Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Category: pain

Natural Treatment for Chronic Pain Relief Today

Chronic pain is one of the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons. Is chronic pain one of your symptoms? Read on.

I have a recommendation based on recent research evidence that identifies a natural treatment for chronic pain that offers the opportunity to celebrate relief from this troublesome symptom.

I am also guessing this is a natural treatment for chronic pain you have likely never even heard about! It is called Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a hard word to even pronounce – and is available as an over the counter supplement.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. It is an endocannabinoid-like compound produced naturally in the body and found in a variety of foods.

While PEA is a natural treatment found in food, therapeutic doses needed to celebrate relief from chronic pain usually necessitate PES supplementation which is available from a variety of outlets. As a natural product a prescription from a medical doctor is not necessary, but your doctor of course should always be advised of what supplements you take.

Recent Studies on PEA as a natural Treatment for Chronic Pain

Inflammopharmacology. 2025 Jan;33(1):121-133. Mechanisms and clinical applications of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Mechanisms and clinical applications of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Abstract

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is emerging as a promising therapeutic agent for neuropathic and other pain-related conditions. This naturally occurring fatty acid has drawn interest because of its ability to regulate pain and inflammation.

Initially identified in food sources, PEA has been the subject of extensive research to elucidate its properties, efficacy, and clinical applications. PEA primarily exerts its effects through interaction with its primary receptor PPAR ?, this interaction influences pain signaling pathways and neuro-inflammatory processes by modulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mast cell degranulation, microglial activation, and decrease of oxidative stress.

PEA’s interaction with endocannabinoid receptors decreases the inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and thereby a descending pain sensation. The pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of PEA are examined in this paper, along with its potential for efficiency when used in in combination additional therapies in a variety of neurodegenerative disease models, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Experimental evidence shows that PEA not only reduces pain and inflammation but also lowers the need for higher dosages of other drugs hence minimizing the risk of drug toxicity.

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Nutrients. 2023 Mar 10;15(6):1350. Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Chronic pain is a major source of morbidity for which there are limited effective treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, has demonstrated utility in the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Emerging reports have supported a possible role for its use in the treatment of chronic pain, although this remains controversial.

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of PEA as an analgesic agent for chronic pain. A systematic literature search was performed, using the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science, to identify double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing PEA to placebo or active comparators in the treatment of chronic pain. All articles were independently screened by two reviewers. The primary outcome was pain intensity scores, for which a meta-analysis was undertaken using a random effects statistical model. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, functional status, and side effects are represented in a narrative synthesis.

Our literature search identified 253 unique articles, of which 11 were ultimately included in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Collectively, these articles described a combined sample size of 774 patients.

PEA was found to reduce pain scores relative to comparators in a pooled estimate, with a standard mean difference of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.31, p = 0.00001). Several studies reported additional benefits of PEA for quality of life and functional status, and no major side effects were attributed to PEA in any study. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PEA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic pain.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Pain Remedies

I am regularly following your website and very good
information about alternative approaches to combat Parkinson’s.
My questions for you center on pain remedies you would recommend. 

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 3 years ago. 
the beneficial effects of L-dopa medications have diminished so that now
it sometimes doesn’t help at all and when it does, only for
a very short period of time.

Most of the day I am feeling bad, with little relief from
L-dopa. I have made life style changes with healthy diet,
low saturated and trans fat, less refined carbohydrate,
no processed food with variety of antioxidants and chlorella
green algae, L lipoic acid, N acetyl carnithine, gingko biloba,
vitamin A, E, C, B complex, selenium, zinc ; mitochondria
energy boosters like Co enzyme Q 10, NADH  and Bowen therapy etc.

I know that body needs time to heal and recovery  process
is zigzag. I have also started Aquas.

In spite of doing this I feel that my rigidity, muscle spasms
are increasing in my neck, shoulders, back. This is accompanied
by a feeling of other unpleasant sensations which are difficult
to describe but are all the same extremely. I feel a continuous
abnormal sensation which aggravates after noon & becomes worse
at night especially in my forearms and feet. Due to unpleasant
sensations, I can not sleep well and remain disturbed.

I don’t have any tremor, good gait, normal hand writing, good gait,
good hand eye coordination, decreased facial expression, little
difficulty in speaking, no slowness, no difficulty in initiating
movement, can ride scooter, less energy. During night hours my
legs become very heavy and my body drags.

My questions are 1) have you ever seen anyone like this whose
primary symptoms are pain and a very unpleasant internal other
sensation, rigidity with no tremor; is it atypical: and if so

2) what helped, or what treatment or other plan would you recommend?

