Alpha Lipoic Acid Naturally Relieves Pain
Research indicates that alpha lipoic acid provides natural pain relief for a number of conditions, mostly associated with nerve damage. These include: (iii.20, 76-77)
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Peripheral neuropathy (including diabetic neuropathy)
- Sciatica
Studies suggest alpha lipoic acid could perhaps even repair existing nerve damage in some cases. (iii.20, 76)
Alpha lipoic acid could also help with migraines. In a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial taking alpha lipoic acid supplements daily significantly reduced the both the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Integrative medicine doctors recommend 200 mg three times a day for relief. (iii.39)
Guide to Measuring Pain
Doctors typically use either the World Health Organization's grading scale or the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) to measure severity and duration of symptoms, which can include: (iii.78-80)
| Sensory Type | Motor Function | Autonomic |
|---|---|---|
|
Dysesthesia (Abnormal sensation in response to stimuli, such as feeling tingling or pain in response to pressure.) (iii.78, 81) |
Muscle weakness. (iii.78) |
Constipation. (iii.78) |
|
Paresthesia (Spontaneous abnormal sensation (not in response to stimuli.) (iii.78, 81) |
Difficulty walking. (iii.78) |
Urinary retention. (iii.78) |
|
Numbness |
Loss of balance. (iii.78) |
|
|
Hyperesthesia or Hypoesthesia (Increased or decreased sensation; if painful it is called hyperpathia.) (iii.78, 81) |
Impaired fine motor skills (such as difficulties writing or buttoning). (iii.78) |
Changes in blood pressure. (iii.78) |
