Neuropathy is a disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system and can have a major impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Tens of thousands of Norwegians suffer from this condition, which can have various causes such as diabetes, chemotherapy, exposure to dangerous substances, acute and chronic infections, alcoholism and nutritional deficiencies. In many cases, the cause cannot be found. Neuropathic pain is a common side effect of neuropathy and can be devastating for some patients. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help relieve pain, and one of these is ReBuilder. Read on to learn more about how this device can help you cope with neuropathy and its symptoms.
What is neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a term that covers a range of diseases that affect the peripheral nerves. These different diseases have different causes, but lead to functional disorders because the nerves or their insulating myelin sheaths are destroyed by disease processes. Peripheral neuropathy is often used interchangeably with neuropathy since peripheral nerves are affected.
Two types of neuropathy
There are two main types of neuropathy: mononeuropathies affecting a single nerve trunk or nerve branch and polyneuropathies which affect multiple nerves and cause symmetrical symptoms on both sides of the body, often starting in the hands and/or feet. The cause of mononeuropathy is usually damage or pinching of the nerve somewhere along its course. Mononeuropathia multiplex is a term used when several nerves are affected unsymmetrically. This is due to an inflammatory reaction in the small blood vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen, leading to a lack of oxygen. This condition often occurs in connection with connective tissue diseases such as polyarteritis nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms and treatment
Neuropathy affects the autonomic, sensory and motor neurons in the peripheral nervous system. This can lead to symptoms such as decreased sensation, numbness, tingling, deep pain or increased pain sensitivity in the extremities (burning, stinging sensation). Neuropathy can be a serious condition and it is important to get a correct diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for neuropathy usually includes non-pharmacological therapies, medications and invasive procedures such as spinal cord stimulation.
What can you do about neuropathy yourself?
There are several things you can do to alleviate the symptoms mentioned above. Among other things:
- Light mobilization of joints and massage can have a soothing effect. This can improve circulation.
- Electrical stimulation (ReBuilder)
- Use of indoor shoes
- Use of compression stockings (if you have swelling)
- Strengthening the muscles in the legs and feet
What is ReBuilder?
ReBuilder is an innovative and non-invasive handheld device cleared by the FDA for the treatment of pain. It is specifically designed to treat neuropathy by stimulating the nerves and muscles, as well as restoring normal plus-minus polarity along the nerve axes and dendrites. ReBuilder works on three separate levels and can help bypass the synaptic cleft responsible for neuropathy and can lead to reduced pain and increased functionality.
How does ReBuilder work for neuropathic pain?
ReBuilder works by waking up dormant nerve cells. The device works on three separate levels to treat neuropathic pain. First, it stimulates the nerves by sending an electrical impulse with a narrow waveform and high transient voltage. This signal restores nerve function and repolarizes synaptic connections. It then stimulates the muscles with another type of electrical impulse. Finally, ReBuilder combines these two signals to achieve optimal electrostimulation.
ReBuilder is a safe and non-invasive treatment method that can be an alternative to conventional painkillers and invasive procedures. It can also be a valuable complement to other treatment methods for neuropathy.
How do you use ReBuilder?
At our clinic in Tønsberg, we use Rebuilder in water for increased stimulation, and we use it for both hands and feet. You sit with your hands or feet in a lukewarm water bath with two electrodes. During the treatment, you will feel a weak current, which gradually decreases. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes. We often see that patients with neuropathy will need regular treatment with Rebuilder for pain relief.
Are there any disadvantages?
Disadvantages of using ReBuilder include that it can be time-consuming and require regular treatment to achieve long-term pain relief. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment. ReBuilder should not be be used by people with pacemakers or other electrical medical devices, and it should not be used by pregnant women or people with epilepsy without first consulting a specialist.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this, please contact us.
