Using Gene Therapy To Relieve Neuropathic Pain

Today's post from newsmax.com (see link below) revisits a story reported earlier on this blog about the new non-viral gene-therapy called VM202, which can potentially reduce neuropathic pain in ways that standard medications currently can only dream of. To reiterate, the study showed that just two low doses of VM202 produced pain relief lasting for months, with the added bonus of no side effects. The article explains what VM202 is but doesn't tell us how widely it's used at the moment; whether it's still in the testing stages, or whether it's available to the main population of neuropathy patients. Maybe your area, or country is carrying out trials as you read this and maybe you can get onto those but until things are much clearer, the best you can do is discuss it with your doctor or neurologist and ensure that they are aware of both the option and the potential of this treatment.

New Gene Therapy Eases Diabetes-Related Pain
Thursday, 05 Mar 2015 By Nick Tate

Northwestern University geneticists have developed a promising new gene therapy technique that helps those who suffered from painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

The study, published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translation Neurology, found that two low dose rounds of a non-viral gene therapy called VM202 greatly eased the pain in people with PDN and the relief lasted for months.

"Those who received the therapy reported more than a 50 percent reduction in their symptoms and virtually no side effects," said lead researcher Jack Kessler, a professor in the department of pharmacology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Not only did it improve their pain, it also improved their ability to perceive a very, very light touch."

VM202 contains human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene, a naturally occurring protein in the body that acts on nerve cells to keep them alive, healthy, and functioning.
 
Keith Wenckowski, one of the 84 participants in the study who suffers from PDN, said walking barefoot on sand "felt like walking on glass" because of the condition — forcing him to wear shoes, even to the beach.

But Wenckowski said the VM202 therapy significantly eased his pain.

"I can now go to a beach and walk on the sand without feeling like I am walking on glass," he said.

There is not existing treatment for PDN, which affects up to 25 percent of diabetics. Patients with the condition have abnormally high levels of glucose in their blood that can be toxic to vital organs, tissues, and nerve cells.

Painkillers and other medications can alleviate symptoms, but carry undesirable side effects.

"We are hoping that the treatment will increase the local production of hepatocyte growth factor to help regenerate nerves and grow new blood vessels and therefore reduce the pain," said Senda Ajroud-Driss, M.D., associate professor in neurology at Feinberg and an attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

"We found that the patients who received the low dose had a better reduction in pain than the people who received the high dose or the placebo."

© 2015 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.

http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/gene-therapy-diabetes-neuropathy/2015/03/05/id/628524/

Sciatica massage therapy benefits

Sciatica massage therapy benefits may be the pattern associated with the current well-liked content material, can certainly belonging to the studies belonging to the search engine optimisation to offer you precise awareness most people consider to locate illustrations or photos connected with typically the Sciatica massage therapy benefits . and also outcome you will find down the page ought to be examples of the illustrations or photos is merely a great representation.

Pictures Sciatica massage therapy benefits

Sciatica massage therapy benefits - this has been put up with all the requirement that may we all can activate beneficial to you truly. This informative article can easily assist being a guide remember when you are mystified to choose the best suited lead This Sciatica massage therapy benefits articles might be your very best choice being placed on the task program, the way it possesses its very own approach will probably think far more content Sciatica massage therapy benefits - Very useful for you therefore we are trying to find a steady base which unfortunately will allow you to locate ideas with out distress. do remember for you to book mark this page, considering it's possible that sometime you will have the application once again when a person's inspirational strategies.

Will Massage Therapy Help Your Neuropathy

Today's post from foundationforpn.org (see link below) looks at massage as a viable therapy for nerve pain. You'd be surprised how many people contact this blog regarding the benefits or not of massage. Then again, if you've tried almost everything else, including strong medication and nothing helps, then you're going to start exploring other options aren't you! It may be wise to avoid amateur masseurs (especially if you're paying good money) because of the potential for making things worse but that doesn't preclude your partner or close friend from helping you out because then you can set your own limits. This very useful article sets out the various massage therapies and explains how they work. This sort of information is helpful in making choices of what's best for you. Given that most people enjoy a massage anyway, irrespective of the medical benefits, why not give it a go but keep close control over the effects on your body. Even if a comfortable massage does very little to alleviate your nerve pain, it should make you feel better anyway if only because that's the nature of the beast. For many people the biggest hurdle is getting over the physical contact and the fact that someone else is exploring your body on an intimate level. However, if you don't try you'll never know and even if only your muscles and mind are relaxed, doesn't that make it worthwhile in itself? Maybe time to overcome your prejudgements and let your body make its own mind up!

Massage for Neuropathy
No date or author given but the source is reliable

Massage or massage therapy is a sytem of structured palpations or movements of the soft tissues of the body. The massage system may include, but is not limited to, such techniques as, stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement; effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, rhythmic movements with fingers or short rapid movements of sides of the hand).

These techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants, salt or herbal preparations, hydromassage, thermal massage or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by human hands. The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the recipient. Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy.

Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes, such as pain management, prevent injuries, restore a healthy immune system, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and facilitate overall wellness.

The benefits of neuropathy massage therapy

In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), although it does have some conventional uses. It is increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found neuropathy massage treatement may also be helpful for:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Lessen depression and anxiety
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
Sports injuries
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
Increase joint flexibility
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
Paresthesia and nerve pain
Reduce spasms and cramping
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
Arthritis
Relieve migraine pain

Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for:
Decreased anxiety
Enhanced sleep quality
Greater energy
Improved concentration
Increased circulation
Reduced fatigue
Types of massage

There are many different types of massage, those that are for comfort and or those for specific conditions or diseases. Here are a few types:

Aromatherapy
 
Many essential oils that are derived from plants, herbs, flowers, and roots have beneficial therapeutic qualities. Aromatherapy involves the “burning” of essential oils to elicit a desired effect; for example, lavendar is known to induce calmness and relaxation. When combined with bodywork, aromatherapy can enrich the massage experience immensely. A few drops of essential oil can be added to massage cream or oil and applied to the skin. Professionally trained aromatherapists also blend oils to treat specific conditions. Only experienced professionals and/or those knowledable in the properties of aromatherapy should attempt to blend oils or utilize them in practice, as some oil combinations can be toxic, while others can burn the skin.

Connective Tissue Massage
 
Connective tissue massage is similar to myofascial release in that it involves working with the body’s fascia, or soft tissue, to relieve pain, tightness, and discomfort. The idea behind connective tissue massage is that restriction in one area of the body negatively affects other areas of the body. Practitioners of this technique “hook” their fingers into the connective tissue and utilize pulling strokes to lengthen the area. Benefits include pain reduction, tension relief, improved mobility and stress reduction.

Deep-Tissue Massage
 
Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.

Practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the human body and have been trained to administer deep-tissue massage, as injury can occur if the technique is not performed properly. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury.

Geriatric Massage
 
Geriatric massage involves treating the elderly, often in resident-care facilities, and addressing their needs related to aging, depression and illness. Geriatric massage is usually shorter in duration, and involves the application of gentle techniques to facilitate pain relief, relaxation, and an overall feeling of wellness.

Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT)
 
Developed by French physician Bruno Chikly, this technique involves the application of light, rhythmic strokes to help alleviate various conditions related to the body’s lymph system. Among other things, the lymph system is responsible for flushing out toxins and draining fluid, which supports a healthy immune system. When lymph circulation stagnates, however, fluid can build up and cause physical problems, such as inflammation, edemas and neuropathies.

LDT enables practitioners to restore proper lymph flow by using a “mapping” system to assess congested areas in the body, then apply gentle, pressure using the fingers and hands on these areas to reactivate proper circulation.

Massotherapy
 
Massotherapy involves working primarily with the muscles. Practitioners of massotherapy have a background in science, but often incorporate other modalities into their treatments when working with the muscle groups. Benefits of massotherapy include improved circulation and blood flow, as well as pain management.

Medical Massage
 
Practitioners of medical massage have a strong background in pathology, disease, illness and injury, and the contraindications of specific massage techniques related to various medical conditions. Medical massage therapists frequently work under the direction of or at the request of physicians.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
 
NMT is massage applied to specific muscles, often used to increase blood flow, release knots of muscle tension, or release pain/pressure on nerves. This therapy is also known as trigger-point therapy in that concentrated finger pressure is applied to “trigger points” to alleviate muscular pain.

Reflexology
 
This technique is based on a system of points on the hands, feet and ears that correspond, or “reflex,” to other areas of the body. Similar in theory to acupressure, reflexologists believe that applying appropriate pressure to these points stimulates the flow of energy, thus helping to relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. A very pleasurable form of bodywork, reflexology is also used to ease stress and promote relaxation.

Sports Massage
 
Sports massage therapies are both preventative and therapeutic, and used for athletes during warm ups, training and competition to treat and/or aid in the prevention of injuries; help improve flexibility, range of motion, and performance; and aid in mental clarity. Virtually every professional sports team employs professional sports massage therapists, and are often privately employed by professional athletes.

Swedish Massage
 
Generally regarded as the most common form of massage, Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage is also one of the less demanding techniques for massage therapists to practice as it usually does not involve deep-tissue work.

Talk to your healthcare providers about massage for peripheral neuropathy.

Despite its benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage therapy and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have. Also ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost, and insurance coverage. If a massage therapist suggests using other CAM practices (for example, herbs or other supplements, or a special diet), discuss it first with your regular health care provider. 

Risks of massage

Most people can benefit from massage for neuropathy. Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks — if it is performed by a properly trained therapist and if appropriate cautions are followed. Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But ordinarily it shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn’t feel right or is painful, let your therapist know right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage or sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.