About Pain Remedies

I need again to put my disclaimer at the top.
I am not a medical doctor, so be sure and consult
with your health care provider/doctor before making
any changes to your health care program.Take my
comments as information only to be discussed
further with your doctor. I am not qaulified to
diagnose or treat Parkinson’s or any disease.

Have I seen anyone like you?

I continue to be amazed at the variety of characteristics for each
person’s symptoms. Everyone has a unique situation and a unique
body. From my interviews, I would speculate that 20 – 30% of people
have symptoms that are somewhat similar to yours (though not identical!).

As a side note, the literature is clear that many people are
misdiagnosed. Estimates vary, but studies indicate that
at least one out of five people are misdiagnosed. Neurologists
have a tough job diagnosing this disease. Many tell their
patients – I do not know, but we can try medication if you wish to
see what happens.

What Pain Remedies Can Help?

My initial answer (which is probably what you were not expecting)
is experiment. The people who are getting good relief
experiment. Through experimentation they are able to figure
out what is most helpful to them. Many of the alternative therapies
do provide relief. The challenge is to find the therapies that
provide good relief for you and to find therapies that are
cost effective for you.

My second general suggestion for you is to begin looking in
different places for solutions. Think outside the box of options.
Let me suggest just a few possibilities.

First, consider the possibility that the side effects of the
medication might be creating some problems for you. It sounds
like the medication provided good relief initially, but
that now it provides little relief. There are over 40 hormones
in the body, so it is possible that your body is struggling to
maintain a good balance. There may be some harmful interactions
from taking the particular the supplements and medications.

If you decide at any point to reduce the dose, be sure to
consult with your doctor very closely. The process of going off
the medication is very tricky and can cause serious health problems.
It needs to be a very gradual and mindful weaning process which
can take a long time.

Second, you do not mention an exercise program, Do you have one?
It can be a true challenge with your symptoms, but any movement
during the day will help relieve symptoms. Exercise gets the lymph
system moving and helps strength the immune system.

Third, you might look into detox programs. Great! There are a
number of detox programs that offer the opportunity for
successful detoxes. I see that you are
taking Aquas which is a core approach for detoxing. Hydration is
the key to success with a successful detox program.

Fourth, it may be the case that all of the wonderful supplements
you are taking are not being absorbed by your body. In other words,
the primary challenge you may be having is actually digestive.

Many people spend a ton of money on supplements, but because their
digestive systems are compromised, the supplements go in and come out without being assimilated by the tissues of the body.

Ayurvedics is dedicated to helping people get their
digestive system back on track. You might find some interesting
possibilities if you investigate approaches that help your digestive
system come back on line.

Fifth, There is always an unconscious emotional reason for pain. Explore
emotional undercurrents with a craniosacral therapist or energy healer. When the
emotional undercurrent is cleared, the pain will resolve.

Finally, rest assured that you are doing everything right with identifying
the prefect pain remedies that can help you. Searching
for answers as you are doing will yield huge benefits. One thing
most people do not realize is that when you start on the road to
recovery, it is common that your symptoms will be worse on some
days before they get better. In fact – if you begin to feel lousy it can
be a good sign that you have chosen the perfect set of pain remedies
on your journey down the road to recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Pain in the Thigh and Groin

My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 7 years ago. He is 80 years old. His latest symptoms are: burning and pain in the thigh and groin. The only way to make him comfortable is by taking Neurontin and Darvocet.  Confusion is then increased. Any suggestions?

Ready to give up,

Jeannette

Pain in the Thigh and Groin Response:

First, let me give my customary warning: I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to diagnose and prescribe. My response is founded on my research findings and should be taken to a medical doctor for further discussion and evaluation.

My first reaction to the description of symptoms is that the pain may be caused by lymph that is backed up and clogged around the groin area. The only way to move lymph out of the body is through exercise.

Does your husband get exercise every day? I am guessing not.

What if exercising is too painful for him at this point? It may be painful at the beginning, but if my guess is on target, the pain will subside when he begins to move. A great technique for moving lymph is to jump on a trampoline. Everyone should do it. You can purchase small ones for home use for $30-$40 in the U.S.

Another possibility is for him to use a body inverter which he can use to shift the body so that his head is lower than the feet. There are little valves throughout the lymph system that prevent the lymph from slipping back down, so when you place the body upside down, the lymph moves up and out. There is no organ that pumps the lump as there is for blood (which of course is the heart).

A total inversion would probably be unwise, but positioning the body so that the head is lower than the feet can be helpful. Various health care practitioners might have such equipment you can experiment with. If he has other health problems, this idea might be unwise, so check it out with his doctor.

