Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Role of Integrative Health on Neuropathic Pain

  • Neuropathic Pain (A Abd-Elsayed, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain experience continuous or intermittent spontaneous pain throughout their lives. Pharmacological treatments often provide limited relief; therefore, a multidisciplinary approach should be utilized to manage neuropathic pain. This review examines the current literature on integrative health modalities (anti-inflammatory diets, functional movement, acupuncture, meditation, and transcutaneous therapy) for treating patients with neuropathic pain.

Recent Findings

The use of an anti-inflammatory diet, functional movement, acupuncture, meditation, and transcutaneous therapy in treating neuropathic pain has been investigated in prior literature with positive outcomes. However, there remains a large void in evidence-based knowledge and clinical applicability for these interventions. Overall, integrative health offers a cost-efficient and harmless way of creating a multidisciplinary approach to managing neuropathic pain.

Summary

There are many complementary approaches to treating neuropathic pain as part of an integrative medicine approach. Research is needed to explore other herbs and spices not yet reported in the peer-review literature. Additionally, follow-on research is needed to understand the clinical applicability of the proposed interventions as well as the dose and timing of the interventions to predict response and duration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

  1. Colloca L, Ludman T, Bouhassira D, Baron R, Dickenson AH, Yarnitsky D, et al. Neuropathic pain. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17002. Epub 20170216. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.2. PubMed PMID: 28205574; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5371025.

  2. Finnerup NB, Kuner R, Jensen TS. Neuropathic Pain: From Mechanisms to Treatment. Physiol Rev. 2021;101(1):259–301. Epub 20200625. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00045.2019. PubMed PMID: 32584191.

  3. Brunelli B, Gorson KC. The use of complementary and alternative medicines by patients with peripheral neuropathy. J Neurol Sci. 2004;218(1–2):59–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2003.10.013. (PubMed PMID: 14759634).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Uçeyler N, Rogausch JP, Toyka KV, Sommer C. Differential expression of cytokines in painful and painless neuropathies. Neurology. 2007;69(1):42–9. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000265062.92340.a5. (PubMed PMID: 17606879).

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Ramesh G, MacLean AG, Philipp MT. Cytokines and chemokines at the crossroads of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuropathic pain. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;2013:480739. Epub 20130812. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/480739. PubMed PMID: 23997430; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3753746.

  6. Ricker MA, Haas WC. Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Clinical Practice: A Review. Nutr Clin Pract. 2017;32(3):318–25. Epub 20170328. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533617700353. PubMed PMID: 28350517.

  7. Allison DJ, Thomas A, Beaudry K, Ditor DS. Targeting inflammation as a treatment modality for neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial. J Neuroinflammation. 2016;13(1):152. Epub 20160617. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-016-0625-4. PubMed PMID: 27316678; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4912827.

  8. Allison DJ, Ditor DS. Maintenance of diet participation in individuals with spinal cord injury: effect on mood and neuropathic pain. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2018;4:97. Epub 20181101. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0131-2. PubMed PMID: 30393568; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6212583.

  9. Lurie DI. An Integrative Approach to Neuroinflammation in Psychiatric disorders and Neuropathic Pain. J Exp Neurosci. 2018;12:1179069518793639. Epub 20180813. https://doi.org/10.1177/1179069518793639. PubMed PMID: 30127639; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6090491.

  10. Asadi S, Gholami MS, Siassi F, Qorbani M, Khamoshian K, Sotoudeh G. Nano curcumin supplementation reduced the severity of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind placebo- controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019;43:253–60. Epub 20190228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.02.014. PubMed PMID: 30935539.

  11. •• Zhang YH, Hu HY, Xiong YC, Peng C, Hu L, Kong YZ, et al. Exercise for Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Expert Consensus. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:756940. Epub 20211124. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.756940. PubMed PMID: 34901069; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8654102. Concluded that exercise can be used to alleviate neuropathic pain intensity and provide recommendations for exercise prescription.

