If you’ve ever experienced a burning sensation in your feet, unexplained tingling in your hands, or a strange numbness that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with a condition called peripheral neuropathy. It’s more common than most people realize, and for many sufferers, it quietly chips away at quality of life — making it hard to sleep, walk comfortably, or even enjoy everyday activities.
The good news? You don’t have to just live with it. Understanding what peripheral neuropathy is, what’s driving it in your body, and what your treatment options look like is the first step toward feeling better. And as you’ll discover in this article, chiropractic care may play a powerful role in that journey.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Your nervous system is divided into two major parts: the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system — the vast network of nerves that branch out from your spine to every corner of your body, including your hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when those peripheral nerves are damaged, compressed, or disrupted in some way. When the nerves can’t communicate properly, the signals they send get scrambled — and that’s when symptoms like tingling, burning, weakness, and numbness begin to appear.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than 20 million Americans are estimated to have some form of peripheral neuropathy. It can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves at once (polyneuropathy).
Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Because the peripheral nervous system serves so many functions — sensory, motor, and autonomic — the symptoms of neuropathy can vary widely depending on which nerves are affected. Here’s what to watch for:
Sensory symptoms are the most commonly reported and may include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations, especially in the feet and hands
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel temperature or touch
- Extreme sensitivity to touch — even light contact from clothing or bed sheets can feel painful
Motor symptoms affect muscle control and may include:
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Difficulty walking or frequent tripping
- Paralysis in severe cases
Autonomic symptoms involve the nerves that control involuntary body functions and may include:
- Digestive issues like nausea or constipation
- Dizziness when standing up
- Excessive or reduced sweating
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms — especially if they’re progressive — and seek professional evaluation as early as possible.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy isn’t a single disease — it’s a complication that can stem from a wide range of underlying conditions. Identifying the root cause is critical for choosing the most effective treatment approach.
Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in developed countries. High blood sugar levels over time damage the walls of the tiny blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients. The feet and legs are typically the first areas affected, which is why people with diabetes are advised to check their feet daily.
Spinal Misalignment and Nerve Compression
One of the lesser-discussed but highly significant causes of neuropathy symptoms is spinal misalignment. When vertebrae in the spine shift out of their proper position, they can compress or irritate the nerve roots that exit the spinal column. This pressure disrupts the flow of nerve signals along the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms that mimic or accompany neuropathy — including pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
Injury or Trauma
Accidents, falls, repetitive strain injuries, and sports injuries can all result in nerve damage. Even indirect trauma — like whiplash from a car accident — can put prolonged pressure on nerves throughout the spine and body.
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack nerve tissue, leading to neuropathy.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E — all essential for nerve health — can contribute to peripheral neuropathy. This is particularly common in people with certain dietary restrictions, gastrointestinal disorders, or heavy alcohol use.
Medications and Toxic Exposure
Certain chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants are known to cause neuropathy as a side effect. Exposure to heavy metals and industrial chemicals can also damage peripheral nerves over time.
Infections
Viral and bacterial infections — including Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, and hepatitis B and C — can all affect peripheral nerves.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Peripheral Neuropathy
When most people think of chiropractic care, they think of back pain relief. And while chiropractors are certainly experts in that area, the scope of chiropractic care extends much further — particularly when it comes to nervous system health.
Remember: the entire peripheral nervous system is rooted in the spine. The nerves that travel to your hands, feet, and organs all originate from specific spinal levels. When there is vertebral subluxation — a misalignment of one or more vertebrae — it places undue stress on those nerve roots and compromises the body’s ability to communicate efficiently.
Chiropractic adjustments work to correct these misalignments, restore proper spinal mechanics, and reduce the pressure or irritation on affected nerves. The result can be a meaningful improvement in the nerve signaling that underlies neuropathy symptoms.
Here’s what chiropractic care may offer for neuropathy patients:
Reduced nerve compression: Spinal adjustments can relieve mechanical pressure on nerve roots, improving the transmission of signals throughout the peripheral nervous system.
Improved circulation: Chiropractic care helps restore normal joint movement, which in turn supports healthy blood flow to the tissues and nerves that need it most.
Decreased inflammation: Misaligned joints often create localized inflammation that irritates surrounding nerves. Correcting alignment reduces this inflammatory response.
