Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to nerves outside the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This condition can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), several nerves (polyneuropathy), or several nerves in different areas of the body (multiple mononeuropathy). This condition most often affects the hands and feet, and the symptoms are generally feelings of numbness, pain, and weakness in the affected area. There are several different causes of this condition including, but not limited to:
- Genetic disorders
- Infections
- Tumors
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bone Marrow Disorders
- Alcoholism
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Injury
Peripheral neuropathy is marked by four stages the first of which is characterized by numbness and pain. This stage is often ignored as they experience symptoms more infrequently and often less severely than they would in later stages. However, it is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms are noticed as the condition becomes increasingly harder to treat as it progresses. The second stage is often when patients seek medical attention as it is characterized by constant pain. Next is the third stage which is reached when the pain becomes unbearable and begins to affect everyday life. Lastly, stage four is when sensation is lost in the inflicted area. If left untreated the risk of amputation increases and as such it is essential to seek medical treatment. Treatment completely depends on the cause of the condition and managing the symptoms; however, many are available.
Treatment most often involves physical therapy, medications and surgery. Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy is a therapy used to treat several conditions however research suggests it can be used as an effective therapy to treat peripheral neuropathy. PEMF involves using a PEMF device, which emits short pulses of electromagnetic radiation on the body for about 15 to 20 minutes wherever the symptoms are felt. The electromagnetic radiation emitted is supposed to stimulate the bodies innate healing process on a cellular level to help heal damaged tissues. Furthermore, PEMF is non-invasive and generally risk free and can therefore be used with other treatments to alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, as peripheral neuropathy is painful and unpleasant, PEMF can help improve general quality of life by promoting wellbeing and reducing stress and pain. Some research goes as far to claim that PEMF can even reverse or slow down nerve damage.
Although this is debated, I hope that PEMF as a treatment for Peripheral neuropathy becomes more researched because so far, the results seem promising.
If you or someone you know is suffering from peripheral neuropathy PEMF is a treatment that is worth exploring if you have the means to do so. As the treatment is generally risk free there is no harm in adding it to your current treatment plan after consulting with a medical doctor. Even though more research needs to be done to conclude whether PEMF can treat the root causes of peripheral neuropathy, the current research is promising and a lot of it suggests the treatment can at least help manage symptoms.