We depend on our nerves to relay critical sensory information, including unwelcome but helpful pain signals, as a means of protecting ourselves and as an alert warning system that an illness or injury requires treatment. In the case of peripheral neuropathy, the nerves in your hands, feet, arms and legs may simply go haywire, creating sensations of shooting pain, numbness, burning or tingling that don't really tell you what's wrong. Fortunately, our chiropractor in St. Robert, Dr. Rick Townsend, can isolate the cause of your nerve dysfunction and offer natural, drug-free pain management solutions.
There are different categories of neuropathy, or nerve dysfunction. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that govern unconscious physical processes, while motor neuropathy impairs the nerves that control specific muscles. (Bell's palsy, which affects the motor signals to the eyelid, is a prime example.) Sensory neuropathy affects the nerves that send sensory signals to and from the brain -- and peripheral neuropathy specifically affects the nerves of the extremities. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Tingling or "funny bone" sensations in the hands or feet
- Burning, stabbing or shooting pains
- Exaggerated responses to light stimuli such as touch
- Numbness or inability to sense temperature
Diabetes is a relatively common cause of peripheral neuropathy, but it is by no means the only one. Anything that interferes with the nerves or nerve roots that relay signals to the extremities can produce these symptoms. In some cases, a traumatic injury may crush or otherwise damage the nerve tissue; in others, an acute or chronic spinal misalignment may allow vertebral discs to bulge or herniate onto neighboring nerve roots, affecting signals in any or all the nerves that spring from those nerve roots. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy occasionally seen by our chiropractor include nutritional deficiencies or even simple muscle tightness, which can cause local inflammation that pinches nerve tissue.
Natural Pain Management from Our St. Robert Chiropractor
If you're suffering from peripheral neuropathy, visit Townsend Wellness Center for natural, safe effective options for pain management. Our St. Robert chiropractor will perform a detailed examination of your spinal alignment, looking for any potential nerve root impingement that may be taking place. The chiropractor will also ask you about your lifestyle, diet and known medical conditions. If diabetes is the suspected cause, we will work with your primary care physician to help you get your blood sugar under control. Depending on the underlying cause of your peripheral neuropathy, our chiropractor may employ treatment methods such as:
- Spinal adjustments to correct your vertebral balance and posture
- Spinal decompression to move bulging/herniated discs away from nerve roots
- Nutritional counseling and supplementation to correct deficiencies
- Massage therapy to loosen tight muscles that may be compressing the nerves
Contact our St. Robert Chiropractor to Learn More about Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Peripheral neuropathy can be a miserable experience, but there's no reason you have to feel helpless against it. Call (573) 336-4221 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor in St. Robert!
