"My feet feel like they're on fire." "Each step feels like I'm walking through wet paint." "I live in constant fear that I'll fall." I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night." What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It's estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately, this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often mis-diagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms. David Konikowski of Four Corners Acupuncture in Durango shares this belief. "I've been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for over two decades, and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis. They saw one of my articles, or read the testimonial of another patient, and say to themselves 'hey, I feel the same thing'." Peggy T. of Aztec testified to this. "I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious - I just kept thinking 'I would give anything just to walk again'. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed." Fortunately, Peggy saw David's article in the local paper discussing similar symptoms and how he offers a real solution at Four Corners Acupuncture. "I just knew I had to see him. He was my last hope." "Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Peggy's. They've been everywhere else. They've been told there's no hope. They've been told 'it's just part of getting older'." shares Nicole, a Patient Care Technician at Four Corners. "It just breaks my heart but I know how much we can help people like Peggy so I'm always so happy when they walk through our door."

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve. This is why David and the staff at Four Corners Acupuncture pride themselves on being "the last resort with the best results". Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow in the hands and feet. A lack of blood flow results in a lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. "In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing." shares David. "This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread." So how exactly is David able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? "Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the affected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. This is tech that was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovery and healing." "I just can't say enough about Four Corners Acupuncture," Peggy shared through tears of joy. "My husband and I moved here 3 years ago and he goes walking or hiking almost every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I hit the trails right alongside him! And next week we're starting our summer garden together. I am truly living life these days." According to Peggy's test results, she's seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients", shares Nicole. "But more important than those test results is the joys she's expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she's able to do because she feels great!" By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions David has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy. He starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed. "This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred" says David. "This is important because if a patient has suffered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I'm familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine."

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery. If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or "pins and needles" or you've recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it's important to know that there are options.