Does anyone treat their neuropathy without pharmaceutical drugs?

Posted by annashby @annashby, Feb 1, 2025

I’ve recently been diagnosed with neuropathy and given gabapentin for pain. I am concerned about the many side effects of this drug. I don’t know why I have this condition as I am not diabetic and have no pinched nerves in my spine. I’m 78 and pretty healthy except for this. I exercise at the gym 4-4 times a week and walk several miles when I don’t go to the Y.
Anyone have suggestions for me?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Yes, the only thing in my favor is I have zero pain.

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Anashby, I am a very active 83 yr old who recovered from TRYGEMINAL neuralgia last yr.
Did so by taking METHYCOBALAMIN ( B12)
daily and turmeric. I run walk , 5 k every other day. Gym in between.
Gave up alcohol because it stops B12 absorption.
Good luck
James nz

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Profile picture for BSRay @bsr2016

I relate to much of what you are going through. Nine years ago, I had major surgery for a rare tumor in my spinal cord. Damage from the tumor and surgery resulted in numbness, tingling, burning, and neuropathy in my legs and feet. I’ve been taking 300 milligrams of gabapentin since my surgery to help calm down my legs and feet at night so I can sleep. It continues to work for me along with walking 2-4 miles per day, strength building exercises, PT once a week, cutting out inflammatory foods (sugar makes it worse). Movement is the answer. Recommend you find a very good physical therapist who can help you start slowly. Best of luck to you!

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@bsr2016 Thanks for your response. You've had some rough times. Glad to see that you are able to get out there, walking, doing PT, etc. I wish I could do the same. Exercise ramps up my pain. Walking is problematic because every step is so painful. Riding my bike is also problematic. I tried PT, but the guy gave me a one size fits all program that only increased my pain. I guess I'll look for a different PT. Be blessed.

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Profile picture for c0untrymom @c0untrymom

I’m interested in knowing what you do, because I’m not a “med taker” myself.

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@c0untrymom I don’t . I learned from one of the big hospitals that the damage that you get from the harsh medication’s are worse than the pain. However, I don’t think they have neuropathy, but I do not take the harsh medication. I have a lot of pain. It starts in the evenings and it stays with me until right now and it’s 8 o’clock in the morning. The only way I get rid of it is to stay on my feet and not sit down. I stay active. I keep moving. It’s getting more and more difficult to do that but I’m gonna keep working through it that way I have an appointment starting Sunday in Florida for scramble pains therapy. You might look that up. There are a few doctors around the United States. It is expensive, but I’m going to try it. I will let you know if I have any success. I can function very well during the day and I can sleep up till about three in the morning and then I have to get up get my feet on the ground. Go outside on the concrete or something where it’s cool or even walk in the grass and move and then try and go back to bed usually around 4:30 and sleep till 8. Then I move all day and keep moving.

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Profile picture for jaqued @jaqued

@fala I use Hempvana CBD cream specifically for Nerve Pain.

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@jaqued
Thanks for you reply suggesting Hempvana CBD. I hope they have it here!
Nerve pain is really bad!

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Profile picture for harjohn @harjohn

@arcuri24 I have Statin-induced small fibre peripheral neuropathy, which has ruined my once healthy life.

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@harjohn

I was on rosuvastatin for two years before I developed SFN. No doctor thinks that the stain caused it though it was the only med I had been on for 2 years. I am not diabetic and no other cause has been identified. After 3 months off of the statin, I felt that it improved, but damage is done and nerves still misfire.

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Profile picture for jankavs @jankavs

@harjohn

I was on rosuvastatin for two years before I developed SFN. No doctor thinks that the stain caused it though it was the only med I had been on for 2 years. I am not diabetic and no other cause has been identified. After 3 months off of the statin, I felt that it improved, but damage is done and nerves still misfire.

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@jankavs Wow.. I take a statin and never thought that it may be linked to neuropathy. Thank you.

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Profile picture for shari48 @shari48

@jankavs Wow.. I take a statin and never thought that it may be linked to neuropathy. Thank you.

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@shari48
Please know that I really have no proof that statins caused my small fiber neuropathy. It may be coincidental. I am on Zetia instead now (non statin). It has helped lower my LDL, but due to my family history, I need it even lower. I may go back on statins for a trial, but lower dose every other day along with the Zetia.

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Profile picture for jankavs @jankavs

@shari48
Please know that I really have no proof that statins caused my small fiber neuropathy. It may be coincidental. I am on Zetia instead now (non statin). It has helped lower my LDL, but due to my family history, I need it even lower. I may go back on statins for a trial, but lower dose every other day along with the Zetia.

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Thank you. I realize that but looked a bit further and seems it can cause
burning pain. Sent a note to my GP. Worth looking into and thanks! Hope you
feel better.
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Gabapentin has side effects including possibility of dementia. I refuse to treat my neuropathy with any kind of prescription drugs. My neuropathy is most likely linked to my having celiac disease which I tested positive for last summer. My neurologist stated that I am to remain on a gluten free diet for the rest of my days. I was doing quite well until I had a shin shave biopsy this past December and am now dealing with soreness and pain from a wound in my shin that is taking a long time to heal. I am back in physical therapy where I get treated for both the wound and for my neuropathy.

I prefer all natural treatments like pt, diet, and vitamin supplementation, salves, meditation and prayer to anything being marketed by the pharmaceutical companies. I am sure you will find out what works best for you.

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