Description

Neuropathy is defined as changes in the pathology of the nerves.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of chronic pain that results from peripheral or central nervous system damage. When the damage is peripheral in nature, it is often referred to as nerve pain, peripheral neuritis or peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a malfunction of the motor, sensory and autonomic nerves that connect the spinal cord to muscles, skin and internal organs. It most commonly affects the hands and feet, causing weakness, numbness, tingling and pain. Peripheral neuropathy’s course is variable; it can come and go, slowly progressing over many years, or it can become severe and debilitating. However, through chiropractic, it can often be controlled or eliminated.

How Chiropractic Care Relates to Neuropathy

The nervous system is comprised of two main areas: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is protected by the skull. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae of the spine. However, misalignments of the vertebrae of the spine can cause interference with the spinal cord, the very organ which it is designed to protect, particularly at the atlas/axis where the brain stem enters the spinal column.

The peripheral nervous system is not protected by bone, leaving it exposed to mechanical injury or interference through pressure or irritation (neuropathy). Peripheral nerves comprise all of the nerves beyond the spinal cord. All peripheral nerves leave the spinal cord through small openings in individual spinal vertebra called foramen. These nerve roots are exposed and susceptible to interference or neuropathy from the vertebrae themselves as well as the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tissues.

We’ve all heard the expression “hit a nerve”. In this area of your body, structures of your own body: bone, muscle, ligaments and tissue can literally hit a nerve causing pressure or irritation (neuropathy) that compromises your health in any number of ways, ranging from numbness or pain to organ dysfunction and death.