Hello doctor, I am 65 years old, male, otherwise in good health but BMI around 31. I have a damaged spinal cord at C4 (due to disk herniation) and had anterior discectomy with fusion in 14 years back. I have had left sided peripheral neuropathy since my surgery (15 years). All sensory, no motor issues. However, I have noticed recently a weakness or tired feeling in the left flank, abdomen, and chest that gets worse through the day in addition to increased burning neuritis (eight months). After night's rest, I do not have the symptoms or less. Symptoms return late afternoon into the evening. MRI and CT scans normal. My question is that can exercise improve strength to muscles otherwise compromised by nerve damage? Can exercise relieve neuropathy symptoms? I swim but I have not noticed any improvements. Any recommendations?
Hello. I read carefully your question and reviewed your uploaded test reports and would explain that physical activity is important to maintain a normal muscle force and avoid muscle stiffness due to a damaged spinal cord. Regarding neuropathy, maybe it cannot help improve the situation as it was before the injury at 100 % but it can help reduce the progression and maintain normal muscle strength. It can also help reduce back pain by reinforcing the back muscles and correcting the posture. I would also recommend taking a diet rich in vitamins.