How Chiropractic Massage Can Help Treat Neuropathy and Other Nerve Issues

Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, is a debilitating and widespread ailment that affects millions of people across the globe. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 2.4% of the world’s population is affected by it and in the 45-years-old and older population, the numbers rise to about 5% and 7%. In the Philippines, 1 in 10 people as well as 1 in 2 diabetics suffer from the said condition. This is according to a consumer study that was sponsored by Procter and Gamble.

While debilitating, chiropractic massage and other forms of holistic and natural forms of medicine can help treat neuropathy. With regard to said massage, nerve damage is addressed with the use of gentle and slow pressing as well as kneading. It is usually complemented by spine adjustment and realignment. When properly employed, the said treatment can reduce pressure on the spine and can pave the way for lessened symptoms.

It should be noted that the said treatment does not heal neuropathy and other nerve issues, it acts as a complementary regimen for those who want to regain their body’s natural rhythm and flow. This is one of the reasons why it is highly recommended by many world-renowned healthcare experts. Read on to find out more about how chiro treatment is essential to nerve health.

Neuropathy: An overview

According to the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA), neuropathy is a dysfunction or disease of one or more nerves of the body. The long list includes motor (voluntary skeletal and somatic movement), sensor (signals the brain and aids in seeing, touching, and smelling), and autonomic (heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, sexual arousal, etc.). Classic signs of neuropathy include numbness and weakness of certain body parts, involuntary movements, dizziness, difficulty walking, and so on.

Some of the common causes of neuropathy are poor nutrition, kidney failure, diabetes, chronic alcoholism, exposure to harmful chemicals, and the like.

How chiropractic massage can help with neuropathy

It should be noted that as of the moment, there is no cure for neuropathy. But chiropractic massage and other forms of chiro treatment can help manage its symptoms. What does a chiropractor do to treat them? As mentioned earlier, he or she may adjust as well as manipulate the spine or perform manual stimulation on the neck and shoulder region in an effort to improve nerve function.

Consequently, the said massage can also boost blood circulation and oxygenation. When this happens, it encourages enhanced nerve function and improved overall well-being. Other chiropractic treatments that may be used to complement the said massage include spinal decompression, the use of a TENS device, giving lifestyle advice, and so forth.

A closer look at other forms of chiro treatment

• Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression is effective when it comes to addressing degenerative or herniated disks. However, this technique also shows potential when it comes to neuropathy and other similar conditions. Here, a chiropractor utilizes a specialized decompression table that strategically relaxes as well as stretches the spine in a highly controlled manner. The vertebrae are separated to effectively and safely reduce pressure on the spinal cord and affected nerves.

Consequently, discs are expanded back into their optimum form; all without damaging surrounding tissues. This boosts blood circulation; which in turn, amplifies the nutrient absorption, which promotes healing.

• Use of a TENS machine

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Hence, a TENS machine is an equipment that utilizes surface electrodes to carry out pulsed electrical current to stimulate nerves. The said action can activate the capacity of the nerves to deliver pain relief by curbing the messages that are sent to the brain.

In line with this, the said machine can be used to somehow overrule pain sensations by stimulating normal ones. To add, a TENS machine also encourages the muscles to perform proper contraction rather than spasms. This, in turn, further boosts pain relief. For these reasons, TENS machine sessions are usually done together with chiropractic massage therapy.

• Lifestyle advice

Nowadays, many are so dependent on medicines and healthcare professionals that they neglect the importance of healthy lifestyle habits. This should not be the case because partaking on a healthy diet that is made up of appropriate amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and lean meat, and engaging in physical activities is crucial to optimum nerve health. With regard to physical activities, the long list includes regular exercise like brisk walking, running, yoga, Pilates, and so forth.

It is also important to get adequate amounts of sleep since this allows the body to restore body functions and allows nerve cells as well as neurons to rejuvenate. Also, according to the Journal of Neuroscience, when we are asleep, the glymphatic (waste clearance) system clears out waste and other by-products from the central nervous system. This allows the cells to work well when we wake up.

Chiropractors know the importance of a healthy lifestyle that is why they make it a point to religiously encourage their patients to make a conscious effort towards making a hands-on approach to improve their nerve health and well-being.

• Things to consider when hiring a chiropractor for neuropathy

It should be noted that when it comes to chiropractic massage for neuropathy, different practitioners have different approaches. For this reason, it is best to go for one that offers programs that perfectly complement one’s fitness level, medical history, and so on.

Bear in mind that finding the right chiropractor is relatively easy because many are known to work hand in hand with their patients and create a plan that specifically aims to improve nerve dysfunction symptoms. They also make it a point to come with session schedules that complement the timeline of their patients and charge a reasonable chiropractic session price. He or she may even recommend using heating pads, Epsom salts, and so on, to ensure that sessions for neuropathy and other nerve issues are treated in arguably the most effective, efficient, and safe manner.

Visit a Chiropractor at Posture Perfect

The earlier you visit us at Posture Perfect for your neuropathy or other nerve issues, the sooner it would be for you to improve your symptoms. So book an appointment now! Our certified chiropractic doctors can help treat your symptoms and address your other health needs.

Bear in mind that at Posture Perfect, we are not just about spinal adjustments and manipulations; we are also about uplifting the lives of our patients.