Neuropathy: What works and what are scams?

Thank you for the welcome and the link!

I went to one of these Chiropractors for a Neuropathy assessment and yes their treatment plan was $14,000 for 3 months so I hit the pause button. It seems laser light therapy has positive outcomes and I have seen some of these papers in PubMed. I'm combing through this blog site though and not seeing many positive outcomes. If any of these therapies worked consistently then PN would be eradicated but that does not seem to be near the experience of the majority or even minority of sufferers. The question is ... is there a 10% chance any of these therapies work - if you knew it would work you would gladly pay $20k. I don't want to keep $ in my pocket and wonder if I could have had a better quality of life.

I too, suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Fortunately, I suffer no pain associated with my neuropathy. But as you, I am anxiously searching for a cure, or at least some temporary relief from the numbness that I experience continuously. I just listened to a doctor on Facebook claiming "he" had a cure for neuropathy. What was promised to be a five minute introduction until he revealed his cure, I listened intently to a 45 minute "word salad" of how his intense research and rare findings lead him to the discovery of a cure for the pain and numbness and pain of neuropathy. This is not my first time to fall for these claims. I am convinced now that these are nothing more than charlatans, intent on separating you from your hard earned money.

I am so disgusted with myself for falling for these claims and false promises to cure my neuropathy. I have come to the conclusion that when and if a cure is found for neuropathy, it will be front page news. There would be no need for making 45 minute speeches on FB on how "they" have found a rare cure. Since this is a widespread condition for many of us in our later years, I am sure our doctors will be happy to inform us that a cure has in fact been found, when and if it ever is.

I’ve had Polyneuropathy for 9 years. My nerves were damaged by Vasculitis.

The only thing that helps me is the supplement, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA). I take 600 mg. twice a day on an empty stomach.

My Neurologist recommended it, and I can absolutely feel the difference if I don’t take it.

The brand I use is DOCTOR’S BEST. There are others but this works for me. It’s available from Amazon.

@SusanEllen66
Does it help numbness
Jake

I'm 58. I am a diabetic since 2017 (A1C 8.7 - 10.7)and peripheral neuropathy started with my feet (tingling, numb, painful nerve discomfort, etc..). Until this day(2024), I have been dealing with incurable, unmanageable, uncontrollable diabetes II and painful body peripheral neuropathy from feet, legs, waist and hands starting to become more and more numb. (especially feet) And fell 5 times as legs with dead as no longer functioned. This was the most terrifying and scary feeling as I thought became suddenly paralyzed from waist down. No feeling whatsoever! I quickly called my neighbor and was sat down on couch for hours until I started some feelings...

After all the doctors, neurologist, emergency rooms, hospitals, etc.. , plus prescribed medications (PR gabapentin/gabapentin, Juniva, Metformin, Duloxetine, etc.. I have purchased massagers, creams, and stuff on Amazon with help with PN at no avail....Sorry to say, I completely regret to spend thousands and thousands of dollars (Out of Pocket and/or Insurance) for PN not to mentioned PN. Not to mention, disability claims have been denied twice and must endure the pain at work without telling anyone...

After 8 years with such painful conditions, you DO NOT want the neuropathy (PN-nerve damage) to grow, spread and affect your entire feet, calves, thighs, waist and hands as it is an extremely terrible feeling along with an uneasy painful and frustrating state of mind, major anxiety, stress, nervousness with daily activities, etc.. And not to mention, impotent for the last 7 years and specialized doctor(s) want 20K to make you believe that they can help with it. I declined!

Sadly, advise for these serious mental and health complications and conditions were experienced as "NO CURE" ! The final solution mentioned by Neurologist was to amputate feet, and legs, and maybe hands. I could not live with myself with such a decision. I will continue to endure and suffer which I have accepted to convince mind this nasty discomfort is strictly a part of my remaining style way of my life.

As I feel discomfort and pain, I purchased a 3 year dog (German Shepherd) to help encourage, smile, and walk at least 4 times a week which helps body, muscles, and seldomly nerves. He is amazing! I seriously regret not adopting a dog many years ago...

Sadly, I found NO devices, creams, massagers, meds, specialist, doctors, etc. to ultimately eliminate nor majorly reduce the discomfort and sleepless nights of Peripheral Neuropathy not to mention diabetes II(except for short/long term insulin to lower blood sugars on a daily basis). Again, I molded and learned to ignore both awful symptoms as it has been a part of my life for years. An extremely sad way to live into your golden years.....

My advice is to eat healthy, "exercise', possibly adopt a pet for serious encouragement, and most definitely "Save your Money"…! As far as diabetes, I take insulin each day and eat healthy to help maintain blood sugars and when very low or high, PN brings out more of the dreadful and nasty pain in feet, legs and waist plus hands. And ultimately alters and brings extremely sad moments in my mind in which I try to fall asleep with sleepy pills and when at work must excuse myself some way to regain some control.........

It's likely they will remove my story cause doctors know diabetes and painful PN can not be cured !

My prayers are with all of you …

@dclark8 I absolutely agree with you, if and when there is a true 100% cure for peripheral neuropathy, the news will be on the front page and carried by all news networks. Meanwhile, we need to give caution to those practitioners who offer claims of cure.

Hi Jake, I've been taking the R-ALA with the protocol of supplements I take for neuropathy since 2016 and do believe it has lessened the numbness as I seem to have a little more feeling in my feet but I also still have some numbness and tingling. Really hard to say for sure if just the R-ALA is what's helping vs each of the different supplements adding their little piece to the nerve healing puzzle.