Does Acupuncture Help Peripheral Neuropathy? Exploring Nerve Pain Relief Solutions

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a host of symptoms, including numbness, sensitivity, and pain. Neuropathy pain can sometimes become so bad that even simple daily tasks like walking or sleeping feel excruciating.

While damaged nerves usually can’t be fixed, you can do many different things to help manage neuropathy pain. From medications and lifestyle changes to therapies and walking aids, plenty of treatment options are available. But what about that age-old medical practice, acupuncture? Does acupuncture help peripheral neuropathy? 

If you’re searching for an alternative treatment to help manage neuropathy pain, acupuncture may be the right option for you, as showcased in this 2017 study. Please keep reading to learn about the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for neuropathy pain and whether or not it is right for you.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses small needles inserted at strategic points in the body to help alleviate pain associated with certain conditions and diseases.

Traditional acupuncture practitioners believed that the process would help balance a person’s energy or qi. But does acupuncture work for neuropathy?

Western practitioners believe that acupuncture works by stimulating certain nerves to help enhance pain management, healing, and blood circulation.

Can acupuncture help peripheral neuropathy pain?

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition caused by diabetes. Neuropathy can lead to nerve degeneration and, eventually, nerve death if not treated effectively and early on. While patients in the early stages of diabetic neuropathy may only experience mild symptoms such as occasional numbness, more advanced cases will often leave a patient dealing with chronic pain.

The link between peripheral neuropathy and acupuncture is worth exploring in managing neuropathy symptoms. Stimulating nerve fibers and increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body may be just what you need to help manage neuropathy symptoms — and acupuncture is one way you can do that. Studies have shown that acupuncture offers distinct benefits when it comes to pain management, especially in patients diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy.

However, acupuncture is not the quickest way to treat peripheral neuropathy — it often takes several weeks for its effects to become noticeable. It’s also important to note that acupuncture is best used as a supplemental treatment and should augment, not replace, other treatment options your doctor prescribes, such as medications, therapies, or certain lifestyle changes.

Acupuncture risks

While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional, it is still not the right treatment option for everyone. Most women and men with diabetes are able to safely participate in acupuncture treatments. However, patients who are taking certain medications or who have bleeding disorders should avoid acupuncture treatment, as these patients may experience increased bleeding and prolonged healing.

If you wear a pacemaker or have heart issues, be sure to speak to your doctor before beginning acupuncture treatments. Some acupuncture techniques involve passing electrical pulses through the body, which may be dangerous if you have a pacemaker. Pregnant mothers should also speak to a doctor before starting acupuncture treatments or seek alternative treatments until after they have given birth.

Acupuncture has a few risks associated with it. However, some potential side effects may include:

• Pain at the insertion site
• Bruising during or after treatments
• Infection if the acupuncture equipment is not sterilized
• Injury from improperly performed treatments

Should you decide to invest in acupuncture treatment to help with neuropathy pain, consult your doctor before starting treatment and only work with licensed acupuncturists.

Is acupuncture right for you?

Acupuncture can be an effective way to help manage pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is not a necessary treatment. If you are wary of needles or seeking alternative treatment options, you can do plenty of things to help keep neuropathy pain at bay.

From participating in regular physical activity to investing in quality diabetic socks, there are various strategies to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with diabetic neuropathy. Enhancing blood circulation can stimulate your nerves, reducing neuropathy pain and numbness. In addition to these methods, acupuncture for numb feet has gained attention as a potential therapy. It involves the insertion of thin needles at strategic points in the body. When applied for numb feet, it may stimulate nerve function and enhance blood flow to the affected areas, potentially improving sensation and reducing discomfort. It's worth exploring acupuncture for numb feet as a complementary approach to your existing neuropathy management regimen after consulting with your healthcare provider.

Viasox: an alternative pain management option for those with diabetic neuropathy

Our team at Viasox knows that effective pain management can change your life for the better. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or legs, then a pair of non-binding diabetic socks is a must-have for your treatment plan.

Designed to help increase blood flow and support healthy feet, our diabetic socks and compression socks are available in a wide range of colors, lengths, and styles. They’re extra stretchy to accommodate almost any calf size and are incredibly soft and comfortable, making them perfect for everyday wear.