  12. Kluding PM, Pasnoor M, Singh R, Jernigan S, Farmer K, Rucker J, et al. The effect of exercise on neuropathic symptoms, nerve function, and cutaneous innervation in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Diabetes Complications. 2012;26(5):424–9. Epub 20120618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2012.05.007. PubMed PMID: 22717465; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3436981.

  13. Balducci S, Iacobellis G, Parisi L, Di Biase N, Calandriello E, Leonetti F, et al. Exercise training can modify the natural history of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Diabetes Complications. 2006;20(4):216–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2005.07.005. (PubMed PMID: 16798472).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Ahn S, Song R. Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on glucose control, neuropathy scores, balance, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(12):1172–8. Epub 20120917. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2011.0690. PubMed PMID: 22985218; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3513979.

  15. Telles S, Sayal N, Nacht C, Chopra A, Patel K, Wnuk A, et al. Yoga: Can it be integrated with treatment of neuropathic pain? Ann Neurosci. 2019;26(2):82–91. Epub 20190401. https://doi.org/10.5214/ans.0972.7531.260208. PubMed PMID: 31975778; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6894618.

  16. Yildirim P, Gultekin A. The Effect of a Stretch and Strength-Based Yoga Exercise Program on Patients with Neuropathic Pain due to Lumbar Disc Herniation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022;47(10):711–9. Epub 20220111. https://doi.org/10.1097/brs.0000000000004316. PubMed PMID: 35019882.

  17. Vijayaraghava A, Doreswamy V, Narasipur OS, Kunnavil R, Srinivasamurthy N. Effect of Yoga Practice on Levels of Inflammatory Markers After Moderate and Strenuous Exercise. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(6):Cc08–12. Epub 20150601. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2015/12851.6021. PubMed PMID: 26266115; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4525504.

  18. Zivi I, Maffia S, Ferrari V, Zarucchi A, Molatore K, Maestri R, et al. Effectiveness of aquatic versus land physiotherapy in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2018;32(5):663–70. Epub 20171213. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215517746716. PubMed PMID: 29232980; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5952298.

  19. Garrow AP, Xing M, Vere J, Verrall B, Wang L, Jude EB. Role of acupuncture in the management of diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN): a pilot RCT. Acupunct Med. 2014;32(3):242–9. Epub 20140321. https://doi.org/10.1136/acupmed-2013-010495. PubMed PMID: 24657491.

  20. Bao T, Patil S, Chen C, Zhi IW, Li QS, Piulson L, et al. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Procedure on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(3):e200681. Epub 20200302. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.0681. PubMed PMID: 32159808; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7066475.

  21. • Dimitrova A, Murchison C, Oken B. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(3):164–79. Epub 20170123. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0155. PubMed PMID: 28112552; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5359694. Assessed the efficacy of acupuncture in managing neuropathic pain of various etiologies.

  22. Zhi WI, Ingram E, Li SQ, Chen P, Piulson L, Bao T. Acupuncture for Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Not Just for Pain. Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(4):1079–86. Epub 20180720. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735418788667. PubMed PMID: 30027756; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6247555.

  23. Ju ZY, Wang K, Cui HS, Yao Y, Liu SM, Zhou J, et al. Acupuncture for neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;12(12):Cd012057. Epub 20171202. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012057.pub2. PubMed PMID: 29197180; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6486266.

  24. Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Cheng HL, Mok TSK, Lee SCY, Wang CH, et al. A Randomized Assessor-Blinded Wait-List-Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019;18:1534735419836501. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735419836501.PubMedPMID:30905173;PubMedCentralPMCID:PMC6434440.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Wang Y, Li W, Peng W, Zhou J, Liu Z. Acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(34):e11986. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000011986. PubMed PMID: 30142834; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6113033.

  26. • Izgu N, Gok Metin Z, Karadas C, Ozdemir L, Metinarikan N, Corapcıoglu D. Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation on Neuropathic Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2020;52(5):476–87. Epub 20200613. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12580. PubMed PMID: 32536026. Determined that mindfulness meditation can be recommended as supportive therapies for managing neuropathic pain.

