Dealing with Nerve Pain Effectively Through Exercise
March 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Other Exercise Information
With millions of people in the U.S. discovered to be sufferers of peripheral neuropathy, it was once believed that exercise can actually aggravate the condition. Today however, patients of this condition are actually advised to maintain a routine of low-impact workouts.
There are several conditions that contribute to the suffering of peripheral neuropathy. If you have diabetes, arthritis, HIV, or cancer, you are most likely to suffer from nerve pain. Many people also experience this pain due to genetics and even as ill-effects of specific types of medication. This pain can be felt in the extremities such as the hands and feet, which resembles a numb feeling. The pain is often described to be throbbing and burning. What brings about this kind of pain is the damage done to the nerves from the brain to the spinal cord, and eventually affects the entire body.
Since there is much pain involved, patients are worried about performing exercise routines, especially since there is the danger of increasing the degree of pain. In the past, doctors have been wary about recommending any form of exercise, since there has been the risk of worsening the pain felt by patients. However, doctors have just recently come to the conclusion that low impact exercise can in fact offer an excellent form of therapy. People with peripheral neuropathy who do not exercise at all are known to suffer more. It can lead to lower metabolism, muscular atrophy and decreased levels of energy.
The reason why low-impact routines are recommended is that it provides less stress on the joints and the feet. In nerve pain, these regions are the ones which are most likely to get affected. Exercises which are low impact may include walking, performing water aerobics, elliptical training, and even stationary biking. These routines help improve blood circulation, increase heart rate, and bodily movement. With better blood circulation patients can feel less numbness and less soreness in their extremities.
Improved emotional health is also one benefit of maintaining a low-impact workout regimen. Since people with painful conditions are prone to feelings of depression and anxiety, performing regular exercises can help alleviate depressive tendencies. When working out, the body releases feel-good hormones which are called the endorphins. These are also known to contribute to better quality sleep.
It is essential to note however, that the muscles should not be strained too much. A moderate exercise for about 20 minutes daily is already a good start. One disadvantage of intensive exercise routines is increased nerve pain. For anyone who already suffers from peripheral neuropathy, this is definitely something to be avoided. If you feel any kind of aching in your muscles after performing exercises, this is already an indication that you have overburdened your muscles during the routines.
Once you have decided to finally adopt a low-impact exercise even with your nerve condition, consulting with your doctor first is a must. Having peripheral neuropathy can be effectively managed not merely by the right medications and healthy eating habits, but through low-impact exercise routines as well.
Tags:Better Blood,Blood Circulation,Bodily Movement,body building,Exercise Routines,Extremities,Genetics,Hands And Feet,Heart Rate,Ill Effects,Joints,Low Impact Exercise,Metabolism,Muscular Atrophy,Nerve Pain,Nerves,Peripheral Neuropathy,Spinal Cord,Water Aerobics,workouts
