[Apollo]

I am planning to visit a local chiropractor who specializes in low-level laser light therapy for SFN. I made this decision after finding this study on the internet which may be viewed here:


http://www.podiatrytoday.com/can-low...ral-neuropathy


What was especially interesting is that they did "before and after" skin biopsies, and were able to apparently prove that the nerve fiber density actually improved (coorsponding with the patient's subjective symptom impressions).

My main area of SFN discomfort is consistantly in my palms (and to a very small amount in my feet). Given the localized areas (and lidocane & Biofreeze don't do anything) this might be useful.

Can anyone with some expertise in this area share their thoughts?

Thanks!

[Jomar]

I can say Low level laser therapy (LLLT) very much helped for the pain & discomfort of my RSI/TOS/myofascial pain.

Make sure you are getting actual low level laser and not LED light therapy.
Some places confuse or mis state which they are using.

[mrsD]

I use a strong 5mW laser pointer on my pain areas with moderate success. I don't need it often, but it seems to work when done on the problem nerve areas, daily for a week.

I tried this last year, and still do it. Beats taking cognitive impairing drugs IMO.

Let us know how you do.

[Apollo]

Originally Posted by mrsD

I use a strong 5mW laser pointer on my pain areas with moderate success. I don't need it often, but it seems to work when done on the problem nerve areas, daily for a week.

I tried this last year, and still do it. Beats taking cognitive impairing drugs IMO.

Let us know how you do.

...wow, so this actually does seem to work based on member's experence???

[Jomar]

If you can try as you go, with treatment sessions, and not be locked into any extended plan, and it's affordable for you , I'd suggest trying it.

I plan to buy a LLLT whenever the prices come down, the therapeutic ones are running about 1 thou and up.

[glenntaj]

--is that the laser (and even the LED's if monochromatic and strong enough) may be able to affect the nitric oxide pathways and promote microcirculation, which is supportive of nerve function (and a lot of things, besides).

The mechanism is many small fiber neuropathies, such as those associated with diabetes or some anti-nuclear antibody autoimmunities, is thought to be primarily ischemic or circulatory; the primary breakdown is in the small blood vessels, which then do not bring enough nutrients/oxygen or get rid of waste products as efficiently, and this leads to nerve starvation/breakdown. So anything that promotes better inflow/outflow is likely a good thing.