What Makes You at Risk of Neuropathy in Vacaville CA?

Neuropathy in Vacaville CA is a term used to describe a wide range of conditions that involves disease and damage to the peripheral nerves, and the symptoms that come from those conditions. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting messages between the central nervous system and other parts of the body.

An estimated 20 million Americans are suffering from some form of neuropathy. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause and patient, but the common ones include pain, tingling, burning, paralysis, pins and needles sensation, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to touch, dysfunction in organs or glands, or impairment to urination and sexual function.

When it comes to the risk factors, it includes the following in Vacaville CA:

1. Diabetes - Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy since it affects between 12% and 50% of people with diabetes. The symptoms usually involve a progressive change in pain, as well as pain and weakness in the feet. As it progresses, it can cause a loss of sensation in the affected areas.

2. Age - About 2.4% of the general population have neuropathy. However, the prevalence of the condition increases with age because of the chronic disease risk as people get older. Also, 8% of people aged 55 and older are suffering from some form of polyneuropathy.

3. Autoimmune disorders - More than 23.5 million Americans are affected by autoimmune diseases and disorders, which puts them at risk for neuropathy. The most common examples of such disorders include lupus, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

4. Malnutrition, alcohol abuse, and vitamin deficiencies - When the nerves lack certain nutrients, they are unable to function properly. Malnutrition is usually caused by an unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, disorders, diseases, and drugs that prevent the proper absorption of nutrients in the body.

Vitamin B12 deficiency affects 10% to 15% of people older than age 60 and is commonly linked to neuropathy. This deficiency damages the myelin sheaths that are surrounding and protecting the nerves. Chronic use of the type 2 diabetes drug known as Glucophage is also linked to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you're taking this medication, it is important that a physician is regularly monitoring your nutrient levels.

5. Inflammation, trauma, and repetitive stress - An injury or swelling can damage one or more nerves, which can disrupt its functioning and lead to neuropathy. If an individual has suffered some form of trauma to the spine, it can damage and injure the peripheral nerves or spinal cord, which could lead to neuropathy. An injury to the areas near the knee can also develop a neuropathy that involves the peroneal nerve. This can develop numbness, pain, tingling or weakness in that nerve.

Repetitive stress due to hobbies, sports, or work can also increase one's risk of neuropathy. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can happen from repeated pressure on the nerves and tendons in the hands. This can result in burning, numbness, or tingling in the palms and along the fingers. It is common in people aging between 40 and 60 years old, and women are more prone than men.

If you'd like to get yourself assessed to know if you have neuropathy, just visit the clinic of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Our lead chiropractor, Dr. Alex Tam, will be more than happy to diagnose your condition and provide you with a treatment as soon as possible. Just dial (707) 474-5688 to get started on your inquiry.