Pain, numbness, tingling, burning, electric shock sensations are common symptoms that are often associated with peripheral neuropathy. Typically, peripheral neuropathy occurs in the hands or feet, but can be in any area of the body outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term for injury or nerve symptoms affecting the peripheral nerves of the body.

When you think of periphery, most of us think of being on the outside. In the body's case it's the nerves on the outside of the brain and spinal cord.

The peripheral nervous system consists of the entire network of nerves going from the brain and spinal cord to all the different parts of the body. They consist of motor nerves which control movement, sensory nerves which relay pain, numbness, heat, cold, sensation etc., and the autonomic nerves, which control the involuntary functions of the body (like heart rate and breathing).

Peripheral neuropathies range from conditions like carpal tunnel, in which there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, to diabetic neuropathy, which usually affects the legs and feet.

• Structural Misalignments: If a bone or soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and tendons put pressure on nerves, this could pinch the nerves and lead to neuropathy. Chiropractic care is an effective solution if this is the cause of the neuropathy. By decompressing the nerve through gentle chiropractic manipulation, many people have had excellent results alleviating their neuropathy. A 2008 study in the journal of chiropractic medicine cited an 85.5 percent resolution in neuropathy symptoms, with an average of 9 chiropractic treatments. The structures of our bodies dictate its function.

• Diabetes: High glucose levels can have a devastating effect on the nervous system, and this is why some diabetic patients develop neuropathy. Dietary modification, knowing one's food sensitivities and nutritional supplementation are important factors in managing neuropathy in diabetics. In March of 2015, in the Diabetes News Journal, chiropractic is discussed as a possible treatment to help manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.

• Infections: Lyme disease which is caused by a spirochete, parasitic infections, fungal infections, viruses, and bacterial infections may all attack the nervous system and lead to neuropathy. If possible, eradicating infections is an important step in taking the stress off the nervous system so the nerves can heal properly. Through applied kinesiological and nutrition testing, many microbial imbalances are identified and can be eliminated by using nutritional supplementation.

• Injuries: Many people that are involved in traumatic injuries like car accidents often experience nerve pain long after the accident. Proper healing of the injured areas must occur to eliminate neuropathy symptoms. Chiropractic care using Applied Kinesiology is very effective in treating many musculoskeletal injuries. Cold Laser Therapy is also a very effective tool to reduce healing time and inflammation.

• Toxins: If the body is overburdened with toxins, it sure will talk to you and let you know. One way is through nervous system symptoms. Heavy metals have an excitatory and harmful impact on the nervous system. Heavy metal toxicity of mercury, aluminum, cadmium, and other metals can cause neuropathy in certain individuals. Chelating and removing heavy metals from the body may be an essential part of eliminating neuropathy in certain individuals. PCB toxicity, chemicals like Agent Orange, and endocrine disruptors have all been linked to neuropathy.

• Certain Medications: In the June, 2013 issue of the Journal of Diabetes, the conclusion cited in the article "Association of statin use with peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. population 40 years of age or older" is the modest association between peripheral neuropathy and statin use. Statins are drugs to lower cholesterol.

• Food Sensitivities: A link between Peripheral Neuropathy and gluten sensitivity/Celiac Disease was reported by physicians at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital according to The Neuropathy Association. It is likely that other food sensitivities can contribute to neuropathy in a certain segment of the population. Muscle testing for food sensitivities is one way to determine if you have a food intolerance based on the normal vs. abnormal reflex response of the body.

• Poor Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamin B6 can be very effective in helping alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people do not get the vitamins and minerals that they require from their food and do not diversify their diet enough to get what they require. It is a tall order to truly get what we individually require solely from our food. This is due to the depletion of minerals and vitamins in the soil that our food is grown in, and the cooking process, which can deplete many foods of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

• Kidney and Thyroid Disease: These have been linked to neuropathy. It is important to support the kidney and thyroid with nutritional supplementation if necessary.

• Rare Inherited Diseases: Proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and structural body work like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage may help the body and the nervous symptoms.

Nutritional supplementation may have a substantial impact on peripheral neuropathy. These supplements have been studied and have proven to be effective for helping people with neuropathies:

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine: has been shown to increase nerve membrane phospholipid synthesis and synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Clinical trials have shown positive effects when acetyl l carnitine has been used to treat certain types of peripheral neuropathy.

• Turmeric (curcumin): has a potent anti-inflammatory effect and has been shown to be helpful for people with certain neuropathies.

• Gamma linolenic acid: can be found in borage and black currant seed oils. Studies have shown GLA to be an effective supplement for certain neuropathies like diabetic neuropathy because certain individuals lack the ability of the body to properly convert linolenic acid to gamma linolenic acid.

• St. John's Wort: Lab studies have shown St. John's Wort to have neuroprotective properties.

• B vitamins: B6 can be effective in helping carpal tunnel syndrome. Thiamine has also been studied to help certain neuropathies.

• Coenzyme Q 10: its high antioxidant activity has been attributed to its positive effect on neuropathies.

• Alpha Lipoic acid: Supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid has been an approved treatment for diabetic neuropathy in Germany since 1959.

There may be multiple reasons why a person has a peripheral neuropathy. Through chiropractic care, nutritional changes, and nutritional supplementation, many people are able to eradicate their neuropathies. If you have any questions about neuropathies, feel free to contact me.