Living with Autonomic Neuropathy | Integrated Pain Management
A Bit of Background
The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the bodily functions that work subconsciously. Without this collection of sensory nerves, our body would not be able to manage breathing, blood sugar, and many other necessary functions.
When one of these sensory nerves is damaged, it interrupts these natural processes and prevents the body from functioning properly due to the inability to control muscles.
Depending on the system that suffers from autonomic neuropathy, it will manifest different symptoms throughout the body. For example, nerve damage associated with the cardiovascular system can stop the heart muscles from regulating blood sugar and controlling heart rate, which usually happens autonomously.
Individuals living with autonomic neuropathy have to adapt to the changes that occur in their bodies and are forced to relearn movements that were once second nature.
Common Causes of Autonomic Neuropathy
The most common cause of autonomic neuropathy is diabetes, especially when it is not properly treated. When blood sugar is too high, it can damage the sensory nerves and the blood vessels that nourish the nerves.
Unfortunately, the damage is irreversible and these nerves cannot be prepared. Since autonomic neuropathy cannot be reversed, it is important that all individuals who are diagnosed with this condition begin treatment early on.
Chemotherapy, a common form of cancer treatment, is another leading cause of autonomic neuropathy. While this treatment is extremely effective at killing cancer cells, it is known to damage nerves in the process.
Chemotherapy-induced autonomic neuropathy is one of the most common conditions that affect more than half of cancer patients. Cancer patients who develop autonomic neuropathy should confront the problem as soon as possible as it is easier to manage in the early stages.
Integrated Pain Management believes in continuous treatment to ensure all patients are following their dedicated wellness program and responding well to treatment.
The wellness plans consist of a mix of conservative treatment methods that can get patients back on track and prevent future sensory nerve damage.
Have you Experienced these Symptoms?
In order to properly manage your neuropathy symptoms, it is important to understand the symptoms that commonly come along with autonomic neuropathy.
Depending on the location and severity of the damaged nerve, patients will experience different symptoms and may have to take different precautionary steps to prevent the damage from worsening.
One of the most common symptoms associated with autonomic neuropathy is problems relating to the digestive system. Patients with autonomic neuropathy may struggle to manage and control different digestive processes including bowel movements, hunger, swallowing, and nausea.
When these natural processes are disrupted, it often prohibits patients from living their best lives. If you are experiencing debilitating symptoms relating to your digestive system, you should contact your primary care physician to learn about conservative treatment options that could improve your overall health and diminish your chronic pain.
Many patients diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy may experience dysfunction with their urinary system. When this system suffers nerve damage, urinary functions are forced to work independently, making many autonomous processes more difficult.
Damage to the urinary system may have symptoms including lack of bladder control, infections, and urinary retention which can make each day difficult. The muscles comprising the urinary system are also affected by autonomic neuropathy as they weaken and struggle to perform their dedicated functions, making urinary control difficult.
If you are experiencing urinary issues relating to your autonomic neuropathy, a quick trip to the doctor can help you get back on track. By exploring conservative treatment options and making a few lifestyle changes, many patients with nerve damage to the urinary system can find relief.
Another common symptom of autonomic neuropathy is irregular sweating. When an individual has a damaged nerve, there is a chance that it could disturb their ability to manage their body temperature and regulate it.
This could lead to excessive sweating regardless of temperature and could also prevent individuals from sweating when they typically would. While the importance of controlled sweating is often overlooked, it prevents the body from overheating and allows it to maintain a healthy temperature naturally.
If you are experiencing irregular sweating as a symptom of autonomic neuropathy, a medical professional can instruct you on different steps that can be taken to repair any dysfunction.
If you are interested in learning more about autonomic neuropathy and the different ways in which different systems are affected by this condition, you can read more here.
Get Back on Track
Living with autonomic neuropathy complicates many aspects of life, and it often makes it difficult to participate in the activities you know and love. For many neuropathy patients, one of the more frustrating aspects of this condition is making the necessary lifestyle changes to control it.
This includes physical therapy to improve mobility, dieting, and posture correction, as well as other spine-healthy practices. Individuals with autonomic neuropathy often have to retrain muscles and relearn simple movements and muscle functions to reach full mobility.
In order to see the most noticeable changes, it is very important that neuropathy patients take treatment seriously and are open to making the necessary life changes.
The medical professionals at Integrated Pain Management are dedicated to providing patients with the answer to all of their neuropathy-related health concerns. This includes a diverse range of treatment options, each of which will be utilized for different patients and their individual needs.
Get started on your path to recovery today by contacting Integrated Pain Management and allowing our team to curate a wellness program designed uniquely for you. It’s time to take the next step. Contact us today.
