If you’re experiencing unexplained pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands or feet, you might be suffering from neuropathy. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that can cause a range of debilitating symptoms, affecting your ability to perform everyday activities. This condition, often associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes, can also develop due to spinal misalignments or other underlying health issues. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to treating neuropathy by addressing the root causes of the condition rather than just masking the symptoms.

At Complete Care Chiropractic & Neuropathy in Owasso, OK, Dr. Ballard, a certified spinal corrective care expert and neuropathy specialist, provides advanced chiropractic care tailored to help you find lasting relief from chronic pain and neuropathy. In this blog, we’ll explore what neuropathy is, the common symptoms associated with it, and how chiropractic care can be the key to restoring your health and well-being.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nervous system (PNS) becomes damaged. The PNS is the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord, and it plays a critical role in transmitting sensory information and motor signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body. This complex communication system allows us to feel sensations, control our muscles, and regulate various bodily functions. When the nerves are damaged, this communication can be disrupted, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and even organ dysfunction.

Neuropathy can affect any part of the peripheral nervous system, including the sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. The sensory nerves are responsible for sending messages to the brain about touch, temperature, and pain. The motor nerves control muscle movements, and the autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions like blood pressure, digestion, and heart rate. Depending on which type of nerve is affected, the symptoms of neuropathy can vary widely, and the impact on daily life can be profound.

Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy

One of the most prevalent causes of neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy, is high blood sugar levels. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. The elevated blood sugar levels impair the blood flow to the nerves, especially those in the extremities like the hands, feet, and legs. This restricted circulation makes it harder for the nerves to receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to function properly.

Diabetic neuropathy can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Burning or shooting pain, often in the feet and hands.
  • Numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.
  • Muscle weakness or difficulty walking.
  • Increased sensitivity to touch, making even the lightest contact painful.

As diabetic neuropathy progresses, it can lead to more serious complications, such as ulcers, infections, and even amputations in extreme cases. Therefore, proper management of blood sugar levels is essential to preventing or slowing the progression of neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Spinal Misalignments and Nerve Compression

Spinal misalignments (also known as subluxations) are a significant contributor to peripheral neuropathy. The spine houses the spinal cord, which is the primary conduit for nerve signals between the brain and the body. When the vertebrae in the spine become misaligned, they can compress or irritate the nerves exiting the spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the areas of the body served by those nerves.

This nerve compression can occur anywhere along the spine, but it is especially common in the neck and lower back regions. Common causes of spinal misalignments include poor posture, trauma (such as car accidents or falls), and repetitive strain. Over time, untreated spinal misalignments can contribute to the development of neuropathy, particularly in the extremities.

Symptoms of spinal misalignments causing neuropathy may include:

  • Radiating pain down the arms or legs (often referred to as sciatica or radiculopathy).
  • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations in the hands or feet.
  • Weakness or difficulty controlling muscles, particularly in the lower back or neck.
  • Dizziness, headaches, and neck or back pain.

Correcting spinal misalignments through chiropractic care can help alleviate these symptoms by restoring proper alignment and reducing nerve compression, which in turn improves the flow of nerve signals.

Trauma or Injury

Trauma or injury to the peripheral nervous system can cause direct damage to the nerves, leading to neuropathy. This can occur through physical trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, that result in compression, stretching, or severing of nerves. Nerve damage can also occur from fractures or dislocations that put pressure on nearby nerves.

In some cases, the injury might cause acute neuropathy, with sudden and intense symptoms. In other cases, nerve damage from trauma may develop slowly over time, as the injury causes gradual degeneration of the nerve tissue. Common symptoms of trauma-induced neuropathy include:

  • Immediate or chronic pain at the site of injury.
  • Loss of sensation or numbness in the affected area.
  • Muscle weakness or loss of motor control.
  • Persistent headaches, particularly if the trauma affects the neck or head.

Treatment for trauma-induced neuropathy often focuses on managing pain, promoting nerve healing, and restoring function through physical therapy and chiropractic care.

Toxins and Chemical Exposure

Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals can also result in neuropathy. This may occur through industrial exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, or solvents, or as a side effect of chemotherapy treatments. For example:

  • Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can damage nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, and weakness.
  • Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can sometimes cause a condition known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The drugs that target cancer cells can also affect healthy nerve cells, leading to painful symptoms in the hands, feet, and legs.

In many cases, the damage caused by toxins or chemicals may be permanent, but interventions like detoxification programs, medication management, and chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further nerve degeneration.

