Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Neuropathic Pain & Sciatica
Neuropathic pain (NPP) refers to the pain caused by primary or secondary injury or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, and usually requires multidisciplinary treatment. However, most pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can only temporarily and/or moderately improve pain-related symptoms, and they often produce unbearable adverse reactions or cause drug resistance.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of some diseases due to its advantages of safety, few side effects, no resistance, and non-invasiveness. In recent years, increasing numbers of basic and clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of HBOT in the treatment of NPP, and great progress has been made in this field.
In a 2021 clinical study conducted by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, the therapeutic effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are outlined, along with a summary of the mechanisms underlying the effects of HBOT in treating NPP, which support the clinical treatment of pain with HBOT.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33648029/
Gabapentin is a common drug used to treat NPP but it can present a lot of unwanted side effects. The most common gabapentin side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. This may affect your ability to drive or perform other activities. It can also cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and adults. People taking gabapentin may experience fluid buildup in their legs (peripheral edema). Gabapentin may cause issues with your eyes. This may include blurred vision, double vision, or rapid eye movements that you can’t control. Memory loss is another common side effect. In a 2017 study, it was shown that Hyperbaric oxygenation alleviates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain and inhibits GABAergic neuron apoptosis in the spinal cord. Dysfunction of GABAergic inhibitory controls contributes to the development of neuropathic pain, and HBOT has been demonstrated to restore normal function in the treatment of this type of pain.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28927648/
A 2023 paper showed HBO treatment enhances motor function and modulates pain development after sciatic nerve injury. Peripheral nerve injury has been shown to cause neuroinflammation and neuromodulation that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord, contributing to neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic tool for neuropathic pain and nerve injury.
The specific cellular and molecular mechanism by which HBOT modulates the development of neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction through mitochondrial protection is still unclear, but the results and effectiveness are undeniable. Further studies are ongoing to pinpoint the exact mechanisms by which HBOT works in therapeutic pain relief.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37582750/
In addition to Family Chiropractic, we offer a variety of healing modalities, including Massage, PEMF/Terahertz Treatment, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Animal Chiropractic, Neural Balancing, Thermographic Scanning, Light and Sound Therapy, Heart Rate Variability, Aromatherapy and Surface Electromyography.
Dr. Kyle has studied the latest cutting-edge science and technology from the foremost experts in the profession. After graduating summa cum laude, Dr. Kyle opened his practice in Napa, CA where he specializes in locating and treating the deepest areas of stress in the body.
Dr. Cody Young specializes in comprehensive health care, building and maintaining health, and teaching patients continuously through their care process. He also works with patients on a variety of conditions including Chronic inflammation, Neuropathy, Parkinson’s, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Post Stroke, Traumatic brain injury, Post-concussion, Multiple sclerosis using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
At Journey Wellness Center we know it’s important to approach HBOT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of healthcare professionals experienced in treating a variety of conditions and HBOT. We practice hands-on care and treatment and seek to integrate our understanding of HBOT’s role in autoimmune disease management.
Visit JourneyNapa.com today to schedule a consultation with our Certified Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Professionals. Ask about our New Patient Special!