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Neuropathy

Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. The PNS includes sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves, all of which can be affected by neuropathy. When these nerves become damaged, they fail to carry signals effectively, resulting in a wide range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of sensation, typically in the extremities like the hands and feet.

 

Neuropathy can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making daily activities challenging.

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Causes of Neuropathy

The causes of neuropathy are numerous and diverse. These can be broadly categorized into the following categories:

  1. Diabetes: One of the most common causes of neuropathy, particularly in diabetic individuals, is prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can damage the nerves over time. This form of neuropathy is called diabetic neuropathy and affects approximately 60-70% of individuals with diabetes.

  2. Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma or injury to the nerves, such as from car accidents, falls, or repetitive stress, can lead to nerve damage. Conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or a pinched nerve also contribute to neuropathic symptoms.

  3. Infections: Certain infections, including shingles (herpes zoster), HIV, and Lyme disease, can affect nerve health. These infections can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve fibers.

  4. Autoimmune Diseases: Disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause the immune system to attack and damage the nerves.

  5. Toxins and Medications: Chronic exposure to toxins such as alcohol, heavy metals, and certain medications (particularly chemotherapy drugs) can damage nerve cells. These toxins disrupt nerve function and can lead to neuropathic symptoms.

  6. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential vitamins, especially B12, B1, and folate, can impair nerve function, leading to neuropathy. Malnutrition, alcohol abuse, or certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption can contribute to these deficiencies.

  7. Genetic Disorders: Hereditary conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are linked to inherited neuropathy, where abnormal genes disrupt the normal functioning of the peripheral nerves.

  8. Chronic Kidney Disease and Liver Disease: These conditions can lead to metabolic disturbances that damage nerve tissue over time, contributing to neuropathy.

  9. Idiopathic Neuropathy: In some cases, the cause of neuropathy remains unknown, a condition referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.

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Treatment Options at New Health Chiropractic

At New Health Chiropractic & Integrated Healthcare, a multidisciplinary approach to managing neuropathy is employed. This approach combines both conventional and alternative treatment methods, focusing on alleviating symptoms, promoting nerve healing, and improving overall quality of life.

  1. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments are a cornerstone of treatment for neuropathy at New Health Chiropractic. Misalignments of the spine and other musculoskeletal structures can aggravate nerve function. By realigning the spine and relieving pressure on the nerves, chiropractic care helps optimize nerve function and alleviate pain associated with neuropathy. This treatment can be particularly effective in cases where neuropathy is related to issues like herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal misalignments.

  2. MLS Laser Therapy: Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is an advanced form of light therapy that promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. For individuals suffering from neuropathy, MLS Laser Therapy can stimulate nerve regeneration, increase blood flow to the affected areas, and alleviate chronic pain and discomfort.

  3. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is another key treatment modality used to help individuals with neuropathy. By improving circulation and relaxing tense muscles, massage therapy can reduce the symptoms of neuropathy, such as pain and stiffness. It also promotes relaxation and improves overall mobility in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

  4. Functional Medicine: At New Health Chiropractic, functional medicine plays an integral role in addressing the root causes of neuropathy. Functional medicine practitioners assess patients' nutritional status, lifestyle factors, and underlying health conditions to develop personalized treatment plans. In cases where neuropathy is linked to nutritional deficiencies, functional medicine may incorporate supplementation of vitamins like B12 or B1, as well as dietary adjustments to promote nerve health.

  5. Regenerative Medicine: For patients with nerve damage that is not responding well to conventional treatments, regenerative medicine, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Human Cell Tissue Proliferation (HCT-P), is available. These therapies involve using the body’s own healing properties to promote tissue repair and nerve regeneration. PRP utilizes growth factors from the patient’s blood to stimulate healing in damaged tissue, while HCT-P uses human tissue-derived stem cells to promote the growth of new, healthy nerve cells.

  6. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Hormonal imbalances can sometimes contribute to neuropathic symptoms, particularly in cases of peripheral neuropathy caused by menopause or andropause. BHRT is used to restore hormone levels, which may help alleviate nerve pain and improve overall nerve function in patients with hormone-related neuropathy.

 

Neuropathy is a complex condition with a wide range of causes, from diabetes and infections to trauma and genetic disorders. Understanding the underlying cause of neuropathy is essential for determining the most effective treatment plan. At New Health Chiropractic & Integrated Healthcare, a holistic and integrative approach is used to address the symptoms and root causes of neuropathy. Chiropractic care, MLS Laser Therapy, massage therapy, functional medicine, regenerative medicine, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy all work synergistically to improve nerve health, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life for those suffering from neuropathy. Through these advanced treatment options, patients have the opportunity to heal and regain function, bringing relief to those struggling with this debilitating condition.

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