Neuropathy can cause numbness, pain, and muscle weakness. The most common areas affected are the hands and feet, but this can spread throughout the body. However, neuropathic pains no longer have to be put up with daily. Chiropractic care can offer relief and healing from the damages caused by neuropathy.

Adjustments made during chiropractic treatments can stimulate and repair damaged nerves. There are also treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical therapy available. Our office works to establish a personalized treatment plan for each individual patient, with the goal of bringing each patient back to a desirable quality of life.

So, what is neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy entails damaged nerve fibers caused by improper blood flow to the nerves—preventing the circulation of necessary nutrients. The resulting damage impairs communication between affected nerves and the brain. This can create abnormal sensations, impaired muscle movement, and pain. Fingers, hands, and entire arms can be affected, as well as toes, feet, and legs. However, neuropathy and neuropathic pains can be present in various locations throughout the body. For example, when neuropathy is present in the feet, back pain is a common symptom as well.

While symptoms can be moderate to severe, and can even come and go, there are a few symptoms commonly experienced:

• Numbness/tingling
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain/fatigue
• Muscle impairment
• Inflammation/swelling of joints
• Headaches or migraines
• Stiff muscles
• Tremors or weakness

These symptoms can be experienced across a spectrum of severity, can be constant or intermittent, and some may not be experienced at all.

Neuropathy, in general, is caused by a lack of blood flow to the affected nerves. This damages the nerves due to them receiving an insufficient amount of nutrients. Conditions that can cause neuropathy are degenerative disc disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, alcoholism, various autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins, poor posture, and joint problems. Despite the various symptoms and causes related to neuropathy, there are a variety of non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment options to relieve pain and heal the damaged nerves.

Chiropractic care is a holistic treatment that targets the cause of neuropathy, rather than just the symptoms. Misalignments of the spine create pressure and tension throughout the body, creating problems within the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. Gentle adjustments are made to the spine that increases blood flow and circulation, all while decreasing pressure and compression. Through chiropractic treatment, healing can be achieved without the use of medications or surgery. Types of chiropractic treatment shown to have success in relieving pain are acupuncture, spinal decompression, massage therapy, physical therapy, and specialized stretches and exercises. All of these treatments improve blood flow, nutrient circulation and allow the body to engage in its natural healing processes. The results lead to a relief of neuropathic pains, and even allows for the damaged nerves to begin to repair.

If you are interested in learning more about these treatment options for neuropathy and live in Indianapolis, Glendale, Broad Ripple, or a nearby location in Indiana, please contact our office for a consultation at (317) 257-2225.