We report a long-term series of nine workers suffering from vibration-induced neuropathy, after many years of exposure to hand-held vibrating tools at high or low frequency.
Vibration syndrome has adverse circulatory and neural effects in the fingers. The signs and symptoms include numbness, pain, and blanching (turning pale and ashen). Of particular concern is evidence of advanced stages of vibration syndrome after exposures as short as one year.
Whole-body vibration effects are well studied in patients with diabetic neuropathy, which is shown to have positive effects on balance, muscle strength, and neuropathic pain [15–17].
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by occupational exposure to vibrating hand tools. HAVS has three main components: 1. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands that produces numbness, tingling, or both in a glove distribution. Loss of dexterity may occur.
Occupational exposure to vibration has been associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, hands, shoulders and hips. It may also contribute to the development of peripheral and cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal problems.
What are the health effects of whole-body vibration? Whole-body vibration can cause fatigue, stomach problems, headache, loss of balance and "shakiness" shortly after or during exposure. The symptoms are similar to those that many people experience after a long car or boat trip.
What you should know. Vibration is transmitted into your hands and arms when using hand held / operated tools and machinery. Excessive exposure can affect the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm causing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
The VibraTip probe is applied to the patient's foot twice: once while not vibrating and once while vibrating. The patient is asked to indicate when they feel the vibration. If the vibration is not detected, this may suggest the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the clinician may investigate further.
Neuropathic tremor (NT) is a movement disorder typified by tremor occurring in the isolated context of peripheral neuropathy. Its phenomenology consists of a postural and/or kinetic tremor affecting the distal upper extremities with a typical frequency range between 3 to 6 Hz.
However, it has been shown that vibration syndrome patients have circulatory disturbances in the foot as well: several chain-saw operators, who were little exposed to vibration of the foot, had Raynaud's phenomenon of the toes, and those with frequent attacks of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) had a higher ...
"Patients with established neuropathy can have fluctuating symptoms, as their nerves are even more vulnerable to factors that typically cause neuropathy, such as poor glycemic control or excessive alcohol consumption," Dr. Vo explains. "Any secondary factor — even something very small — can aggravate symptoms."
Any current or recent blood clots (acute thrombosis conditions) • If you have a pacemaker • If you are pregnant • If you suffer with dizziness or inner ear problems Also if you have advanced osteoporosis with several spinal fractures, have had joint replacements such as hip or knee or if you have significant ...
Massage for hand and foot neuropathy
“The best way to get the blood moving is massage,” she says. “The whole point is to try to increase circulation in the areas that might experience neuropathy.”
Vascular issues: Intense vibration could impact blood flow and circulation, potentially affecting the health of blood vessels and increasing the risk of vascular problems. Balance and coordination issues: Frequent exposure to vibrations might affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.
Recent studies have shown that vibration therapy is effective in improving neurological dysfunction and muscle strength, alleviating neuropathic pain, and correcting spasticity and gait [20].
Human beings are exposed to multiple sources of vibratory movements. Some activities of daily living favor vibration exposure, and can affect drivers, transport users, and industrial workers. However, whole-body vibration (WBV) frequencies ranging from 0.7 to 100 Hz have been reported to lead to adverse effects.
Radiculopathy is often mistaken for neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Physical sensations and certain types of pressure: Pleasant physical sensations, such as a massage or gentle heat, may close the gates. Stress: Anxiety and stress may open the gates and worsen nerve pain.
Most Common Self-Tests for Neuropathy
One of the most common signs of neuropathy is a loss of sensation, or diminished sensation, especially in the extremities. If you worry this is occurring, you can carefully touch your first, third, and fifth toes on each foot with an index finger.
Lidocaine or capsaicin may help ease neuropathic pain. You can apply these creams, ointments or patches directly to the affected areas. Nerve blocks. These injections can provide temporary pain relief.
Chronic vibration injury, also known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, can cause even more severe symptoms such as muscle weakness, permanent nerve damage, and vascular complications (Raynaud's phenomenon).
Carpel tunnel syndrome (and other symptoms similar to occupational overuse syndrome); Sensory nerve damage; Muscle and joint damage in the hands and arms (eg 'tennis elbow')