Some complementary and alternative therapies may help relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy.
Alternative therapies for diabetic neuropathy might include:
- Capsaicin. This is the chemical that gives hot peppers their bite. When applied to the skin, capsaicin creams (ArthriCare, Zostrix, others) can reduce pain sensations in some people. Side effects may include a burning feeling and skin irritation.
- Alpha-lipoic acid. One of the most interesting developments in pain research is the discovery that alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant found in food, may be effective at relieving the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Your doctor may prescribe this therapy, which can help prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. TENS delivers tiny electrical impulses to specific nerve pathways through small electrodes placed on your skin. Although safe and painless, TENS doesn’t work for everyone or for all types of pain. TENS may be prescribed in addition to other treatments.
- Chiropractic. Chiropractic may help relieve the pain of neuropathy, and generally doesn’t have any side effects. Keep in mind that you may not get immediate relief with chiropractic and will likely require more than one session.
- Biofeedback. This therapy uses a special machine to teach you how to control certain body responses that reduce pain. You then learn how to control these same responses yourself. Biofeedback techniques are often taught in medical centers and hospitals.
For more information call Sydney Allied Health Clinic on (02) 9559 8877 or visit our site
http://www.sydneyalliedhealthclinic.com.au