Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Tingling, burning, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet are common signs of peripheral neuropathy and can significantly affect balance, walking, and quality of life. We perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether symptoms may be related to musculoskeletal dysfunction or nerve irritation and collaborate with other providers when a broader approach is needed.
Full nerve pathway evaluation
Collaborative, honest care
The Basics
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, the nerves that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, become damaged, compressed, or irritated. Unlike the central nervous system which is protected by the skull and spine, peripheral nerves are more vulnerable to a wide range of influences including physical compression, metabolic changes, inflammation, and systemic disease. When these nerves are affected, the result is a range of sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms that most commonly present in the hands and feet due to the length and vulnerability of the nerve pathways supplying these areas.
Peripheral neuropathy can develop from a wide range of causes. Diabetes is the most common systemic cause, with elevated blood sugar levels gradually damaging nerve tissue over time. Other common causes include physical nerve compression from spinal disc problems, joint restrictions, or tight muscles along the nerve pathway, vitamin deficiencies particularly B12, autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy related nerve damage, and chronic alcohol use. In some cases the cause remains unidentified, a presentation known as idiopathic neuropathy, which requires a comprehensive evaluation to rule out treatable contributing factors before a management approach is established.
Peripheral neuropathy affects millions of people and is particularly common among diabetics, older adults, cancer survivors, and individuals with a history of spinal or extremity conditions that may be compressing peripheral nerves. An often overlooked aspect of peripheral neuropathy is the role that musculoskeletal dysfunction can play in either causing or worsening symptoms. Spinal disc problems, joint restrictions, and tight muscles along the nerve pathway can all contribute to nerve irritation that produces neuropathy like symptoms, and addressing these physical contributors through chiropractic care can meaningfully reduce symptoms for many patients even when a systemic cause is also present.
Signs to Watch For
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms vary depending on which nerves are affected and the underlying cause. The most common signs patients experience include:
Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the hands, feet, or lower legs
Burning pain that worsens at night or with prolonged standing or walking
Numbness or reduced sensation making it difficult to feel temperature or touch
Weakness in the hands or feet affecting grip strength or walking stability
Sharp, jabbing, or electric like pain along the affected nerve pathway
Sensitivity to light touch where even clothing or bedsheets feel uncomfortable
Balance problems or unsteadiness when walking, particularly in low light
Muscle cramping or twitching in the affected extremities
Altered sensation that makes it difficult to detect pain or injury to the feet
Symptoms that began gradually and have progressively worsened over time
Our Approach
At Salt Family Chiropractic, every peripheral neuropathy patient begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether their symptoms may be related to musculoskeletal dysfunction, nerve irritation from the spine or extremities, or a combination of both. We assess spinal alignment, joint mobility, nerve function, and movement patterns along the full nerve pathway to identify any physical contributors that may be compressing or irritating the peripheral nerves. We also review the patient’s medical history and current conditions to understand whether systemic factors like diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or medication side effects may be playing a role in their symptoms.
For patients whose evaluation identifies musculoskeletal contributors to their neuropathy symptoms, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve compression from spinal or extremity joint restrictions, soft tissue therapy to address muscle tightness along the nerve pathway, and corrective exercises to improve circulation, joint mobility, and nerve function over time.
Supportive Nerve Care
Class IV laser therapy is available as a supportive option, using concentrated light energy to stimulate tissue healing, improve circulation, and support nerve recovery in the affected areas. While it cannot reverse underlying systemic damage, it can meaningfully reduce symptom severity and improve function for many patients.
The Salt Difference
— 01
Many neuropathy patients have been told their symptoms are simply a consequence of their diabetes or aging and that little can be done. We evaluate the full nerve pathway including the spine, joints, and surrounding soft tissue to identify any physical contributors that may be compressing or irritating the peripheral nerves and addressable through conservative care.
— 02
Class IV laser therapy offers a non-invasive supportive treatment option for peripheral neuropathy patients, using concentrated light energy to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support nerve tissue recovery in the affected areas. While it cannot reverse systemic nerve damage, many patients experience meaningful reduction in symptom severity and improvement in daily function.
— 03
Peripheral neuropathy often requires a team approach. We work openly with your other healthcare providers and refer out when symptoms suggest a cause that requires medical management beyond what chiropractic care can address. We never attempt to manage conditions outside our scope, and we always prioritize your overall health outcome over keeping you in our office.
Good to Know
Can chiropractic care help with peripheral neuropathy?
What is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy?
Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?
How does diabetes cause peripheral neuropathy?
Is peripheral neuropathy related to back or neck problems?
What can I do at home to manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms?
Explore More
Condition
Physical nerve compression from extremity joint restrictions is a common contributor to neuropathy like symptoms. Learn more about how we evaluate and treat the full range of extremity joint conditions that may be influencing your nerve function.
Learn more
Service
Laser therapy is one of the most valuable supportive treatment options available for peripheral neuropathy patients. Learn more about how Class IV laser therapy works to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support nerve tissue recovery.
Learn more
Condition
Spinal disc problems are a commonly overlooked contributor to peripheral nerve irritation. If your neuropathy symptoms are accompanied by back or neck pain, learn more about how we evaluate disc related conditions that may be compressing peripheral nerves.
Learn more