Cautions about massage therapy include the following:
Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications
Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery.
Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.
Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.
Licenses and certifications

Some common licenses or certifications for massage therapists include:
LMT Licensed Massage Therapist
LMP Licensed Massage Practitioner
CMT Certified Massage Therapist
NCTMB Has met the credentialing requirements (including passing an exam) of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, for practicing therapeutic massage and bodywork
NCTM Has met the credentialing requirements (including passing an exam) of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, for practicing therapeutic massage

Research

American Massage Therapy Association Consumer Survey Facts
75% of individuals surveyed claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (43%) and stress (32%) related.
87% of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness
61% of respondents said their physician has recommended they get a massage.

Source:

National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

American Massage Therapy Association: definition of massage therapy and basic massage therapy terms. www.amtamassage.org

Complementary and alternative methods: types of bodywork. Available at www.cancer.org

MassageTherapy.com. www.massagetherapy.com

https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/integrative-therapies/massage/

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Nerve Pain Something For You

Today's post from consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/ (see link below) concerns cognitive behavioural therapy and its use as another tool in the box to deal with chronic pain. It's been around for a long time and is often met with skepticism by patients who feel they first need to 'believe' in this sort of therapy and they just don't, or won't! These days, it's being used as part of a pain management therapy  and once again, is regaining popularity due to the current fear of opioids. Many patients feel that it's just yet another way for doctors to say 'learn to live with it' because they need to train their mind to see pain differently. However, there's nothing wrong with that and we all know that we can magnify our pain according to what's going on in the rest of our lives. They call it catastrophising but if CBT can help us reduce the psychological effects of pain and maybe now and then, see it for what it is and how our environment is making it worse, not the neuropathy itself, then we're already creating strategies to better deal with it. It's worth having a talk with your doctor about CBT but you need to approach it with an open mind and find a therapist who doesn't underestimate the pain you live with on a daily basis.

CBT for Pain Management and Living with a New Device  
Scientific evidence shows CBT an appropriate therapy for managing pain  
Jan. 24, 2017

 
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the treatment of choice for behavioral issues, from depression to anxiety to insomnia. At Cleveland Clinic, CBT also is often an integral component of a care plan for patients suffering with chronic pain.

CBT is defined as short-term, goal oriented psychotherapy that seeks to alter patterns of thinking and behavior to change the way patients perceive and manage their pain.

The American Psychological Association cites multiple clinical studies showing CBT to be among the most effective treatments for improving management of chronic pain across the spectrum of pain conditions. CBT recognizes that each person is unique, and that their pain and its consequences are unique to them.

Patients of the Cleveland Clinic Department of Pain Management are often referred to pain psychologist Jill Mushkat Conomy, PhD, who screens patients before a decision is made to move forward with invasive medical interventions. She often uses CBT to help patients develop skills for managing the impact of pain on their life and to help them to live with an implant, including a neuromodulation device (e.g., spinal cord stimulator) or intrathecal pump/medication delivery system.

“I see patients to ensure that indications for the interventional pain procedure, including indwelling devices, are understood by the patient, and that there are no psychological factors that would preclude success for the patient,” she explains. The evaluation fulfills insurance requirements for these elective procedures. Once the evaluation is completed, it may lead to a series of appointments for CBT both pre- and post-procedure.

Doctors also refer patients to Dr. Mushkat Conomy for a prescreening if a patient is on, or being considered for, long-term opioid management for a chronic pain condition. “What I can do as a psychologist is point out areas of concern and coordinate treatment with the physicians,” she says. “Management of these patients is very much a team approach. It is also important to consider the impact that medications, opioid or otherwise, may have on an individual’s memory, behavior and cognitive function.

Making an assessment

Dr. Mushkat Conomy uses standardized psychological testing in conjunction with a clinical interview to assess the impact of the pain diagnosis on the life of the individual. Using a BioPsychoSocial model, which reflects the interaction of pain on biochemical, psychological, cognitive, and socioeconomic aspects of a person’s life, she is able to assess the overall impact of pain. This includes its impact on the patient’s family and friends, caregivers, coworkers and employers.

As she reviews these factors, she will work with the patient to develop skills for managing the challenges of living with pain. “CBT helps people to reframe the way they think about their pain and to learn how to manage their pain on a day to day basis,” she says. “Instead of the ‘catastrophe’ that chronic pain may be, individuals begin to see that it is a challenge in life that they can learn to cope with in a way that allows them to be in control of their life.”

She notes that stress, depression, weight gain, inactivity, and physical injuries can all contribute to disability associated with chronic pain. When a psychological issue is identified, Dr. Mushkat Conomy may schedule several CBT sessions with the patient to help them acquire the skills to deal with the difficulties they experience.

https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/2017/01/cbt-pain-management-living-new-device/

Magnet therapy

CBS News segment featuring the benefits doctors have found by the use of biaxial magnetic field health products. The video talks about diabetics with neuropathy but in this case, the treatment applies to all. If you listen to what this guy says, the logic seems inescapable and of course, if it works...why not! Now the problem is finding where you can receive such treatment!