Frequently Asked Questions
Neuropathy involves an array of disorders, which occur when the nervous system experiences damage. Many refer to this condition as peripheral neuropathy, and it tends to be a result of damage to nerve axons. Neuropathy tends to cause pain and numbness in the hands and feet. It can be the result of traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic conditions, and exposure to toxins. One of the most widespread causes of neuropathy is diabetes.
Roughly 30% of neuropathy cases are considered idiopathic, which means they are of unknown cause. Another 30% of neuropathies are due to diabetes. About 50% of people with diabetes develop some neuropathy. The remaining cases called acquired neuropathies, have several possible causes, including trauma, nutritional deficiency, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, poison exposure, and inherited disorders.
Each different type of neuropathy has its own set of symptoms and prognosis. Doctors often separate them based on various categories: autonomic, peripheral, proximal, and focal neuropathy. Each one affects a different set of nerves, and the body reacts to them in different ways. At Peninsula RSI Chiropractic Wellness Center, we treat Peripheral Neuropathy, a disorder that rises when nerves become damaged in the toes, fingers, hands, limbs, or feet.
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy differ based on the type you have and what part of the body is affected. Symptoms can vary from tingling in a specific body part to more severe ones like burning pain or paralysis. Other symptoms include, muscle weakness, cramps, muscle spasms, numbness in body parts, sleep disruptions, loss of balance, and loss of bladder control.
The symptoms and body parts affected by neuropathy vary, making it hard to diagnose for some patients. If your pain results from nerve damage, our doctor will need to know your medical history and do neurological tests to help determine the location and extent of your nerve damage. These may include:
- Blood tests
- Spinal fluid tests
- Muscle strength tests
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Nerve and skin biopsy
Nerve recovery involves constant attention, a proper amount of oxygen, balance blood sugar levels, and sufficient vitamins and nutrients to help stimulate recovery. Aside from helping alleviate peripheral neuropathy, this is also part of living a healthy life. Our program is specifically designed to give each body part the proper amount attention it needs in order to create a healthy environment for recovery. If you give your body a chance to heal, it will, but you have to be willing to try.
