Neuropathy in Scottsdale, AZ: Understanding Nerve Pain, Numbness, Tingling, and Treatment Options
Burning sensations, tingling, numbness, and unusual sensitivity in the hands or feet can be signs of neuropathy. These symptoms can affect walking, balance, sleep, and everyday activities.
At Secrest Family Chiropractic in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Daniel P. Secrest evaluates musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms to help identify when conservative care may be appropriate and when additional medical testing or specialist referral is necessary.
Because neuropathy has many potential causes, identifying the underlying condition is essential.
request an appointmentWhat Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
These nerves transmit sensory information, control muscles, and regulate certain automatic body functions.
Neuropathy may involve a single nerve, several nerves, or widespread peripheral nerve dysfunction.
What Causes Neuropathy?
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Prolonged elevated blood glucose can damage peripheral nerves.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies involving nutrients such as vitamin B12 can contribute to neurological symptoms.
Nerve Compression
Entrapment of individual peripheral nerves can produce localized numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
Certain immune-mediated conditions can damage peripheral nerves.
Medication and Toxic Exposures
Some chemotherapy medications, excessive alcohol exposure, and other substances can contribute to neuropathy.
Other Medical Conditions
Kidney disease, thyroid disorders, infections, hereditary conditions, and other medical problems may be associated with peripheral nerve dysfunction.
Common Neuropathy Symptoms
Patients may experience burning pain, pins-and-needles sensations, reduced sensation, unusual sensitivity to touch, weakness, balance problems, or difficulty sensing temperature.
Symptoms often begin in the feet or hands, depending on the cause.
How Is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Evaluation may include a neurological examination, medication review, blood testing, and electrodiagnostic studies such as nerve conduction testing or electromyography.
The appropriate workup depends on symptom distribution, onset, and examination findings.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Neuropathy?
Chiropractic care does not reverse nerve damage caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic diseases.
However, patients with nerve-like symptoms caused by certain musculoskeletal or mechanical conditions may benefit from conservative care directed at those conditions.
For example, some patients with spinal nerve root irritation may benefit from appropriate exercise and manual therapy.
It is important to distinguish peripheral neuropathy from radiculopathy, which involves irritation or dysfunction of a spinal nerve root.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
New or progressive numbness, weakness, balance problems, or unexplained nerve pain should be medically evaluated.
Rapidly progressing weakness, breathing difficulty, or sudden neurological changes require emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy
What are the first signs of peripheral neuropathy?
Common early symptoms include tingling, burning, numbness, or altered sensation in the feet or hands.
Can neuropathy be reversed?
Some causes are treatable, and symptoms may improve when the underlying problem is addressed. Other forms of nerve damage can be persistent.
Can chiropractic adjustments cure neuropathy?
No. Chiropractic adjustments have not been established as a cure for peripheral neuropathy.
Is neuropathy always caused by diabetes?
No. Neuropathy can result from many medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and hereditary disorders.
Why is neuropathy worse at night?
Some patients notice symptoms more at night because there are fewer distractions or because of changes in positioning and symptom perception.
Can neuropathy affect balance?
Yes. Loss of sensation in the feet can interfere with awareness of foot position and increase fall risk.
Should I see a neurologist for neuropathy?
A neurologist may be appropriate when symptoms are unexplained, progressive, widespread, or associated with weakness.
Neuropathy Evaluations in Scottsdale, AZ
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or nerve-related discomfort, an appropriate evaluation can help determine the next steps.
Secrest Family Chiropractic can assess possible musculoskeletal contributors and recommend medical referral when indicated.
Contact our Scottsdale office.
Contact Information
Secrest Family Chiropractic
3350 N Hayden Rd #112 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 994-4411
Website: secrestfamilychiropractic.com