Why Neuropathy Patients Are Turning to Chiropractic Care

Neuropathy is a side effect of many conditions that damage the nerves. It’s estimated that more than 20 million Americans have the most common type of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage in the hands and feet.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our team diagnoses and treats neuropathy using chiropractic care and laser therapy to relieve symptoms and help you get on with your life.

Neuropathy basics

There are several kinds of neuropathy.

Sensory neuropathy

Sensory neuropathy causes you to lose feeling or experience extra phantom feelings carried by damaged sensory nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common, with symptoms present in the extremities.

Conditions like lower back injuries and diabetes are likely to produce peripheral neuropathy.

Motor neuropathy

Motor neuropathy is caused by damage to nerve cells that control movement and can result in hand tremors, stumbling, and speech difficulties. This type is often associated with autoimmune diseases, hereditary diseases, or environmental factors like lead poisoning.

Autonomic nerve neuropathy

Autonomic nerve neuropathy is the most serious type of neuropathy. It attacks nerves responsible for natural movements such as breathing and heartbeat.

Alcohol overuse and diabetic neuropathy are two common causes, but you can also have autonomic nerve neuropathy because of an inherited gene or due to an inflammatory illness.

How can chiropractic care help with neuropathy?

Chiropractic manipulation is most effective at treating cases of peripheral neuropathy, including damage to spinal nerves and symptoms that radiate from the back down into the legs and feet. Symptoms include:

Stabbing pain in the back, legs, and feet
Burning sensations
Tingling
Numbness
Buzzing

Adjusting the spine can help relieve pressure on affected nerves, improving motion and reducing unpleasant symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Laser therapy

One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage over time caused by uncontrolled diabetes. That causes severe symptoms in the lower legs and feet, including intense pulses of pain.

Laser therapy can gently, but firmly stimulate nerves located deep in your leg and foot tissues, as well as in the lumbar area of your spine. In one study, patients undergoing laser therapy for diabetic neuropathy reported decreased levels of pain and increased quality of life.

With options like these, it’s no wonder neuropathy patients are turning to chiropractic solutions for their neuropathic pain.

To learn more about available treatments for neuropathy, schedule a consultation at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine by calling 208-213-7963, or request an appointment online today.