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Writer's pictureLisa Chadsey

Nerves, Neuropathy & Light Therapy



Neuropathy & Nerve Pain


It’s the middle of November and Thanksgiving is just a week away. I personally can’t wait to hunker down with my family and get some time with them. We’ll have great food, amazing company, and a chance to breathe in and enjoy so much of what life has given to us.

As the holidays unfold, I find that it’s harder to take care of myself as I focus on others. Yet, it’s essential to take care of ourselves as things pick up in pace. I want to help you take care of your body and mind - whether that’s with light therapy or just with some extra knowledge that may help you reconnect with caring for yourself.

This week I’m unpacking more about your body - this time focusing on your body's nerves with neuropathy.


Now, what is Neuropathy?


Referenced from May Clinic, Article 1.


According to the Mayo Clinic, neuropathy comes from the impact of wear and tear or general damage to the peripheral nerves that exist in your body. (This doesn’t include the nerves in your brain and spinal cord.)


These very important nerves send information to your bodies central nervous system, and then on up to your brain.


What people often experience is numbness or weakness in their bodies. Or in some cases extreme pain - stabbing and tingling - in their arms, hands and legs. 25 - 30% of Americans may be affected by neuropathy according to the Cleveland Clinic.



What kind of symptoms might I experience if I have Neuropathy?


Referenced from May Clinic, Article 1.

  • The onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your extremities

  • Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain

  • Extreme sensitivity to touch

  • Feeling as if you're wearing clothing on your hands and feet when you aren’t.

  • Potential paralysis

  • Heat intolerance

  • Digestive problems

  • Drops in blood pressure (Dizziness or lightheadedness.)


What are some of the risk factors for Neuropathy?


Referenced from May Clinic, Article 1.


Many of the things that may lead to Neuropathy are actually within your control. Taking care of your body and focusing on good health can help prevent these conditions down the road.

  • Diabetes (This is one of the most common symptoms.)

  • Excess Alcohol

  • Family history

  • Vitamin deficiencies

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Kidney, liver or thyroid disorders

  • Exposure to toxins

  • Wear and tear from physical labor


How can you counter Neuropathy?


Referenced from May Clinic, Article 1.

  • Eat a full & clean diet - this includes lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This is especially important with foods that are high in B-12

  • Exercise regularly to keep your body strong and to ensure that everything flows naturally and can regulate itself.

  • Avoid any risk factors that may lead to degeneration of your body like being exposed to chemicals, smoking, drinking excessively, and putting undue pressure on those nerves.

How does light therapy help?


Light therapy helps in so many different ways. But the core things that it does to help with neuropathy primarily deal with the red lights used in light therapy. This stimulates the mitochondria in your cells which allows your body to produce the energy it needs to regulate itself.


On top of this, the lights can help to promote new cell growth to restore your body's normal functioning and slowly reduce pain. Crazy!


When you use the infrared lights it can reach deeper into the body to target muscles and nerves that increases blood flow, and then reduces inflammation. This can help to repair nerve damage and any damage that leads to less pain and more movement.



What does the science say?


“Photobiomodulation by red to near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) [have] been reported to accelerate wound healing, attenuate degeneration of an injured optic nerve, and promote tissue growth.” (Article 2) This includes nerve regeneration, which is still being intensively researched.


This specific study tested the effects of light therapy on nerves to see if neuropathy could be treated effectively with it. They discovered that “Nerve regeneration was promoted in the LED group.” (Article 2.) And that it was effective for the long-term recovery of individuals with nerve damage.


If you think that you may have nerve damage that you want to heal, please call me at 720-219-2990 and let's explore what’s possible for you!


~Lisa Chadsey



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If you want to learn more about Light Therapy & my Light Therapy work, you can follow me with the links below, or email me at Lisa@lightmattersinfo.com - thank you for reading!


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Here are the articles I've referenced above:




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