Chiropractic Care for Neuropathy

Chiropractic care for neuropathy is a natural way to help the nerve issues, pain, and tingling that is part of the condition.

Chiropractors focus on spinal manipulation and adjustments to help alleviate pain. Many practitioners also use manual therapies, such as massage, trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques, and stretching, to enhance the treatment experience. These treatments can help decrease inflammation and target areas of nerve damage for effective relief from neuropathy symptoms. 

Additionally, a chiropractor may recommend lifestyle modifications like posture changes or mindfulness practices to help manage pain. 

Overall, chiropractic care can be beneficial in decreasing nerve pain and providing long-term relief from neuropathy symptoms.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a term that refers to any disorder or disease that affects the nerves. It can be caused by various conditions, such as diabetes, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, vitamin B12 deficiency, certain medications, and infections. 

Symptoms associated with neuropathy vary widely depending on the type and cause of the condition. In some cases, motor function can also be affected, leading to weakness, muscle cramps, spasms, and balance problems.

Causes of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system that can be caused by a variety of factors. These factors include:

• Physical trauma that compresses or stretches nerve fibers
• Metabolic or autoimmune disorders, including diabetes, renal failure, and thyroid disease
• Toxins and heavy metals that destroy nerves
• Genetic predisposition 
• Infections including Lyme disease or HIV

Types of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a broad term that refers to conditions caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, a vast network of nerves throughout the body. There are many types of neuropathy depending on where the nerve damage occurs in the body and the cause. 

The most common types of neuropathy include: 

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves, which are located in the arms, legs, and other areas away from the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can vary depending on the location but may include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. 

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves due to diabetes. It can affect any part of the body but is most common in the feet, legs, and hands. Symptoms may include pain, neck stiffness, numbness, or burning sensations.

• Autonomic Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic functions such as breathing and digestion. Symptoms can vary depending on which organ is affected but may include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, difficulty urinating or defecating, bladder problems, and chest pain.  

• Cranial Neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the cranial nerves, which are responsible for carrying information between the brain and other parts of the body. Symptoms may include double vision, facial numbness or paralysis, hearing loss, and difficulty speaking.

Neuropathy Symptoms 

Symptoms vary from person to person but tend to include:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness 
• Loss of sensation in the affected area

Treating Neuropathy Naturally

Fortunately, there are natural treatments that can help to manage the symptoms of neuropathy. 

One effective natural treatment for neuropathy is acupuncture. It stimulates the nerves and improves circulation. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in people with neuropathy.

Exercise can also be a great way to manage neuropathy symptoms and improve overall well-being. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can help to strengthen the muscles, improve nerve function, and reduce pain. Regular exercise can also help to improve energy levels, mood, and sleep quality.

Dietary changes can also be beneficial for people with neuropathy. A healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can provide the body with the nutrients it needs to fight inflammation and heal nerves. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Herbal remedies such as capsaicin, ginger, and turmeric may benefit people with neuropathy. These herbs are anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce pain in affected areas. Additionally, capsaicin has been found to affect nerve function positively.

Massage therapy may also be an effective natural treatment for neuropathy. Massage can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the affected areas, relieving pain and promoting healing. It can also be a great way to relax and reduce stress.

Chiropractic Care for Neuropathy

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to treating neuropathy symptoms. Chiropractors specialize in manipulating the spine and other joints of the body using hands-on techniques. By restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can relieve nerve pain by reducing pressure on nerves caused by misalignment or inflammation. The chiropractor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and stress management to help relieve pain. 

A course of treatment may include: 

• Spinal adjustments
• Stretching 
• Massage 
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy
• Rehabilitative exercises

Patients often achieve lasting relief through regular chiropractic care. 

In addition to the treatments, chiropractors also provide education on preventive measures and lifestyle changes that can reduce or eliminate nerve pain and improve overall health. This may include diet recommendations, exercise advice, stress reduction techniques, lifestyle modifications, ergonomics instruction, and other forms of self-care. 

Lifestyle Tips to Help Alleviate Neuropathy

Reduce Sugar & Increase Fiber Intake

Reducing sugar intake and increasing fiber in your diet are great ways to improve health. Reducing added sugars reduces calorie intake, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Eating more fiber helps promote regularity, supports heart health, and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Add More Antioxidants to Your Diet

Antioxidants are known to reduce free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to various health issues. Eating foods high in antioxidants is a great way to boost your overall health and well-being. High-antioxidant foods include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dark green vegetables.

Eat Hot Peppers

Hot peppers are a great source of health benefits due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Hot peppers can help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even improve digestion. 

Additionally, they are packed with vitamin C, which helps protect cells from damage and boost immunity. Hot peppers also contain high levels of capsaicin.

Vitamins to Help Combat Neuropathy

Vitamins can be an essential part of treating neuropathy and managing symptoms. Important vitamins for helping with neuropathy include:

• Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a common vitamin for treating neuropathy, as it helps improve nerve function and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates. 
• Vitamin B6 is another essential vitamin that may help reduce nerve damage caused by diabetes. 
• Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining normal nerve function and can help with the sensory loss associated with neuropathy.
• Vitamin E may also help reduce inflammation and improve nerve conduction speed in people with diabetic neuropathy. 

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have been known to provide some relief from the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. 

Lastly, alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that may reduce nerve pain and improve the function of nerve cells.

Exercise

Exercise can be a vital part of managing neuropathy. Regular physical activity helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, both of which are beneficial for people with nerve damage. Exercise also strengthens muscles and bones, increases flexibility, decreases stiffness in the joints, and even releases endorphins that can help improve overall well-being.

Relax

Relaxation can help reduce many symptoms associated with neuropathy, such as muscle spasms, numbness, and pain. Relaxing reduces stress levels and improves the overall quality of life in patients suffering from neuropathy.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neuropathy

Chiropractic care can provide a natural and non-invasive solution to managing neuropathy symptoms. This treatment works by adjusting the spine to reduce nerve irritation and optimize the functioning of the nervous system. It also helps improve blood flow to extremities, essential for maintaining tissue health and minimizing discomfort. 

Chiropractic care can be used to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and improve nerve function. It also improves mobility and balance in patients with neuropathy-related conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome. 

By stimulating the body's natural healing processes, chiropractic care can help restore the normal functioning of affected nerves, reducing symptoms and restoring quality of life.  

Additionally, patients may experience improved posture, increased flexibility and range of motion, and reduced fatigue and stress levels. Overall, chiropractic care can effectively address neuropathy symptoms while minimizing the need for medications with potentially harmful side effects.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care is a safe, effective method for treating neuropathy and its associated symptoms. With the help of a skilled chiropractor, many patients reduce their pain and improve their quality of life. If you’re interested in exploring this treatment option, be sure to find a qualified practitioner who is experienced in treating nerve conditions such as neuropathy.

If you’re concerned about neuropathy, contact Accident Care Chiropractic or your local chiropractor.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.