4 Exercise Tips to Combat Chemo-Induced Nerve Damage

You’ve probably heard how essential exercise is for overall health, but did you know it might also help prevent nerve damage during chemotherapy? Recent studies reveal that simple exercises performed during chemo can significantly reduce the risk of nerve damage, a common and often debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. The Impact of Chemotherapy on Nerves Chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most distressing side effects is nerve damage, affecting 70 to 90 percent of patients. This damage can manifest as pain, balance issues, and sensations of numbness, burning, or tingling. While some of these symptoms may fade after treatment, about half of the time, they persist, impacting your quality of life long after the chemo ends. Exercise as a Preventative Measure A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that exercise can play a crucial role in mitigating these nerve issues. Researchers followed 158 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with either oxaliplatin or vinca-alkaloids. These patients were divided into three groups: Group 1: Exercised twice a week on an unstable surface. Group 2: Exercised twice a week on a vibration plate. Group 3:...