  27. Hussain N, Said ASA. Mindfulness-Based Meditation Versus Progressive Relaxation Meditation: Impact on Chronic Pain in Older Female Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690x19876599. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690x19876599. PubMed PMID: 31544476; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6757487.

  28. Meize-Grochowski R, Shuster G, Boursaw B, DuVal M, Murray-Krezan C, Schrader R, et al. Mindfulness meditation in older adults with postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled pilot study. Geriatr Nurs. 2015;36(2):154–60. Epub 20150314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.02.012. PubMed PMID: 25784079; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4488325.

  29. Marineo G. Inside the Scrambler Therapy, a Noninvasive Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic and Cancer Pain: From the Gate Control Theory to the Active Principle of Information. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019;18:1534735419845143. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735419845143.PubMedPMID:31014125;PubMedCentralPMCID:PMC6482660.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Min YG, Baek HS, Lee KM, Hong YH. Differential response to scrambler therapy by neuropathic pain phenotypes. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):10148. Epub 20210512. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89667-6. PubMed PMID: 33980957; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8115242.

  31. Tomasello C, Pinto RM, Mennini C, Conicella E, Stoppa F, Raucci U. Scrambler therapy efficacy and safety for neuropathic pain correlated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adolescents: A preliminary study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2018;65(7):e27064. Epub 20180406. https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.27064. PubMed PMID: 29630779.

  32. Childs DS, Le-Rademacher JG, McMurray R, Bendel M, O'Neill C, Smith TJ, et al. Randomized Trial of Scrambler Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Crossover Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2021;61(6):1247–53. Epub 20201127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.025. PubMed PMID: 33249081.

  33. Loprinzi C, Le-Rademacher JG, Majithia N, McMurray RP, O'Neill CR, Bendel MA, et al. Scrambler therapy for chemotherapy neuropathy: a randomized phase II pilot trial. Support Care Cancer. 2020;28(3):1183–97. Epub 20190617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04881-3. PubMed PMID: 31209630.

  34. Pachman DR, Weisbrod BL, Seisler DK, Barton DL, Fee-Schroeder KC, Smith TJ, et al. Pilot evaluation of Scrambler therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Support Care Cancer. 2015;23(4):943–51. Epub 20140924. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2424-8. PubMed PMID: 25245776; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4383262.

  35. Mealy MA, Kozachik SL, Cook LJ, Totonis L, Salazar RA, Allen JK, et al. Scrambler therapy improves pain in neuromyelitis optica: A randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2020;94(18):e1900-e7. Epub 20200408. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000009370. PubMed PMID: 32269109; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7274926.

  36. Nayback-Beebe A, Panula T, Arzola S, Goff B. Scrambler Therapy Treatment: The Importance of Examining Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Chronic Pain and Quality of Life. Mil Med. 2020;185(Suppl 1):143–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz253. (PubMed PMID: 32074335).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Marineo G. Inaccuracy in the Article "Scrambler Therapy Treatment: The Importance of Examining Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Chronic Pain and Quality of Life". Mil Med. 185. England2020. p. e1387.

  38. Knotkova H, Hamani C, Sivanesan E, Le Beuffe MFE, Moon JY, Cohen SP, et al. Neuromodulation for chronic pain. Lancet. 2021;397(10289):2111–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00794-7. (PubMed PMID: 34062145).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, BC 71, Room 235, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA

    Maya Kandah

  2. Christine E. Lynn, College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA

    Candy Wilson

  3. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Florida Atlantic Univeristy, Boca Raton, FL, USA

    Julie G. Pilitsis

Authors
  1. Maya Kandah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Candy Wilson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Julie G. Pilitsis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julie G. Pilitsis.

Ethics declarations

Financial interests

Dr. Pilitsis receives grant support from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, NIH 2R01CA166379, NIH R01EB030324, NIH Blueprint 3U54EB015408, and NIH U44NS115111. She is the medical advisor for Aim Medical Robotics and has stock equity.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

No humans or animals were involved in this.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neuropathic Pain

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kandah, M., Wilson, C. & Pilitsis, J.G. Role of Integrative Health on Neuropathic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 27, 49–55 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01102-9

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01102-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation