The nervous system comprises two parts, the central and peripheral, the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system contains all the rest of the nerves in the body. When there is damage to these systems, it is referred to as neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy and affects the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
Anyone at any age can be affected by neuropathy, but as with any disease, some people are more susceptible than others. Those with diabetes are most at risk since it is the number one cause of the disease.
Though diabetes is the most common cause, there are many other reasons one could experience neuropathy, including:
- Alcohol use
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetics
- Infections
- Medications
- Toxins
- Tumors
- Trauma
- Vascular disorders
- Surgery
Those who suffer from neuropathy can experience unbearable symptoms like burning pain, tingling, and numbing sensations in the hands and feet; there may be numbness or debilitating balance issues. It can be painful and dangerous if left untreated. For many, it can seem like a condition that has to be lived with indefinitely, but that is not the case. While there are medications available, often, they are prescribed as a way to manage the symptoms, do not address the source, and often are accompanied by side effects that are worse than the original condition.
Chiropractic care can offer patients an alternative to prescription drugs to relieve neuropathy pain. By focusing on the inflammation in the body, chiropractic modalities can relieve neuropathy symptoms at the source. Improving blood flow, releasing pressure, strengthening muscles, and correcting alignments in the spine and other joints, pain naturally subsides.
Neuropathy can manifest very differently in each individual, which is why chiropractic care offers several treatment options for relief.
Chiropractic adjustments may be good for manual manipulation of the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and to help restore blood flow.
Laser therapy can be utilized to penetrate the deep tissue and stimulate healing.
Massage therapy can help increase circulation and blood flow while decreasing inflammation allowing proper nutrients and oxygen to flow more freely in the bloodstream.
Neuropathy does not mean you can not live an active and healthy lifestyle again. Chiropractic treatments have shown real and effective results for relieving pain and weakness without medication or surgery.