Vitamin Deficiencies

A deficiency in certain vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can lead to nerve damage and neuropathy. B vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), are essential for maintaining healthy nerve function. A lack of these vitamins can result in impaired nerve conduction, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Vitamin deficiencies may occur for a variety of reasons, including poor diet, malabsorption conditions (like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease), or excessive alcohol consumption, which interferes with nutrient absorption. In some cases, the deficiency can be corrected with dietary changes or supplements, which can help reverse nerve damage if caught early.

Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

Neuropathy can manifest in various ways, depending on the type of nerves affected and the underlying cause. The most common symptoms include:

  • Pain: A burning, stabbing, or aching pain is often felt in the affected areas, especially in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
  • Tingling and Numbness: Many people with neuropathy experience a “pins and needles” sensation, or a feeling of numbness, particularly in their extremities.
  • Muscle Weakness: As nerves become damaged, the muscles they control may weaken, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
  • Loss of Coordination: Nerve damage can also affect balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls.
  • Sensitivity to Touch: Even light touch or clothing may cause pain or discomfort due to hypersensitivity in the affected areas.
  • Digestive Issues: In severe cases, neuropathy can affect the autonomic nerves, leading to digestive problems like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

The symptoms of neuropathy can range from mild to severe, but regardless of their intensity, they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Simple activities like walking, typing, or even holding a pen may become challenging, and many individuals find it difficult to manage their pain on a daily basis.

The Impact of Neuropathy on Daily Life

Living with neuropathy can be an isolating and frustrating experience. The constant discomfort or pain can interfere with a person’s ability to work, maintain an active lifestyle, or enjoy hobbies and social activities. For example:

  • Work-related struggles: If your job requires physical activity, such as standing, walking, or lifting, neuropathy can make it challenging to perform basic tasks. On the other hand, if your job involves sitting at a desk for long periods, neuropathy can exacerbate the discomfort in your legs and feet, making concentration difficult.
  • Social isolation: People living with neuropathy may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their symptoms, leading them to avoid social interactions. This isolation can negatively impact mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Reduced mobility: The pain, tingling, and weakness associated with neuropathy can make it difficult to move freely, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Reduced mobility increases the risk of weight gain, cardiovascular problems, and additional joint and muscle pain.
  • Mental health issues: Chronic pain often leads to anxiety and depression. The emotional toll of living with constant discomfort can affect relationships, career goals, and self-esteem.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Chiropractic care offers an effective solution to address the root causes of neuropathy, helping you regain control over your life and find lasting relief.

How Chiropractic Care Addresses the Root Causes of Neuropathy

Chiropractic care is a holistic, non-invasive approach that targets the root causes of neuropathy, helping patients experience long-term relief without relying on medications or invasive procedures. This treatment focuses on optimizing the body’s natural ability to heal itself by addressing underlying structural and functional imbalances, particularly within the spine and nervous system.

Unlike traditional treatments that may focus solely on masking the symptoms of neuropathy, chiropractic care works to restore balance in the body, improving the overall function of the nervous system and promoting long-term healing. Here’s how chiropractic care can address the root causes of neuropathy:

Spinal Adjustments

One of the foundational principles of chiropractic care is the concept that the spine is the central structure of the nervous system. The spine is made up of vertebrae that encase and protect the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals throughout the body. When the spine is misaligned, or when there are subluxations (partial dislocations), the pressure placed on the nerves can interfere with the transmission of nerve signals. This interference is a key factor in the development of neuropathy symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and loss of sensation.

Misalignments of the spine, also referred to as spinal subluxations, can occur for many reasons, including poor posture, accidents, injuries, or repetitive stress. These misalignments can compress the nerves and lead to dysfunction in the areas that the nerves serve, including the limbs and organs. Additionally, these subluxations can disrupt the body’s natural healing process, preventing optimal nerve function.

Dr. Ballard at Complete Care Chiropractic & Neuropathy uses gentle spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae and restore proper alignment to the spine. This realignment helps reduce pressure on the affected nerves, allowing them to function properly. When the pressure on the nerves is alleviated, patients often experience relief from neuropathy symptoms such as pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. Moreover, proper spinal alignment supports the overall health of the nervous system, ensuring that nerve signals are transmitted effectively throughout the body, promoting overall healing.

The benefits of spinal adjustments for neuropathy include:

  • Alleviation of nerve compression and pressure.
  • Restoration of proper nerve function and communication.
  • Reduced pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected areas.
  • Improvement in overall nerve health and nervous system function.

Nerve Testing and Evaluation

At Complete Care Chiropractic & Neuropathy, Dr. Ballard understands that each patient’s experience with neuropathy is unique, and determining the underlying causes of nerve dysfunction is essential to providing effective treatment. To ensure that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, Dr. Ballard conducts comprehensive nerve testing and evaluations.

