Neuropathy is a neurological disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, which consists of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It refers to damage or dysfunction of these nerves leading to a range of symptoms and complications. The peripheral nerves are crucial in transmitting signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body, including the muscles, organs, and sensory organs. They enable communication necessary for movement, sensation, and bodily functions.
The disruption of normal transmission signals leads to tingling or numbness, sharp or burning pain, muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and changes in sensation. It may arise from conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, infections, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to toxins, certain medications, hereditary factors, or physical trauma.
A neuropathy diagnosis impacts individuals depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort or occasional symptoms, while others may suffer from chronic pain and significant limitations in their daily activities. Chiropractic care helps manage neuropathy systems and restore balance to the nervous system to reverse symptoms and improve our patient’s quality of life.
Neuropathy is often called a “silent epidemic” because its symptoms are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. If you or a loved one you know is living with neuropathy, it’s essential to understand how to manage your symptoms and get relief.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Better
First, getting you out of pain fast and restoring mobility based on your exam and the goals you have for yourself. Our focus is on getting you feeling better and moving better. We prove that our process can help you feel better quickly. This allows you to take control of your health during the restoration process and sets you up for long-term success.
2. Stronger
Next, we create a stronger and healthier you. Through corrective exercises and continued treatments, we focus on healing damaged tissue and rebuilding strength. When you’re no longer constantly thinking about your problem and taking a more active role in your health, you’ll know you’re getting stronger and more confident.
3. Healthier
Here we help you to take ownership of your health. This phase allows you to live the life you want without worrying about pain. Regular “tune-ups” and at-home exercises keep you strong and healthy.
How We Treat Neuropathy In Visalia, CA
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
At our center, we take a comprehensive approach to treating neuropathy. We start with a consultation to get to the root of the problem. Then, we perform a thorough exam to rule out any other potential causes of the symptoms. Based on our consultation and exam results, we develop a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your neuropathy. This leads to long-term relief rather than constant symptom chasing. We also offer support and resources to assist our patients in managing their conditions and enhancing their quality of life.
Anodyne Infrared Therapy
More than 20 million Americans suffer from neuropathy, the result of peripheral nerve damage. Many treatments are available for the condition, but anodyne infrared therapy is gaining popularity. This therapy uses infrared light to reduce pain and promote healing. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not require any medication.
Anodyne infrared therapy is effective in treating many different types of conditions. It can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and promote nerve regeneration. If you’re looking for a safe and effective treatment for neuropathy, anodyne infrared therapy may be right for you.
ReBuilder Nerve Stimulation
We are proud to offer our patients ReBuilder Nerve Stimulation. The ReBuilder is an FDA-cleared, Class II medical device with excellent results. The ReBuilder delivers electrical nerve stimulation signals to the nerves in the feet and legs through pads placed on the skin. These signals help to re-educate the nerves and reduce pain.
The ReBuilder is a safe and effective treatment that can be administered in the comfort of your home. The treatment has no side effects, and most patients tolerate it well. The ReBuilder can be used as often as needed to help control neuritis pain.
Chiropractic Care in Visalia, CA
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment option for neuropathy that focuses on restoring normal function to the nervous system. By aligning the spine and correcting subluxations, chiropractors can take pressure off the nerves and allow them to heal.
Chiropractic care effectively reduces pain, improves nerve function, and increases range of motion. It is a practical and safe treatment to help you get back to living your life.
Nutrition and Supplementation
A critical aspect of treatment is nutrition and supplementation. A healthy diet is vital for everyone but essential for those with neuropathy. Certain nutrients can help to support nerve health and reduce inflammation. These include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium.
Supplementation can also help manage neuropathy symptoms. Some common effective supplements include alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, and curcumin. Fighting inflammation is essential to managing neuropathy, so following an anti-inflammatory diet provides neuropathy relief.
Types of Neuropathy in Visalia, CA
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage resulting from:
- diabetes
- certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, heart medications, and over-counter medications
- infections, like shingles or hepatitis C
- traumatic injuries from car accidents or falls
- exposure to toxins like lead or mercury
Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness.
