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If you experience tingling and numbness in your extremities, you likely suffer from nerve damage. Neuropathy–also called peripheral neuropathy–refers to any condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system–the brain and spinal cord–to the rest of the body.
Neuropathy results when nerve cells, or neurons, are damaged or destroyed. This distorts the way the neurons communicate with each other and with the brain. Neuropathy can affect one nerve or nerve type, or a combination of nerves.
There are many causes of neuropathy, including the use of statins.
Many people may be aware of the fact that statins cause nerve damage, but the topic isn’t given as much consideration as it should when doctors prescribe the medication. The same statin drugs that reduce cholesterol can cause peripheral neuropathy—damage to the nerves in your arms, legs, feet and fingers signaled by burning, tingling, and numbness.
A well-known research study was conducted in Denmark about the nerve damaging side effect of statins. The study concluded that people who were taking a statin drug had a 16.1-fold increased risk of neuropathy compared to people not taking statins. And people who had taken statins for two or more years had 26.4 times more risk. It was also determined that he larger the dose of the drug, the higher the risk.
Even after these findings were published, many American doctors continue to prescribe statins, although there are sometimes other alternatives to lowering cholesterol levels. Statins are supposed to be used only after strict diet and lifestyle recommendations have failed, but in this country, the whole message about diet and exercise has been lost and we are paying the price for it. More and more patients are filling waiting rooms because they have muscle and nerve damage as a result of taking their prescribed statin drug. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult and a long recovery to heal damaged nerves.
If you are one of the many Americans suffering with statin-induced neuropathy, there are a few things you can do to reverse the damage.
Talk to your doctor about reducing or completely stopping your use of statins. To do this successfully, you will have to make an effort to lower your cholesterol naturally. You’ve probably heard it a hundred times, but maintaining a proper diet can lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels. It is recommended that people with bad cholesterol levels eat less saturated fats while increasing their consumption of soluble fiber. Regular physical activity is also important when trying to achieve desirable cholesterol levels. If you maintain a proper diet and physical activity level, but still need help lowering your LDL level, ask your doctor about the different supplementations that are available.
Testimonial:
Over the last couple of years I have had difficulty walking and was experiencing balance issues. Symptoms included, aching legs, numbness, prickliness, and my feet always seemed to be cold. While at an appointment at Back in Motion, I noticed that they were offering a new therapy for neuropathy. The diagnostic procedure was very comprehensive and it was abundantly clear that I was suffering from neuropathy.
After a series of sessions I had radically improved. My balance is much better and I
am more confident in my walking ability. The therapy coupled with the dietary supplements has made a huge difference in my life.
The entire staff is extremely professional and helpful. They made me feel like a part of the family. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms that I have described, make an appointment with Dr. Ken French at Back in Motion. It will change your life!
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