Peripheral Neuropathy and Most Common Treatment Plans
Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage caused usually from either high blood pressure or diabetes. Moderate to severe neuropathy can be painful, weakening and even fatal. The symptoms are described as a painful, numbing, and “pins and needles” sensation in the hands or feet. The management of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is commercially handled with the use of opioids. Although some patients appear to enjoy the pain relief and short-term euphoria, nearly all studies show that opioids should only be used for short term use or not at all (Katz N, Benoit C.). The drugs that are typically prescribed to individuals with neuropathy problems include
- Fentanyl
- Oxycontin
- Demerol
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Percocet
- Codeine
- Methadone
What Do We Know About the Opioid Crisis?
- Roughly 21-29% of patients prescribed opioids for pain misuse them.
- Between 8-12% of patients develop an opioid disorder.
- Between 4-6% misuse prescription opioids and transition to heroin
- 80% of people who misuse heroin, first misused prescription opioids.
COVID-19 and Nationwide Increase in Drug Abuse
Now more than ever exercise, healthy habits, and well-being practices should be prioritized by us all. Ironically, in the United States there has been a huge climb in the misuse of addictive narcotics. Last year in 2019, 72,000 people died from a drug overdose and 2/3’s of those death were from the misuse of opioids (Wen, S. Leana).
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the opioid crisis in our country by reducing access to life saving treatment, reduction of support services, negative ramifications from nation wide shut downs, uncertainty and divisive political climate has increased the substance abuse in our country.
As of July of 2020, the drug overdose statistics in the United States compared with 2019 has risen by 15%. In some states and counties, they climbed over 30% (Wen, S. Leana)!
Sanexas: The Breakthrough Therapy!
Within the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and as our country is in a crucial crossroads in the opioid crisis. Dr. Bradley Forbes has made it City Health Service’s priority to provide safe, effective, and non-addictive treatment to our community. City Health Services is proud to be one of three medical offices in the state of Arizona to utilize Sanexas Treatment. This form of neuropathy treatment is incredible, because not only does it relieve patient’s short-term pain relief, but unlike the prescribed opioids, Sanexas is a better long-term treatment to eliminate the illness.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15907252/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15907252/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32113-9/fulltext
