Chemotherapy and Neuropathy in Vacaville

Neuropathy in Vacaville can affect the nervous system and it causes several symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy affects your peripheral nerves, which are mainly found on: skins, fingers, toes, etc.

Symptoms of neuropathy in Vacaville

• Numbness
• Burning sensation
• Constant pain
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle fatigue
• Trouble swallowing
• Blood pressure changes
• Problems with balance
• Decrease in reflexes
• Sensitivity to cold/heat
• Lack of dexterity
• Pins, tingling, and needles or electric shock-like pain

The symptoms would usually start from your lower extremities then gradually move to your head over time. They are usually bilateral, which affects both sides of the body at the same time.

If neuropathy starts

When you feel like you are starting to experience neuropathy symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately. They must know how your body is reacting to your current treatment. Through this, your doctor can make any necessary changes to your treatment plan and address any concerns once your side effects are more managed.

Chemotherapy and neuropathy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that focuses on killing cancer cells. There is a possibility that it can affect the nerves connecting the spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs.

There are several factors that can make a patient develop chemotherapy-induced neuropathy such as the type of chemotherapy used, and the number of doses it is given. And, of course, the health of the patient also plays an important part. It can happen at any time after the treatment starts and may become worse as the treatment goes on.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may go away once the treatment is completed, or it could become a long-term or even permanent problem.

Preventing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy

Before you start any treatment plan, discuss any risks that comes with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and the ways you can prevent it. You need to be aware of any side effects so that you will be prepared once it sets in.

Your doctor may even change the way you receive your chemotherapy treatment such as the following:

• Reduce the dose of the chemotherapy
• Administer smaller doses more frequently
• Provide chemotherapy as a slow, non-stop infusion over a long period of time

Managing neuropathy

Physical activity like exercise is one of the best ways of managing your neuropathy symptoms since it helps with your circulation. Walking or any other "regular" exercise is a good way to start but if it is too painful, you can opt for swimming or any other pool therapy. Just check with your doctor to see if using the pool is safe for you. Some people stay away from chlorinated water because it can have some side effects on their skin, or they will have an increased risk of skin infection. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

If you need someone to check up on your neuropathy, then head over to Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. We have chiropractors who are always ready to provide you with a treatment plan that will surely manage those symptoms. You can check on us by going to our website at www.absoluteintegrativehealth.com or make some inquiries by dialing (707) 474-5688 today. Just set up an appointment with us and we will make sure to give you back your active way of life.