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy. It typically affects the feet and legs first and can eventually spread to the hands and arms. Diabetic neuropathy is the result of nerve damage due to high blood pressure.
Proximal Neuropathy
Proximal neuropathy, also known as lumbosacral plexus mononeuropathy, is a type of peripheral nerve damage that occurs when the lumbosacral plexus, a network of nerves in the lower back and pelvis, is damaged. This neuropathy can cause weakness and pain in the legs and hips. Proximal neuropathy is most often caused by diabetes, but certain infections, injuries, or tumors can also cause it. Treatment for proximal mononeuropathy typically relieves pain and improves strength and function.
Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body actions like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and sweating. It can occur in any part of the autonomic nervous system.
Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy depend on which organ or body system is affected. If blood pressure control is affected, symptoms may include lightheadedness or fainting when standing up too quickly. If the digestive system is affected, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Other possible symptoms include trouble urinating (urinary incontinence), sexual dysfunction, and problems with sweating.
Other conditions, such as diabetes or certain infections, usually cause autonomic mononeuropathy. It can also be caused by certain medications or surgery. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Treatment for autonomic mononeuropathy focuses on managing the underlying condition and relieving symptoms. For example, if diabetes is the cause, treatment will focus on controlling blood sugar levels. If orthostatic hypotension is a problem, your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings to help keep your blood pressure from dropping when you stand up.
Focal Neuropathy
Focal mononeuropathy is another one of the more common forms. This occurs when a nerve or group of nerves is damaged, causing various symptoms depending on which nerves are affected.
Focal neuropathy can occur suddenly or gradually. Other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and pain, often accompany it. In some cases, focal mononeuropathy can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis.
Check Out Our Location Near You
3710 W Mineral King Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with neuropathy?
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, joints, and soft tissues, and ergonomic and nutritional counseling.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments improve nerve function in peripheral neuropathy patients. Another study published in BMC Neurology found that chiropractic care effectively reduced pain and improved the quality of life for people with diabetic mononeuropathy.
Can a chiropractic adjustment cause nerve damage?
No, a chiropractic adjustment cannot cause nerve damage. Adjustments improve nerve function, reducing pain and other symptoms related to nerve damage.
Can spinal decompression help with neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a debilitating condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. It is often caused by nerve damage or compression. Spinal decompression is a treatment option that can help relieve neuropathy symptoms.
Spinal decompression works by mildly stretching the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs to relieve pressure on the nerves. Decompression also increases blood flow to the area, which can assist in minimizing inflammation and pain.
Can a chiropractor help with numbness in the feet?
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on the body’s ability to heal. When the body is in alignment, the nervous system functions properly, and the body can heal itself.
Numbness, tingling, and other sensory issues indicate nerve damage or dysfunction. Chiropractors use various techniques to align the spine and improve nerve function, relieving pain and other neuropathy symptoms.
What are the warning signs of neuropathy?
There are a few warning signs that may indicate you have neuropathy. These include:
- Numbness in your hands or feet
- A feeling of being unable to move your arms or legs
- Sharp, shooting pains in your extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
What is the main cause of neuropathy?
There are many possible neuropathy causes, but nerve damage is the most common. This can be caused by physical injury, infection, or exposure to certain toxins or chemicals. It can also be caused by diabetes or other diseases that affect the nervous system.
Does neuropathy go away?
Peripheral nerves have a remarkable ability to heal. Chiropractic care optimizes the nervous system’s healing ability by removing nerve interference. Ultimately, recovery depends on the severity of your condition.
How do you stop neuropathy from progressing?
The most critical thing you can do to stop neuropathy from progressing is to see your chiropractor. Many treatments available can help slow the progression of neuropathy and improve your quality of life.
Chiropractic adjustments remove nerve interference to relieve symptoms and improve nerve function. You may need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or managing diabetes, to help prevent further damage to your nerves.