The challenge for him is likely that the lymph in his body is a thick mucous. Hydrating his body will be a great asset. Dr. John Coleman, ND,  recommends that everyone with Parkinsons hydrate their body using a homeopath remedy called the Aquas (www.aquas.us). The thirst mechanism for all older persons shorts out, so the body needs a backup signaling system that will help the body tell him when to drink. At a minimum he should drink a lot of water.

My guess is that the more he can move his body, the more relief he will get from the pain. You of course might also want to examine very carefully the side effects of any medications he takes. This can also be a confounding factor which can directly contribute to the problem he is experiencing.

Finally, the sentence jumps out at me

Ready to give up.

I note that you do not say whether you are ready to give up or he is ready to give up. If he is ready to throw in the towel, then I would say to you – honor his wishes. A time comes for everyone when a decision is made to begin shutting down. Is this his time? If so, he will not move or exercise or do anything of the things necessary to relieve the pain.

Are you ready to give up on finding solutions for pain in the thigh and groin of your husband? Believe me, this is totally understandable. It is so difficult to take care of someone you love who is ill. If you are ready to give up, it is time for you to take a break from caretaking.

Take a short vacation with your friends. Get away. No one can take someone who is ill 100% of the time. Ill people take the energy away from healthy people. That is the natural process of what happens.

You need to get away to rejuvenate yourself. This sounds counterintuitive, but by taking care of yourself, you are actually able to do a much better job of taking care of him.

My guess about the cause of the pain may be wrong and you will have to move to another possibility, but I can guarantee you that when he moves his body, he will feel better. It is the one surefire suggestion I can offer that I know will yield relief.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2024 Parkinsons Recovery

Pain on Both Shoulders

I am in the first stage of Parkinson’s disease, but lately I have excruciating pain on both shoulders. The neurologist said it is not the disease. I am wondering if it is arthritis or what

Eva

Clearly, the pain on  both shoulders is creating a significant challenge at this time regardless of whatever name that might be attached to it. I think it helps to acknowledge your body is sending out a signal that something is out of balance and merits a little tender loving care.

I think it is wise to let the doctors apply labels to what is happening which is necessary for them to prescribe medications. That is what they are trained to do.

Do people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons experience excruciating pain too? Yes, some clearly do and it is one of their primary symptoms. To acknowledge this, I invite you to click on the category to the right of this blog entitled “Pain” and you will see a number of other people have written in with a similar question. Of course, you will also see the responses I have formulated, which in general suggest a number of approaches that have been successful for other people.

There are other options that can be entertained which involve delving into the underling cause of  pain on both shoulders.  For example, consider the possibility you are taking on too much responsibility on your shoulders. That would certainly create the pain that you describe above. Once you have some idea of the underlying cause of the pain – you can pursue therapies that are well equipped to address the problem.

Know that there are many options available. You are invited to read some of the other discussion on pain here by clicking on the category pain to the right. Keep scrolling down – this post will be at the top once you click on the category to the right.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Although the topic of pain and Parkinsons disease may have come up before, we haven’t gotten yet a satisfactory answer. The question is whether you have found pain to be a significant symptom in people with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and if so, what they do to find relief.

The second question is whether in people who take L-dopa, it is common for them to feel worse 20-45 min after taking the medication before finding relief.  Any suggestions or information you have on these two related questions would be very much appreciated.

Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Yes, I have received many reports from people who report pain is a very troubling symptom for them among others. First, from what I have learned, people get relief from pain by meditating. Meditation allows them to override all of the thinking that surrounds the “meaning” of the pain. We all put a head on top of our head, which makes the experience worse. That is one reason I have been motivated to record the weekly series of meditations for Parkinsons Recovery members.

Second, my observation is that there is typically a thought form that is buried beneath the pain. Once that is cleared and released, the pain resolves.

Third, a source of the pain is often unreleased trauma. Using one body therapy or another (we use craniosacral) helps with releasing trauma. Other therapies are helpful as well. Once the trauma is released, the pain resolves (if trauma is the primary causal factor)

Timing of Medications

As for the timing of the medications – this is a tough one. Your doctor of course is the go to resource when it comes to questions about medications.  Most people tell me that when they work closely with their doctor, they can adjust their medications so that the down time is minimized. People I have interviewed tell me they experience symptom relief after taking medications, not pain.

I wonder about the reason for the emergence of pain before the meditations kick in. Perhaps the body is in a suspended state of withdrawal until the new dose starts to work. Perhaps there is a temporary flare up of inflammation

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery