Nerve damage can happen anywhere in the vast network of nerves, which are the communication system of your body. The term "peripheral neuropathy" is what describes any kind of damage done to your nerves. Exercise has been shown to alleviate nerve damage, but it is important to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling or prickling sensation, muscle weakness and sensitivity to touch. Some extreme symptoms might include paralysis, burning pain in the muscles, gland dysfunction and more. The symptoms generally start with nonsignificant manifestations such as muscle loss, cramps and some changes in hair and skin. You might also lose proper motor response. Over time, nerve damage can lead to difficulty in even doing simple things such as fastening a button on your shirt.
Causes
A combination of hereditary factors, birth trauma, exposure to toxins, an unhealthy lifestyle, and a lack of physical activity might lead toward a higher probability of nerve damage. Other factors include physical trauma due to an accident, sports injury or a fall. Systemic disorders such as metabolic and endocrine disorders can also result in nerve damage. Diabetes, kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies and alcoholism are also some conditions that have been identified as causing nerve damage. However, the specific cause of nerve damage might not be something that even physicians can determine.
Treatment
The treatment for nerve damage begins with trying to understand the cause of the damage. Next comes treating the condition and managing your painful symptoms. Some of the drugs used for management include pain relievers, anti-seizure medicines, lidocaine patches, antidepressants and TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Other suggestions include staying away from toxins, eating healthily, massaging your feet and avoiding prolonged pressures. Exercise might also provide you with significant relief.
Exercise Benefits
Peripheral nerves can regenerate as long as they are simply damaged and not completely dead. This is why consulting a physician as soon as you see any sign of nerve damage is essential. Exercise, which increases blood circulation and the flow of oxygen throughout the body, might prove beneficial if you are suffering from nerve damage. Because immobility can cause muscle atrophy and tightening, exercise might prove helpful, according to Dr. Greg Carter, professor of rehabilitation medicine, at the University of Washington.
