Millions of Americans suffer from the pain associate with peripheral neuropathy and unfortunately, many have been told that the only way to deal with the pain is through drug therapies that simply mask the pain rather than addressing the underlying issues that are the source of the pain. We believe that there is a better way to treat the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy that does not rely on drugs and will return the body to its optimal state of well-being.
To understand Peripheral Neuropathy, we must first understand the amazing network that is the body’s nervous system. The nervous system is composed of two parts: the central nervous system that is made up of the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system, which is the nerves running from the central nervous system. The peripheral nervous system connects the brain and spinal cord to every single other part of the body. With a constant flow of nerve impulses running throughout this network, the peripheral nervous system never sleeps, though most of the activity is processed subconsciously, allowing the body to function seamlessly. When something in this powerful network malfunctions, it falls under the term of peripheral neuropathy and includes damage to the nerves that deliver messages to and from the brain. Damage to the sensory nerves might cause tingling or numbness in the hands, feet and legs; damage to motor nerves, which control the muscles, may cause loss of strength and balance while damage to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic functions, affects things such as heart rate, blood pressure, bladder control and digestion, along with a host of other involuntary responses.
While peripheral neuropathy presents in a variety of different conditions, each form that this disorder takes has its own set of characteristics and symptoms. Some common symptoms include weakness in the limbs, numbness and the sensation of pain or twitching under the skin. Symptoms may be seen over a period of days, weeks or even years. The causes of peripheral neuropathy vary as well. It may be inherited or caused by injury. Sometimes, peripheral neuropathy can be brought on by lifestyle choices such as nutritional deficiencies, smoking or alcoholism; other root causes may lie in vascular or metabolic disorders, toxins, kidney failure, chemotherapy or shingles. For many patients, pain associated with peripheral neuropathy can be extreme and debilitating. And while not every patient experience high pain level, the disease tends to rob people of many things they love through the loss of balance or the possibility of falling or simply walking without risk.
While the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy can be difficult due to the number of differing symptoms, a thorough exam by a doctor who specializes in the body/ brain connection is the first step to finding the most effective care plan… without medications. Chiropractic Neurologists seek to treat the underlying cause of the disorder, thus eliminating the need for pharmaceuticals that mask symptoms. Techniques such as brain stimulation, nerve conduction tests and laser therapies are resulting in the production of cellular energy that leads to many benefits that increase cellular function and health and positive gains for those who suffer from all different types of peripheral neuropathy. For many people, getting relief from their symptoms when previous treatments have not worked.
If you or a loved one are experiencing pain or symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy and would like to learn more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help, the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center would love to hear from you.