Neural Therapy: A Healing Therapy for your Nervous System
Explain Neural Therapy Like I’m 5
Think of Neural Therapy as an expert gardener.
And think of your body’s nervous system like a garden.
Just like a gardener prunes plants and improves drainage and irrigation so that his garden can flourish, similarly, Neural Therapy promotes growth and removes blockage that may be hindering the flow of information within our nervous system.
Introduction
What is Neural Therapy?
Neural therapy is a medical treatment that involves the injection of substances into specific points of the body to improve the functioning of the nervous system.
The aim of this therapy is to regulate and normalize the electrical activity of the nerves and promote healing.
History and Origin of Neural Therapy
It was first developed by Dr. Ferdinand Huneke in the early 20th century and has since been practiced in Europe and other countries.
The therapy is based on the concept that disturbances in the electrical activity of the nerves can cause illness and chronic pain.
By injecting local anesthetics, prolotherapy or perineural injection therapy, neural therapy aims to restore balance and improve overall health.
Mechanism of Action
How Does Neural Therapy Work?
Neural therapy works by altering the electrical activity of the nerves in specific areas of the body.
The substances injected act as conductors to regulate and normalize the electrical activity of the nerves, leading to improved function and decreased pain.
The Science Behind Neural Therapy
The exact mechanism of how neural therapy works is not fully understood, but it is believed to stimulate the autonomic nervous system to promote healing and improve overall function. Some studies have shown that neural therapy can improve blood flow, decrease inflammation, and alter the perception of pain in the body.
Types of Neural Therapy
Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics are commonly used in the therapy. These medications are used to numb specific areas of the body and can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Some common local anesthetics used in neural therapy include procaine, mepivacaine, and lidocaine.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy, is a type of neural therapy that involves injecting substances such as dextrose or platelet-rich plasma into the affected area to promote healing and reduce pain.
Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT)
Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT) is a type of neural therapy that involves injecting substances along the nerves to improve function and decrease pain. This therapy is often used to treat conditions such as neuropathy and nerve pain.
Benefits of Neural Therapy
Neural therapy offers a range of benefits for individuals who are looking for a more holistic and natural approach to treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
Some of the key benefits of neural therapy include:
Pain Management
One of the most significant benefits of neural therapy is its ability to effectively manage pain. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, acute pain, or pain resulting from an injury or condition, neural therapy can help reduce pain and improve function. This can help you get back to your daily activities and improve your quality of life.
Neurological Disorders
Neural therapy may also be used to treat neurological disorders such as migraines and other headache disorders, as well as conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and Bell’s palsy.
Autoimmune Diseases
Another benefit of neural therapy is that it can help improve function, especially for those who are struggling with neurological disorders or autoimmune diseases. By working to restore balance and improve communication within the nervous system, neural therapy can help improve function and reduce the severity of symptoms associated with these conditions.
Non-invasive and Safe
The treatment is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment option. The procedure involves only small injections of local anesthetics or other substances, and there is no significant risk of complications or side effects. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who are looking for a safe and effective way to manage their symptoms and conditions.
Natural and Holistic Approach
Finally, one of the key benefits of neural therapy is that it takes a holistic and natural approach to treating symptoms and conditions.
Instead of relying on drugs or other invasive treatments, this modality works to restore balance and improve communication within the nervous system, helping to address the root cause of symptoms and improve overall wellness.
Risks and Precautions
Potential Side Effects of Neural Therapy
Neural therapy is considered safe for most people, but as with any medical procedure, there are some potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects of neural therapy include:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Bruising
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. However, if you experience any severe or persistent symptoms after a neural therapy treatment, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
When to Avoid Neural Therapy
Neural therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and in some cases, it may not be recommended due to potential risks or interactions with other medical conditions. Here are a few things to consider before having neural therapy:
- If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, neural therapy may not be safe for you.
- If you have a known allergy to any of the substances used in the procedure, you may need to avoid neural therapy.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid neural therapy.
- If you have an active infection or skin lesion in the area where the injections will be given, you may need to delay your neural therapy treatment until these issues have been addressed.
It is important to discuss your medical history and any current medications or treatments with your healthcare provider before undergoing neural therapy. This will help ensure that the procedure is safe and effective for you.
Final Thoughts
Neural therapy is a unique and innovative approach to treating a wide range of conditions and symptoms, from pain management to neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases.
By using techniques like local anesthetics, prolotherapy, and perineural injection therapy, this treatment modality can help improve function, reduce pain, and restore wellness.
While there are some potential side effects and precautions to consider, overall, neural therapy is considered safe and effective for most people. If you are interested in exploring this treatment option, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.
FAQs on Neural Therapy
Does neural therapy work?
The effectiveness of neural therapy can vary from person to person, and some people may experience positive results while others do not. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
Is neural therapy FDA approved?
Neural therapy is not FDA approved as a treatment for any specific medical condition.
How much does neural therapy cost?
The cost of neural therapy can vary depending on the practitioner and the location, but it is generally considered to be an alternative or complementary therapy that is not covered by insurance.
With that said, treatments can range from $100-$300 per site.
How many treatments are needed for neural therapy?
Treatment amount may vary, but anywhere from 2-6 is typical to fully heal.
Is neural therapy expensive?
Neural therapy can be expensive depending on how many treatments are needed.
The cost of neural therapy can vary depending on the practitioner and the location, but it is generally considered to be an alternative or complementary therapy that is not covered by insurance. Treatments can range from $100-$300 per site.
Can neural therapy improve POTS?
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. Some practitioners of neural therapy believe that it can help to improve symptoms of POTS, but while there is a decent amount of anecdotal evidence, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, and more research is needed.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on the ELI5 website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content of this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The information provided on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
