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 Neuropathy Care Plan Works
1. Tell Your Story
When you arrive at our brand new, state-of-the-art facility, you’ll be greeted by two of the friendliest faces you’ve ever met. They will assist you with a simple intake form and escort you to one of our comfortable and elegant consultation suites. Then, your very own case manager will sit and listen to your story and document your areas of discomfort and loss. After your consultation is complete, the case manager will introduce you to all of our medical providers, who will individually perform an appropriate exam based on their experience and specialty and then determine what other additional testing, such as X-ray, MRI, CT or Diagnostic Ultrasound will need to be performed. Once completed, we will schedule your follow-up visit, typically within 24-48 hours.
2. Team Meeting
Between your Day 1 and your Day 2 visit, the medical, therapy, and chiropractic teams go into action. We pull together the clinical and intake data, the X-ray imaging, and the orthopedic and neurological testing results and determine a multidisciplinary approach diagnosis, utilizing over 50 years of healthcare experience. This enables every treatment team member to have a say in your unique condition, diagnosis, and purpose for why you want to be healthier. We can then produce a comprehensive and specialized treatment plan that will help you get better faster, address the cause of your painful condition, and effectively stay healthy to enjoy a future quality of life.
3. Accelerated Recovery Program
Our comprehensive program is designed to restore your quality of life efficiently and effectively. We may employ a variety of modalities to accomplish this goal including but not limited to Regenerative Medicine, Lumbar and Cervical Spinal Decompression, Class 4 Laser Therapy, Radial Pressure Wave, Neurocure, NeuroMed, In-House Active Therapy, Spinal and Extremity Adjustments.
4. Quality & Quantity of Life
At Harbour Medical, our goal is to quickly remove your pain points, address and correct the underlying condition of those areas, and provide you with the simple tools to maintain, preserve, and protect the new and amazing level of function and well-being that translates into your ability to enjoy the moments that give your life purpose and joy.
Chiropractic Care for Neuropathy in Stuart, FL.
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.
Types of Neuropathy in Stuart, FL.
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
1411 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
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.
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