Neuropathy

You can’t cure neuropathy, but intervention and treatment can prevent damage from worsening and improve your quality of life. At ChiroCare Therapy in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, integrative medicine specialist Steven Gentry, DC, has years of experience managing neuropathy. Dr. Gentry can make personalized treatment recommendations to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and help you return to your routine. Call ChiroCare Therapy today for  neuropathy treatment, or make your appointment online.

My back hurts; could it be neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage. This damage can occur in your central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) or peripheral nervous system (all the other nerves).

If your back hurts for more than a few days and your symptoms don’t improve with at-home treatments, contact Dr. Gentry. After an exam and diagnostic imaging, he can identify the cause of your discomfort and develop a treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of neuropathy?

Symptoms of neuropathy include the following:

• Muscle weakness and paralysis
• Uncontrolled muscle movements (spasms)
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Poor balance
• Clumsiness
• Pain
• Blood pressure changes
• Excessive sweating
• Sexual dysfunction

As the condition worsens, you might experience bowel or bladder issues like incontinence.

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs for various reasons, including:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Type 2 diabetes
• Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
• Infections
• Trauma and surgery
• Genetic conditions

Certain medications increase the risk of neuropathy. For example, gout drugs and chemotherapy cause nerve damage.

How does a chiropractor diagnose neuropathy?

Dr. Gentry reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and completes a physical exam. He gently presses on your skin with handheld tools, testing your ability to feel different sensations, and assesses your reflexes and balance.

Next, Dr. Gentry orders lab tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and a nerve ultrasound. These measures provide important insights into your health and help Dr. Gentry determine the best treatment. 

How does a chiropractor treat neuropathy?

Dr. Gentry treats neuropathy using a conservative and integrative approach. He might recommend:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Intravenous (IV) therapy
• Massage therapy
• Orthobiologics
• Daxxify® injections
• Peptide therapy
• Physical therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Cold laser therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Spinal or cervical compression
• Traction therapy
• Russian stimulation (neuromuscular electrical stimulation)
• Nutritional supplements or vitamins

It might take some trial and error initially to determine a treatment (or treatments) that best meet your needs. Follow Dr. Gentry’s instructions and attend each of your checkups.

Is there any way to prevent neuropathy?

There’s no way to prevent neuropathy entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Dr. Gentry recommends eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, take your medication and keep your blood sugar in check.

Call ChiroCare Therapy today to explore the treatments for neuropathy, or make your appointment online.