Neuropathy is a condition that affects millions of people, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. While there are various causes the impact on daily life can be significant. At Summit Medical Care Center, we understand how debilitating neuropathy can be, and we emphasize a holistic approach to managing the condition, focusing on spinal health to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, often occurs when the peripheral nerves—the ones outside of the brain and spinal cord—are damaged. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between your central nervous system and the rest of your body. When these pathways are disrupted, it can lead to the symptoms commonly associated with neuropathy, such as:
Sharp, shooting pains
Burning sensations
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
There are various types of neuropathy, such as diabetic neuropathy (caused by high blood sugar levels), peripheral neuropathy (resulting from injury or nerve damage), and even idiopathic neuropathy, where the cause is unknown. While medications and traditional therapies may help alleviate pain, managing spinal health is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of treatment.
The spine plays a central role in the nervous system, acting as the primary pathway through which nerve signals travel to and from the brain. When the spine is misaligned or there is pressure on the spinal cord and nerves (commonly due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis), it can exacerbate the symptoms of neuropathy.
Maintaining optimal spinal health can:
Reduce Nerve Compression: Misalignment or poor spinal posture can compress the nerves, particularly those branching out from the spine into the peripheral areas of the body. By addressing spinal issues, pressure on these nerves can be reduced, helping alleviate neuropathic symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness.
Improve Circulation: Proper spinal alignment improves overall body posture and circulation. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the extremities, aiding in nerve repair and function, which is essential for individuals suffering from neuropathy.
Promote Nerve Regeneration: The body’s natural ability to heal can be hindered by chronic nerve compression. Correcting spinal misalignments allows for healthier nerve function and can support the body’s efforts to regenerate damaged nerves over time.
Enhance Mobility and Function: Chronic neuropathy can limit movement due to pain and weakness. Spinal care, particularly through chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression therapies, helps restore mobility, balance, and strength, improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities without discomfort.
Chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for managing spinal health and relieving neuropathy symptoms. At Summit Medical Care Center, we focus on spinal adjustments and other techniques to address the root cause of nerve interference. Here’s how our approach can help:
Spinal Adjustments: These gentle manipulations help realign the spine, reducing nerve compression and allowing for better communication between the brain and the body. This can directly address the underlying causes of neuropathy symptoms.
Decompression Therapy: For patients with herniated discs or spinal stenosis, decompression therapy helps relieve pressure on the affected nerves. By gently stretching the spine, decompression therapy creates space for healing and can lead to significant relief from neuropathic pain.
Lifestyle Recommendations: Maintaining spinal health also involves taking care of your body through exercise, proper posture, and nutrition. We work with patients to develop personalized plans that promote nerve health, improve circulation, and support overall wellness.
At Summit Medical Care Center, we take an integrative approach to managing neuropathy. In addition to spinal adjustments and decompression therapy, we often incorporate other treatments such as red light therapy, or laser therapy, and nutritional counseling. By treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms, we aim to provide long-lasting relief and help you regain control of your life.
For more information on how we can help manage your neuropathy, contact Summit Medical Care Center to learn how we can help you on your journey to recovery. Visit our office in Broomfield, Colorado, or call (720) 740-6700 to schedule a consultation today.