Neuropathy Specialist

What causes neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to any problem affecting the nerves in your body. This broad definition includes many nerve conditions that fall into several categories, depending on the type or number of nerves.

The most common type, peripheral neuropathy, includes damaged nerves in any part of your body outside your head and spinal cord.

Peripheral neuropathy develops from exposure to toxins and certain medications, as well as many possible health conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Peripheral artery disease
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Autoimmune diseases

Of all the possible causes, diabetes accounts for the most cases of peripheral neuropathy. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, often affects your feet, eyes, and kidneys.

What spine conditions cause neuropathy?

Pinched and irritated spinal nerves often lead to painful neuropathy. The most common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, slipped vertebrae, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. 

Sciatica, the best-known type of spinal neuropathy, causes severe pain that radiates down one leg. Neuropathy can also develop when an injury throws your back out of alignment.

What symptoms develop if I have neuropathy?

Specific symptoms depend on the type of nerve that’s damaged. You may experience:

• Pain and tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness and spasms
• Muscle deterioration
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Urinary problems

Neuropathic pain ranges from mild to excruciating and may feel like an aching, burning, or electric-shock type of pain. Symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness occur at the site of the damaged nerve and may also travel down your arms and legs.

How is neuropathy treated?

Your treatment begins by identifying and dealing with any underlying problems like diabetes. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar must stay in normal range to prevent nerve damage from getting worse.

Alternative Physical Medicine of Colorado develops a treatment plan that heals the source of your neuropathy, relieves your pain, and prevents future complications. Your treatment plan may include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Spinal decompression
• Activator Method®
• Structured exercise
• Massage therapy
• Myofascial release
• Cold laser therapy
• K-laser
• Trigenics®
• Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)

The team at Alternative Physical Medicine of Colorado follows an integrative approach that includes nutritional therapy to treat or prevent health concerns associated with neuropathy.

To get the relief you need from neuropathy, call Alternative Physical Medicine of Colorado or book an appointment online today.