Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system, often resulting in symptoms of tingling and numbness in the affected areas. The peripheral nervous system is the vast network of neurons that send signals between the central nervous system and all other parts of the body. The peripheral nerves send signals that control many important functions, including muscle contraction, digestion, urination and sexual function, to name a few. When the peripheral nerves malfunction, complex functions can come to a complete stop. Nerve signaling in neuropathy is disrupted by:

• Loss of signals normally sent
• Inappropriate signaling when there shouldn’t be any
• Errors that distort the messages being sent

Symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and interfering with day-to-day activities. Neuropathy is rarely life-threatening. Symptoms may develop over days, weeks, or years. In some cases, the symptoms of neuropathy may improve on their own without the need of advanced care. Peripheral nerve cells continue to grow throughout life, unlike nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is estimated that more than 20 million people have some form of neuropathy in the United States alone. However, this figure may be higher, as not everyone who has neuropathy is tested for the condition, and some cases do not present symptoms at all (asymptomatic).

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, including:

• Physical injury (trauma)
• Diabetes
• Vascular and blood problems
• Systemic (body-wide) autoimmune diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormonal imbalances
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Nutritional or vitamin imbalances
• Alcoholism
• Exposure to toxins
• Certain cancers and benign tumors
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Infections

There are several different ways to diagnose neuropathy, including:

Neurological Examinations — Neurological examinations consist of a physical exam and other simple, pain-free tests. These are used to test neurological function, including muscle strength, nerve function and the ability to perceive certain sensations.

Diagnostic Testing — Diagnostic testing can be used to diagnose certain types of neuropathy and may be ordered depending on the patient’s symptoms, health history and physical examination.

Blood Testing — Blood tests are used to check for certain levels of nutrients, vitamins and other blood compositions. If neuropathy is caused by a vitamin deficiency or a toxic substance, blood tests can help determine the cause.

The treatment of neuropathy will depend on its cause. At Max Center for Health, we utilize a number of different therapies, including:

Chiropractic Care — Chiropractic care has a number of benefits, and when neuropathy is caused by an injury, chiropractic care can relieve pain and promote healing.

IV Infusion Therapy — IV infusion therapy may be used to treat neuropathy if it is caused by a vitamin deficiency, typically a deficiency of vitamin B12.

If you have neuropathy, trust the professionals at Max Center for Health to provide a higher level of care. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care at each and every visit and work to determine the underlying cause of the disease, rather than simply treating its symptoms. Call us today to book an appointment. We serve patients from Powell OH, Dublin OH, Worthington OH, Westerville OH, Hilliard OH and Delaware OH. Looking forward to serve you!