Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causes weakness, pins-and-needles, numbness and burning pain from this nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of the body. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of the body.

The condition can be lifelong, causing persistent disability and dysfunction, with many people unable to walk or balance themselves. A common cause is diabetes, but it can also result from injuries, infections and exposure to toxins.

The condition is very common, affecting more than 3 million people in the U.S. every year. Medical treatments may help somewhat, but medicine holds no cure. Treatments can include Gabapentin or Lyrica, antidepressants, pain medication, anti-seizure medications and pain-relieving creams. These drugs can have dangerous side effects and may not even work to relieve the debilitating symptoms.

There are now alternatives that can help in many cases. Remarkable success has been experienced by using a combination of microcurrent electrical stimulation of the affected nerves, cold laser, special nutritional supplements to help the damaged nerves heal and stem cells.

Stem cells have a safe record. They help the damaged nerves regenerate and also calm down inflammation in the affected nerves by informing the body’s immune system to not interfere with the healing process. The result can allow the body repair to the nerves and allow the patient to live a healthier and pain-free life.

For more information, call Dr. Tim Holcomb at 817-501-8200.