New Infrared Relief therapy now available for patients with diabetic neuropathies

May 14 2010

Genesis Spine Associates now offers Infrared Relief - a new, highly effective pain management therapy using infrared light for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathies. This new therapy offers a simple, painless option for managing patients' pain without potentially dangerous drugs or surgery.

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by elevated glucose levels associated with diabetes. People suffering from diabetic neuropathies experience pain, tingling and numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs. Up to 70 percent of people with diabetes can suffer from this condition. Diabetes patients can develop diabetic neuropathy at any time, though risks go up significantly with age and duration of diabetes, meaning older patients who have had diabetes for over 25 years are at higher risk.

The relationship between nerve health and blood flow is symbiotic - nerves regulate blood flow and blood flow keeps the nerves supplied with oxygen and nutrients that keep them healthy. Over time, if a patient's blood sugar is not always optimum, the blood can undergo a chemical change, which cause inflammation, especially in the extremities. The result can be moderate to severe pain that may restrict or even prevent every-day tasks including writing, doing simple household chores, driving and even walking.

Unfortunately, neither over-the-counter nor prescription pain medications are very effective for treating nerve pain and can have serious side effects when used over a long period of time. Also, because diabetic neuropathy is most likely to occur in older patients (those who have had diabetes for longer than 25 years), doctors are hesitant to prescribe stronger pain medications that can negatively impact vital organs and can interact poorly with other medications.

As scientists learn more about the underlying causes of neuropathy, new treatments are becoming available to help slow, prevent or even reverse nerve damage. Genesis Spine Associates has found that one of these treatments - infrared light therapy - offers a viable solution. The process is simple: flexible pads containing multiple infrared lights are placed over the affected areas. The energy from the lights is absorbed deep in the tissues promoting normal blood chemistry, increasing blood flow, bringing oxygen and essential nutrients to the area, reducing inflammation and thus relieving pain. After just 30 minutes of treatment, blood flow is increased by 400 percent and lasts for several hours after the pads are removed. And, best of all, the treatment is painless and can be repeated as needed.

SOURCE Genesis Spine Associates