allodynia) Causes Chronic conditions: Diabetes, HIV, celiac disease, and amyloidosis Injuries: Trauma to tissue, muscles, joints, or spine can damage nerves Surgery: Pain can develop after procedures like mastectomy or lung surgery Nerve compression: A ruptured disc or carpal tunnel syndrome Central nervous system damage: Stroke or multiple sclerosis can cause damage to the brain or spinal cord Toxins: Heavy alcohol use can be a cause Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system, which can cause neuropathic pain due to symptoms like sharp, throbbing, or burning sensations, tingling, and numbness. This pain is caused by the damage itself, which can result from various conditions, most commonly diabetes. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with a multi-faceted approach, as there is no single cure. Peripheral neuropathy What it is: Damage to the network of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Causes: Diabetes is a leading cause, but it can also result from autoimmune diseases, tumors, kidney or liver disease, hypothyroidism, infections, and exposure to toxins. Symptoms: Vary based on the nerves affected and can include: Sensory nerves: Numbness, tingling, prickling, and extreme sensitivity to touch, as well as sharp or burning pain. Motor nerves: Muscle weakness, cramps, and muscle wasting. Autonomic nerves: Problems with sweating, bowel and bladder control, and heat intolerance. Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy Acupuncture shows promise for treating peripheral neuropathy, as studies suggest it can improve symptoms like pain and quality of life, with fewer side effects than medications. It may work by restoring blood flow, stimulating nerve pathways, and possibly aiding nerve regeneration. It is important to see a licensed and qualified practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles to avoid risks like infection or injury. How it may help Pain relief: Acupuncture can significantly improve pain levels associated with peripheral neuropathy, especially diabetic and chemotherapy-induced types. Improved quality of life: Studies have found that acupuncture can lead to better quality of life for individuals with the condition. Nerve signaling: It may help improve nerve signaling in the hands and feet, and may potentially help with nerve regeneration. Reduced inflammation: Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to pain. Acupuncture for Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain or Neuralgia) Acupuncture may help relieve nerve pain by stimulating the release of the body's natural painkillers (endorphins) and by influencing the brain's pain-processing centers. It can also help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and modulate nerve signaling to help reduce pain, numbness, and tingling associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy. Research shows acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for various types of neuropathic pain.