After an injury, the body has some ability to regenerate damaged nerves. Though a full recovery is possible, regrowth can be slow and doesn’t always meet expectations. Healing depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and treatment consistency.
Although diet and other treatments play an essential role in recovering damaged nerves, other methods are more effective. The most vital is physical therapy for neuropathy, including TENS electrical stimulation. Such treatments enhance blood flow, reduce weakness, and improve nerve functions.
Can Damaged Nerves Regenerate?
Nerve damage has several causes, including accidents, falls, sports injuries, and medical conditions. In some cases, the issue is minor, stunning the nerve and causing temporary loss of function, numbness, or weakness. When nerve damage is more severe, recovery is slower, with the most serious issues requiring surgery and rehab therapies.
To regenerate damaged nerves, physical therapy and exercise are important. The first stage is determining the extent of the damage, including reflex, reaction, and sensation tests. Then a tailored plan is created using various exercises to reduce pain and stiffness. Therapy also strengthens the muscles and restores sensations and functions.
Another important function of physical therapy is electrical stimulation, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Electrostimulation improves circulation and boosts healing in damaged nerves.
Other treatments are also beneficial for those with neuropathy, such as acupuncture, massage, and regular exercise. Adjusting your diet and losing excess weight puts less stress on the injured nerves and improves healing.
Regardless of the treatments recommended, it’s vital to be consistent with each therapy. Follow your doctor’s rehab plan as closely as possible for the best results. During recovery, some individuals notice tingling or other sensations as their nerves regain their functions. Discuss any changes with your doctor.
What are the best supplements?
As well as rehab therapies, supplements play an essential role when attempting to regenerate damaged nerves. The nutrients in such supplements provide various healing qualities to improve neuropathy recovery. They reduce inflammation and pain while increasing functions and fighting off free radicals.
B vitamins are highly prized when healing injured nerves. Vitamin B1 provides the nerve fibers with energy while acting as an antioxidant. Vitamin B6 improves neurotransmitter metabolism, reduces neurotoxic glutamate release, and restores the nerves’ sensory functions.
B12 vitamins encourage nerve cell survival and promote regrowth of the protective myelin sheath around each nerve. They also improve or cure any nerve function issues. Though B12 is best, its supplemental efforts are boosted when combined with other B vitamins.
As a powerful antioxidant that interacts and regenerates others like it, alpha-lipoic acid is also beneficial for regenerating damaged nerves. As well as reducing oxidative stress, ALA improves nerve functions and rebuilds the nerves and their protective shields.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, reduces inflammation and pain. For neuropathy, it also improves sensitivity, functions, and nerve regrowth while preventing cell death.
Quercetin, located in fruits, vegetables, and herbs, is another potent antioxidant. It also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and promotes cell survival.
Melatonin improves sleep cycles, regulates circadian rhythms, and enhances mental functions. It also has antioxidant properties, detoxifying free radicals, preserving myelin sheaths, and regenerating nerves.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/treating-repairing-nervous-system#:~:text=Nerve%20cells%20can%20regenerate%20and,is%20typically%20incomplete%20and%20slow.&text=This%20is%20a%20complete%20nerve,at%20surgery%20and%20repair%20this.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4705788/
https://www.gahand.org/services/nerve-damage-physical-therapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9205410/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294980/
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
I really need to rebuild my nerves