Show notes
One of the toughest conditions to treat is nerve injuries, particularly when it’s related to spinal conditions such as sciatic nerve injury. There are a lot of options for treatment when it comes to these conditions, which often involve a lot of pain relief medications, for instance. However, there is growing evidence on the effectiveness of the inclusion of herbal and alternative medicine and systems in treatment plans for patients suffering nerve damage. And a growing number of doctors are considering these types of products too.This episode of Back Talk Doc features Dr. Alan Tillotson, a registered herbalist and natural medicine specialist, with an expertise in Western and Oriental herbal medicine for over 30 years. He gives insight into the causes of nerve injury, which not only include poor lifestyle choices but exposure to harmful chemicals, trauma and hereditary factors. He also reveals how inflammation of the connective tissues in the nerve system and poor circulation leads to damage in the nerves.The body has its own healing process and many times, we are prohibiting it by using medicine, like many pain killing medications that only provides temporary relief. He suggests using substances that contain specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) which can provide better pain management without the side effects that most traditional opioids in the market have.For Dr. Tillotson, treating nerve injuries need to involve a more holistic approach – reduce the inflammation, improve the body’s internal circulation of nutrients and remove harmful toxins. And you can adopt certain practices outside traditional Western medicine, like yoga or meditation, to help supplement the healing process.Key moments in the episodeBasics of nerve anatomy 09:08Health risk factors for nerve dysfunction 13:37Differences of treatment in acute and chronic nerve injuries 14:45Importance of guidance from a professional clinician before starting on alternative treatments 17:51Sample treatment models 19:10Problematic area in healing injuries 20:32What are specialized pro-resolving mediators 22:31The problem with pain relief 34:12The goal of inflammation treatment 35:55Diet and food plan for healing nerve injury 40:12Links mentioned in the episodeChrysalis Natural MedicineThe One Earth Herbal SourcebookAyurveda in Nepal: The Teachings of Vaidya Mana Bajra BajracharyaChinese Herbal Medicine Combined with PrednisoneAlan’s Food PreferencesResearch Articles on SPMsBone Fracture PainNew Class of Non-Opioid AnalgesicsSPMS for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral NeuropathyBack Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at carolinaneurosurgery.com.