Enhanced proprioception: Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to stimulate proprioceptive receptors — the sensors in your joints and muscles that tell your brain where your body is in space. For neuropathy patients with balance and coordination issues, this can be particularly beneficial.
Holistic lifestyle guidance: A good chiropractor doesn’t just adjust your spine — they help you address the full picture of your health. Nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, and ergonomic advice can all support nerve regeneration and help manage neuropathy from multiple angles.
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit for Neuropathy
If you’re considering chiropractic care for peripheral neuropathy, here’s what a typical initial visit looks like. Your chiropractor will begin with a detailed health history, asking about your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and what other conditions or medications you’re managing.
From there, a thorough physical and neurological examination will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, coordination, and spinal alignment. Depending on your individual situation, imaging such as X-rays may be recommended to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your spine.
Based on all of this information, your chiropractor will develop a personalized care plan designed to address the specific factors contributing to your neuropathy symptoms — not just mask them.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for Your Neuropathy?
Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all cure for peripheral neuropathy, and it’s not a replacement for medical management of underlying conditions like diabetes. However, for many patients — particularly those whose neuropathy has a structural or spinal component — it can be a highly effective and drug-free addition to their overall treatment plan.
If you’ve been managing neuropathy symptoms with medication alone and haven’t found the relief you’re looking for, it may be time to explore what chiropractic care can do for you.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with the burning, tingling, and numbness of peripheral neuropathy is exhausting — and you shouldn’t have to manage it alone. Our team is experienced in helping patients find lasting relief through personalized, evidence-informed chiropractic care. Whether your neuropathy is related to spinal misalignment, a chronic condition, or an injury, we’re here to help you get to the root of the problem.
Call our office today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Let’s work together to restore your nerve health, improve your quality of life, and help you get back to feeling like yourself again. Don’t wait — the sooner you seek care, the better your outcomes are likely to be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peripheral Neuropathy
Can peripheral neuropathy be reversed?
In some cases, yes — particularly when the underlying cause is identified and addressed early. For example, if neuropathy is caused by a nutritional deficiency or spinal nerve compression, correcting those issues can allow nerves to heal and symptoms to improve significantly. Nerve damage that has been present for a long time may be more difficult to fully reverse, which is why early intervention is so important.
Is peripheral neuropathy the same as sciatica?
Not exactly, though they can feel similar. Sciatica is a specific type of nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve — the large nerve that runs from the lower back down through the leg. Peripheral neuropathy is a broader term that refers to damage or dysfunction of any peripheral nerve, with symptoms that can appear throughout the body.
How long does it take to see results from chiropractic care for neuropathy?
This varies from patient to patient. Some people notice improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of beginning chiropractic care, while others require a longer course of treatment. Your chiropractor will set realistic expectations based on the severity of your condition, the underlying cause, and your overall health.
Can I still see my medical doctor while receiving chiropractic care?
Absolutely — and it’s encouraged. Chiropractic care works best as part of a collaborative healthcare approach. Your chiropractor can coordinate with your primary care physician or neurologist to ensure your care plan is comprehensive and cohesive.
What lifestyle changes can help with peripheral neuropathy?
In addition to chiropractic care, several lifestyle changes can support nerve health: maintaining stable blood sugar levels (especially for diabetics), eating a nutrient-rich diet that includes B vitamins, exercising regularly to improve circulation, limiting alcohol, and avoiding prolonged pressure on any one area of the body. Your chiropractor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for someone with neuropathy?
For most patients, yes. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, non-invasive form of treatment. Your chiropractor will tailor their techniques to your individual needs and comfort level, taking into account any areas of sensitivity or underlying health conditions. Always disclose your full medical history at your initial visit so your care plan can be designed appropriately.
For More Information
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this article, general spinal health or your specific situation. To discuss your symptoms and concerns call (208) 656-8883.
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Orchard Chiropractic
160 E. Valley River Drive #3
Rexburg, Idaho 83440
How We Are Different
Dr. Orchard is a unique Rexburg chiropractor who specializes in difficult cases that have not responded to other care. All treatment plans are highly individualized based on your specific history, needs and goals.
Areas We Serve
We are located in Rexburg and serve the communities that reside in zip codes 83440, 83460, 83442, 83448, and 83445. However, we see patients from a large radius around Rexburg which include Brigham Young University, Rigby, Sugar City, and St. Anthony because of the unique, customized treatment options we offer.