Neuropathy Treatment

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves, the vast network of nerves that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, become damaged or dysfunctional. This damage disrupts normal nerve signaling and produces symptoms that can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating. The most commonly affected areas are the hands and feet, though neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body.

Patients with peripheral neuropathy frequently experience numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sharp or stabbing pains, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch, and a feeling of wearing invisible gloves or socks. These symptoms often worsen at night and can significantly impair sleep quality, balance, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Left untreated, neuropathy tends to progress, and the nerve damage can become increasingly difficult to reverse.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes. Diabetes is the most common, with diabetic neuropathy affecting up to half of all people with diabetes over their lifetime. However, many other conditions and factors can trigger nerve damage:

• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
• Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies
• Chronic alcohol use
• Thyroid disorders
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Idiopathic neuropathy (no identifiable cause, which accounts for roughly one-third of cases)
• Spinal stenosis or disc herniation compressing nerve roots

Understanding the underlying cause of your neuropathy is an important part of developing an effective treatment strategy. Dr. Townsend works with each patient to identify contributing factors and address them alongside direct nerve rehabilitation.

How Chiropractic First Treats Neuropathy

At Chiropractic First, Dr. Townsend takes a multi-faceted approach to neuropathy treatment that combines several advanced therapies to stimulate nerve repair, improve circulation, and reduce pain. The specific combination of therapies depends on the type, severity, and cause of your neuropathy.

Erchonia low-level laser therapy is a cornerstone of the neuropathy protocol. The laser’s photons penetrate tissue to stimulate mitochondrial function in damaged nerve cells, boosting their energy production and promoting axonal regeneration. Clinical studies have shown that low-level laser therapy can improve nerve conduction velocity and reduce neuropathic pain scores in patients with both diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy.

Spinal decompression may be incorporated when nerve compression at the spinal level is contributing to peripheral symptoms. By relieving pressure on nerve roots, decompression can restore normal nerve signaling to the affected extremities.

Chiropractic adjustments address any spinal or extremity misalignments that may be compressing or irritating nerves along their pathway from the spine to the periphery. Even subtle vertebral misalignments can affect nerve function, and correcting them can produce meaningful improvement in neuropathy symptoms.

Nutritional assessment is also part of the evaluation process. Deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin D, and certain minerals can contribute to nerve damage, and targeted supplementation can support the healing process.

What to Expect from Neuropathy Treatment

Neuropathy treatment at Chiropractic First begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and nerve function. Dr. Townsend may perform sensory testing to assess the degree of nerve involvement and establish a baseline for tracking your progress.

Treatment plans for neuropathy are typically more extended than those for acute musculoskeletal complaints because nerve tissue heals slowly. Most patients follow a protocol of two to three visits per week for eight to twelve weeks, with periodic reassessment to measure improvement. Many patients begin noticing reductions in numbness, tingling, and pain within the first three to four weeks of consistent treatment.

The earlier neuropathy is addressed, the better the prognosis. Nerve damage that has been present for many years may be more resistant to treatment, though even longstanding cases often show meaningful improvement. Dr. Townsend will give you an honest assessment of what to expect based on your specific situation.

Why Choose Chiropractic First for Neuropathy Treatment

Dr. Townsend’s integrated approach to neuropathy sets Chiropractic First apart from practices that offer only a single treatment modality. By combining laser therapy, chiropractic care, decompression, and nutritional guidance, he addresses neuropathy from multiple angles simultaneously. Patients in South Burlington and throughout Chittenden County choose Chiropractic First for its thorough diagnostic process, evidence-based therapies, and commitment to honest communication about expected outcomes.

Schedule Your Appointment

Ready to find out if neuropathy treatment at Chiropractic First is right for you? Call (802) 474-4258 or request an appointment to get started.