Efficacy of Uridine Monophosphate, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Pain in Chronic Neuropathy and Radiculopathy: A Review of the Literature and an Observational Pilot Study on Radiculopathy

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy are frequently observed conditions in outpatients primary care and can cause significant discomfort and functional deficits with strong impact on quality of life. The role of nutraceutics and supplements as additional tool for treating chronic pain has grown up in popularity in the past 10 years. Uridine monophosphate as well as acetyl_L-carnitine and also alpha lipoic acid have shown efficacy in treatment of pain due to neuropathies and symptomatic peripheral entrapments. In this survey a review of the literature is reported. In addiction, based on the cited evidences on efficacy of these ingredients in treatment of NP, an observational pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of combined Uridine Monofosphate, acetyl-L-carnitine and Alpha-lipoic-acid in reducing pain even in chronic radiculopathy is presented.