Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, producing burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness most often in the hands and feet. Kroner Chiropractic evaluates neuropathy symptoms in Yakima, Washington to determine whether a mechanical, treatable cause is contributing, and refers for medical workup when the cause requires it.

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First, finding out what is causing it

Neuropathy describes nerve damage producing burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness, usually starting in the hands or feet.

The causes vary enormously. Diabetes is the most common. Others include vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders, certain medications, chemotherapy, alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, and mechanical compression of a nerve.

That last category is the one chiropractic care addresses directly. A nerve compressed at the spine or along its path can produce neuropathy-like symptoms, and that compression is treatable.

So the first question is not how we treat this. It is what is causing it. If your symptoms are driven by diabetes or another medical condition, that requires medical management, and we will tell you so rather than treating you indefinitely for something we cannot address.

What it feels like

  • Burning or shooting pain in the hands or feet
  • Numbness or reduced sensation
  • Pins and needles
  • Sensitivity to touch, where light contact hurts
  • Muscle weakness
  • A sensation of wearing gloves or socks when you are not
  • Balance difficulty related to reduced sensation in the feet
  • Symptoms often worse at night

The symmetrical pattern, meaning both feet or both hands, generally suggests a systemic cause. Symptoms on one side more often suggest a mechanical or compressive cause.

What we can and cannot address

We are going to be direct about this, because neuropathy is an area where some clinics overpromise.

What we can help with: symptoms driven by nerve irritation at the spine or along a nerve’s path, associated joint restriction and muscle tension, mobility and balance work, and coordination with your medical providers.

What we cannot do: reverse nerve damage from diabetes or chemotherapy, cure systemic neuropathy, or replace medical management of the underlying condition.

If your examination suggests a mechanical component, treatment is worth trying. If it points to a systemic cause you have not had worked up, the most useful thing we can do is tell you that and help you get evaluated.

Why evaluation matters early

Reduced sensation in the feet raises fall risk and, in diabetic patients, makes foot injuries easy to miss until they become serious.

If you have new or worsening numbness, get it evaluated, whether by us or by your physician. Knowing the cause is what determines whether it is treatable.

Common Questions

Can chiropractic care cure neuropathy?

No. Chiropractic care does not cure neuropathy or reverse nerve damage from conditions such as diabetes. Where symptoms are driven by nerve compression at the spine or along a nerve’s path, treatment can help. The examination determines which situation applies to you.

What causes peripheral neuropathy?

Diabetes is the most common cause. Others include vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders, certain medications, chemotherapy, alcohol use, autoimmune conditions, and mechanical compression of a nerve.

How do I know if my numbness is neuropathy or a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve typically affects one area or one side, following the path of a specific nerve. Systemic neuropathy is usually symmetrical, affecting both feet or both hands, and often begins at the toes or fingertips. An examination can distinguish them.

Why are my symptoms worse at night?

Reduced distraction and different circulation patterns during rest commonly make neuropathy symptoms more noticeable at night. It is one of the more frequently reported patterns.

Should I see my doctor as well?

Yes, if you have not already. Because neuropathy has many possible causes, identifying which one applies to you is important, and several of them require medical management. We work alongside your physician rather than in place of them.

Is neuropathy dangerous?

The symptoms themselves are not usually dangerous, but reduced sensation in the feet increases fall risk and makes injuries easy to overlook, which matters particularly for people with diabetes. New or worsening numbness is worth having evaluated.

Related care: functional medicine.

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