These evaluations involve the use of advanced diagnostic tools that assess nerve health, identify nerve damage, and determine the exact location and nature of nerve compression or irritation. By thoroughly understanding the root cause of your neuropathy, Dr. Ballard can create a personalized treatment plan that targets the specific factors contributing to your condition.

Some of the key diagnostic tools and techniques used to evaluate nerve health include:

  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical impulses as they travel through the nerves. Slower impulses may indicate nerve damage or compression.
  • Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity in muscles, helping to identify nerve injury and muscle weakness related to neuropathy.
  • X-rays or MRI scans: In some cases, imaging may be used to detect spinal misalignments, herniated discs, or other structural issues that may be contributing to neuropathy.

By conducting a thorough evaluation, Dr. Ballard ensures that chiropractic care addresses the root causes of your neuropathy, rather than just treating the symptoms. Once the underlying issues are identified, a targeted treatment plan can be developed to reduce nerve pressure and promote healing.

Soft Tissue Therapy

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractic care often includes soft tissue therapy, which plays an important role in treating neuropathy. Soft tissue therapy uses various techniques, such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy, to target the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the nerves.

Nerve compression and irritation are not always caused solely by spinal misalignments. Tight muscles, inflammation, and scar tissue in the soft tissues can also contribute to nerve irritation, which exacerbates neuropathy symptoms. For example, muscle spasms or tension can put pressure on the nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. Inflammatory responses due to trauma or injury can also create an environment that impedes nerve healing.

Soft tissue therapy helps address these issues by:

  • Reducing muscle tension and spasms around the affected nerves.
  • Improving circulation to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the soft tissues.
  • Releasing scar tissue that may be contributing to nerve compression and pain.
  • Increasing flexibility and range of motion in the muscles, reducing the risk of further nerve irritation.

By incorporating soft tissue therapy into the treatment plan, chiropractic care not only addresses the structural misalignments in the spine but also promotes healing in the surrounding tissues, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to managing neuropathy.

Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice

Chiropractors like Dr. Ballard take a holistic approach to health, focusing not just on the physical spine and nerves, but also on how lifestyle factors contribute to the development and progression of neuropathy. For many patients, improper posture and ergonomics play a significant role in the exacerbation of neuropathy symptoms.

  • Poor posture can lead to misalignments in the spine, which places additional pressure on the nerves and aggravates existing neuropathy.
  • Ergonomic issues at work or home—such as sitting in poorly supported chairs, slouching, or repetitive movements—can also strain the muscles and nerves, leading to discomfort and pain.

Dr. Ballard works with patients to assess their posture and daily habits, offering lifestyle and ergonomic advice to help reduce strain on the nervous system. This may include:

  • Posture correction: Teaching patients how to sit, stand, and move in ways that minimize spinal misalignments and nerve compression.
  • Ergonomic adjustments: Recommending changes to workstations, such as adjusting chair height, desk placement, or computer screen position, to reduce strain on the neck, back, and limbs.
  • Exercise and stretching: Providing guidance on gentle exercises and stretches that improve flexibility and strengthen muscles, helping to prevent further nerve irritation.

By integrating posture correction and ergonomic practices into the treatment plan, Dr. Ballard helps patients address the root causes of neuropathy in their everyday lives, empowering them to make changes that support their long-term health and recovery.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional support is a key component of chiropractic care for neuropathy. A well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is critical for maintaining nerve health and promoting healing. For individuals with neuropathy, proper nutrition can help reduce inflammation, support nerve regeneration, and prevent further nerve damage.

Dr. Ballard may offer nutritional counseling to ensure that patients are consuming the foods and supplements necessary to support nerve function and recovery. Some key nutrients that play an important role in nerve health include:

  • B vitamins (particularly B1, B6, and B12): These vitamins are essential for nerve function and regeneration. A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to nerve damage and worsen neuropathy symptoms.
  • Antioxidants (such as vitamin C and vitamin E): Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common contributors to nerve damage.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and support nerve healing.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium helps relax muscles and may help alleviate nerve pain and spasms associated with neuropathy.

Dr. Ballard may also recommend dietary changes, supplements, or functional nutrition strategies to help optimize nerve health and support the body’s healing process. In some cases, functional lab testing may be used to identify any nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to nerve dysfunction, allowing for more targeted nutritional interventions.

Conclusion

Neuropathy is a challenging condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution that targets the root causes of neuropathy, helping to alleviate symptoms and restore nerve function. Dr. Ballard’s approach to chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, soft tissue therapy, and holistic health, empowering you to regain control of your health and well-being.

If you’re struggling with neuropathy or chronic pain, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Complete Care Chiropractic & Neuropathy today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to better health. Together, we can help you find relief, restore your vitality, and improve your quality of life.