With their second bustling location in Winston-Salem, Aligned Health & Wellness has enthusiastically expanded their heartfelt care for patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. Utilizing new techniques that allow patients to resume active lives with their families, husband-and-wife team Drs. Jessica and Joshua Katz work tirelessly to empower people to reclaim their lives, while living with the symptoms of neuropathy.
If you’re new to the diagnosis, some of the doctors’ most frequently asked questions are featured here to clear up misconceptions and, hopefully, ease your mind!
Q: “What exactly is peripheral neuropathy?”
A: It is defined as damage to the nerves of the periphery…or the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Q: “I’ve been told there is nothing that can be done for peripheral neuropathy. Is this true?”
A: Many neuropathy patients are told this, and the reality is there isn’t one single medication that cures neuropathy. If patients are looking within the bounds of the western allopathic model, they aren’t going to find anything that addresses the underlying pathology of their neuropathy. That does not mean nothing can be done!
Q: “I’ve already tried everything, and nothing has worked, so how can what you do help me?”
A: On a cellular level, the nerve tissues need oxygen and nutrients (just like any other cell) to be able to rebuild and repair themselves effectively. The body is constantly rebuilding and repairing itself, and when there’s enough oxygen and nutrients, that process keeps our cells healthy. In neuropathy cases, the nerve cells are not getting enough oxygen and nutrients to sustain their health, let alone repair damaged tissues. We help the nerves heal by getting them the oxygen and nutrients they have been lacking.
Q: “What actually causes peripheral neuropathy?”
A: There are dozens of causes, but the most common are diabetes, chemical exposure or exposure to toxins (chemotherapy, agent orange, some medications), injury and infections.
Q: “What do medications prescribed for neuropathy do?”
A: Medications focus on trying to reduce symptoms for patients. The problem is they do nothing to stop the progression of the underlying condition, and as the neuropathy gets worse, the medication becomes less and less effective.
Q: “What are the symptoms of neuropathy?”
A: Symptoms vary widely among sufferers because there are different types of peripheral nerves in patients. It depends on which nerves are damaged, as well as how much damage has occurred. The most common symptoms are numbness, tingling, burning, itching, sharp/stabbing pain, throbbing, coldness, heaviness, sensitivity to touch, balance problems and weakness.
Q: “If there’s a cure, why does my doctor not recommend it?”
A: Honestly, it’s not because they don’t want to help you! Many physicians are simply unaware of the technologies that exist and the studies illustrating their effectiveness. We love working with a patient’s PCP to let them know our findings, our treatment recommendations and likely outcomes.
Q: “How new is your procedure?”
A: The biggest refinements in these technologies occurred in the 2000s. The technologies themselves were introduced into healthcare in the 1980s – on a very limited basis – but started to gain more momentum in the late 1990s.
Q: “My neuropathy is caused by diabetes, so if I get my A1C under control, will it fix my neuropathy issues?”
A: No, while getting your A1C under control is a fantastic accomplishment, it doesn’t fix the nerve damage that has already taken place. In fact, left untreated, neuropathy is a condition that progresses – even in those who have their A1C in check and are able to keep it there.
Q: “I have been dealing with this for years. Will it get worse?”
A: Neuropathy is a chronic, progressive condition with four stages. It does one thing over time…it gets worse. For most patients, symptoms begin intermittently in one extremity. As the condition progresses, it will affect both limbs and become more frequent and more intense as damage progresses. In its earlier years, neuropathy can progress quite slowly, many times without any symptoms. However, in its later stages, degradation can occur rapidly. Every patient is different, but if you are experiencing neuropathy, it’s best to set up an appointment to see what stage you are in and what treatment options are available.
Dr. Jessica Katz is eager to get started with your personal journey towards a life with less pain and more movement, where you can experience the treatments and programs offered by Aligned Health & Wellness. Convenient to Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville and Walkertown, their newest location is open at 765 Highland Oaks Drive, Suite 200 in Winston-Salem. Learn more about their services devoted solely to peripheral neuropathy patients, or request an initial appointment at piedmonttriadneuropathy.com or by calling 336.600.2477.
