Can You Use a Grounding Mat for Neuropathy?

Neuropathies are conditions that damage your nerves and affect movement and the way you perceive pain and temperature. Limited research suggests that grounding may be used for chronic pain relief and inflammation reduction. However, there are no studies that focus solely on the effects of grounding on neuropathic symptoms. Read our article to learn more about neuropathy and how you can treat it.

What is neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term that describes a variety of medical conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system delivers signals from your brain and spinal cord to other organs of your body and vice-versa.

For example, it lets your brain know that your muscles need to move or that your hands are cold.

You have three types of nerves that peripheral neuropathy conditions can damage:

1. Motor nerves. These nerves help control muscle movement that your body controls voluntarily, such as when walking or running.
2. Sensory nerves. These send sensation-like messages, for example, when you touch something hot or cut your finger.
3. Autonomic nerves. These handle functions that your body does unconsciously, such as breathing or digesting food.

In most cases, the damage is done to all types of nerves, but in some neuropathies, only one or two types of nerves are affected.

Types of neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be inherited or acquired.

Inherited

Inherited neuropathy is present from birth, so you are born with it. These are a few types of neuropathies that people can inherit:

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. It is when your sensory and motor nerves that control your arm, hand, or leg movement are damaged.
• Friedreich ataxia. It is progressive and affects your nervous system and muscle coordination.
• Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN). This rare genetic disorder causes progressive damage to motor and sensory nerves, and symptoms may appear before a child turns five.

Acquired

Acquired neuropathies develop later on in life, so you are not born with it. These include:

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). It is a side effect of cancer medication.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells and damages your peripheral nerves.
• Diabetic neuropathy. It affects movement and sensory functions, and it can develop in people who have diabetes.

Causes and symptoms of neuropathy

Some factors can increase your risk of acquired neuropathy — neuropathy that isn’t inherited but is something you can get over time.

Risk factors include:

• Physical injury
• Vascular disorders
• Hormonal problems
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Exposure to toxins
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Viruses, such as herpes simplex

Symptoms can vary in severity but aren’t usually life-threatening. They may also take long to appear, and in some cases, they may disappear without medical intervention. Here's a comprehensive table summarizing the symptoms of neuropathies based on the affected nerves:

Nerve type	Symptoms
Motor	Cramps Muscle weakness Involuntary muscle twitching Muscle shrinking
Sensory	Pain Tingling Inability to feel pain, touch, and vibrations Impaired reflexes
Autonomic	Lack/increase in sweating Digestive problems Cardiovascular problems

What is a grounding mat?

A grounding mat is a mat that you can use to practice indoor grounding. Grounding, or earthing, is the practice in which your body connects to the Earth's surface. This can happen through direct skin contact when you walk or lie down barefoot on the soil or grass. If this is not possible, a grounding mat can help you engage in grounding exercises while working on your computer.

Grounding mats have a conductive surface material believed to help your body absorb electrons from the Earth's surface. They are easy to set up, as you only need to connect the mat to an electrical outlet.

Research shows that electron transfer may provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be helpful if you have an inflammatory condition or are looking to lower your stress levels. The electrons may also address oxidative stress and strengthen your body’s defense mechanisms.

Oxidative stress is when your body has an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, and this can cause cell damage.

A 2020 study reports that grounding may help enhance blood circulation, improve sleep quality, and support your mental well-being. You may also consider grounding if you are tired, as it may increase your energy levels.

Keep in mind that we do not have enough evidence on the potential benefits of grounding mats. More research is needed to support the proposed claims.

Grounding mat for neuropathy: does it work?

Even though some researchers suggest that grounding may help regulate the autonomic nervous system (the system that controls involuntary body functions) and reduce pain, studies consist of insufficient data.

The benefits are not yet supported by robust scientific studies, and there is a lack of rigorous research supporting the use of grounding mats to treat neuropathy. A lot of studies that focus on biohacking techniques like grounding focus on general health benefits in healthy individuals, like improved sleep and enhanced energy, and not specifically on neuropathy or nerve regeneration.

Given the absence of strong scientific evidence, you should not use grounding products to treat neuropathy or other medical conditions. Always seek professional help to discuss the benefits and safety of products and medical treatment. Medical professionals are licensed and trained to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Established treatments for neuropathy

After reaching a diagnosis, your physician may recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the nerve damage that has been done. Treatment may also help target the cause of nerve damage.

Medications, supplements, and CBD

Neuropathy can cause pain. This can worsen during sleep and can also be triggered when your body comes into contact with the bedsheets. You may have to see a pain specialist. Analgesics (also called painkillers) may not work, so medications used to treat depression and epilepsy may provide relief.

If you have inflammation or an autoimmune condition that has affected nerve function, you may have to take corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, like prednisone.

Moreover, vitamin supplements may help address vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency which is common in neuropathy patients.

One systematic review reports that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements may help improve peripheral nerve health and an individual's quality of life. However, these are not considered a standard treatment for neuropathy, but rather a complementary therapy that may be recommended by your clinician.

According to a 2020 study, cannabidiol (CBD) may help manage pain and other sensation issues that can occur in peripheral neuropathy.

In any case, it's best to consult with your physician if you are concerned about your symptoms and want to ask about treatment.

Physical therapies

Physical aids, such as orthopedic shoes or feet or hand braces, can help you walk and lower the risk of injuries. Some people may also have to wear a splint to support their wrist, maintain a healthy posture, and avoid placing extra pressure on the nerve.

Lifestyle habits

When nerves are not functioning well, you may have an increased risk of falls or injuries. Therefore, it may help to:

• Remove rugs
• De-clutter your rooms
• Store wires that you do not need
• Make sure that the floor is even upon entering a room

If you have diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, your doctor may advise against smoking and drinking alcohol. You may also have to maintain a healthy weight and follow a nutritious diet to support nerve function, as well as manage your blood glucose levels.

Wellness practices may also support your nerve health, including meditation, movement techniques, relaxation, or massaging techniques.

Bottom line

Neuropathy refers to the conditions that affect the peripheral nerves. Symptoms vary in severity, but they aren’t life-threatening.

While the evidence is limited, some studies suggest that a grounding mat may be beneficial to managing pain or inflammation. Because studies are inconclusive and have not reviewed the effects of grounding products on neuropathy, you should seek medical advice before starting or stopping treatment.

What are your thoughts? Leave your questions in the comments below.