Stress and Peripheral Neuropathy

Stress is known to cause the body to release chemicals that can damage nerves. But how does stress lead to peripheral neuropathy? When the “fight or flight” response is activated, several physiological changes occur in the body. Muscles and nerves tense up in preparation for potential danger, leading to oxygen deprivation. This can result in symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, all of which are characteristics of peripheral neuropathy. It’s likely that the nerve tissue is not permanently damaged but is temporarily dysfunctional.

Emotional stress can reduce the oxygen supply to the nerves, leading to sensations like numbness, weakness, or “pins and needles.” Most commonly, these sensations are felt in the legs, feet, and toes. Stress also impacts the immune system, which plays a role in the development of peripheral neuropathy. Moreover, stress can alter pain perception, making one more sensitive or intensifying the pain.

During emotionally stressful times, it’s possible to experience muscle cramps and nerve pain as the body goes into a defensive mode.

Understanding the Symptoms:

Nerves, essentially bundles of fibers, help us sense, feel, and move. The nervous system, the network formed by these nerves, comprises:

1. The Central Nervous System: Comprising the brain and spinal cord.
2. The Peripheral Nervous System: All other nerves in the body fall under this category, transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Types of Nerves:

1. Sensory Nerves: Affecting our sense of feeling, damage to these nerves can cause symptoms like tingling, pain, numbness, or difficulty in distinguishing temperatures and injuries.
2. Motor Nerves: Connecting the brain and muscles, damage here can result in movement difficulties, muscle weakness, and coordination issues.
3. Autonomic Nerves: Responsible for involuntary functions. Damage can lead to issues like digestive problems, dizziness, and urinary complications.

Medications like antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs are sometimes prescribed to manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. However, these only provide temporary relief and don’t address the root cause. They may also come with side effects.

Chronic stress can lead to nerve-related issues due to factors like inflammation, decreased blood flow, and increased oxidative stress. When under stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause nerve damage and inflammation.

Neurological Symptoms of Stress:

1. Digestive Issues: Hormonal releases can negatively impact the digestive system, leading to pain, bloating, and constipation.
2. Numbness or Tingling: Chronic stress can result in sensations in extremities due to nerve-related issues.
3. Nerve Pain from Anxiety: This can manifest as generalized pain across the body, muscle pain, or neuropathic pain. Anxiety can also cause gastrointestinal issues because of nerve dysfunction in the digestive system.

Cold temperatures can exacerbate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Reduced temperatures can lead to an increase in tingling, burning, or sharp pain. This is because the heart rate slows in cold, decreasing blood flow and intensifying pain.

Symptoms of Neuropathy:

Those with neuropathy might experience difficulties in standing or walking, balance issues, heat or cold sensitivity, numbness, and pain. Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that peripheral neuropathy arises when there’s an energy blockage, preventing cells and tissues from receiving adequate nourishment.

Key Takeaways:

• Peripheral nerves can recover, meaning damage may not be permanent.
• Symptoms might initially worsen during the healing process.
• Recovery can span weeks to years.
• Walking, despite potential pain, doesn’t worsen neuropathy.