How a Chiropractor Can Provide Care for Diabetic Neuropathy Naturally

Many people dealing with diabetic neuropathy feel as though they have few treatments available. They are relying on pain medications, living with pain and increased stress. For people seeking relief from the discomfort of diabetic neuropathy, a chiropractor in West Palm Beach might be the answer. Continue reading to learn more about how a chiropractor can provide care for Diabetic Neuropathy naturally.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that results in chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to absence of insulin, decreases in insulin, and/or decreased sensitivity of insulin receptors (areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood). Generally, Diabetes mellitus is evident in two forms: (1) type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus , and (2) type 2, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Usually, type 1 diabetes becomes apparent in childhood or adolescence.  And type 2 diabetes shows up later in life (over the age of40).

Microvascular complications of diabetes are those long-term problematic changes to small blood vessels. Unfortunately, it can lead to various health problems such as: retinopathy (disease of retina of eye), nephropathy (kidney disease), and neuropathy (nerve damage disease).

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

With Diabetic Neuropathy, you will typically have low back pain along with burning pains in the lower extremities (limbs) and poor balance. Also, it can affect your arms and hands with numbness and pain. Indeed, neuropathy is a diabetes complication that causes nerve damage throughout your body.  About half of all people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Furthermore, it is more common in those who have had diabetes for many years. 

Chiropractic Care for Diabetic Neuropathy

In one study a patient with diabetic neuropathy was treated with chiropractic manipulation to the intertarsal and mortise joints (foot and ankle joints) and chiropractic myofascial therapy to the quadratus plantae muscles (muscle at bottom of foot) 18 times over 4 months. This treatment brought about dramatic improvement in both symptoms and clinical signs of nerve function. (1)

The study found that joint dysfunction may play a role in susceptibility to diabetic neuropathy and the treatment brought about improvement. Therefore, chiropractic treatment may bring about improvement by normalizing joint and nerve function in the areas affected.

How a Chiropractor Can Provide Care for Diabetic Neuropathy Naturally: Nutrition, Exercise and Supplements

First, keeping your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels on target is your best line of defense against neuropathy. Moreover, a healthy diet and consistent exercise is vital to your management of diabetic neuropathy. Researchers concluded that a western dietary pattern (i.e., high in red meat, fat, refined grains, and sweets/desserts) combined with low physical activity or obesity substantially increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.  In contrast, a more healthy dietary pattern (i.e., high consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains) decreased the risk. Among many studies emphasizing the need for exercise in reducing the morbidity (condition of suffering from a disease or medical condition) of diabetes, some indicate minor lifestyle changes may affect mortality (relating to death).

For example, in an 8-week walking program of 10,000 steps/day for women, the benefits of improved glucose tolerance and a reduction in blood pressure was realized.

In addition to the recommendations of eating a healthy diet and keeping weight down, some specific dietary supplements and herbs have been suggested in the scientific literature:

• vitamin E
• vitamin C
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate)46
• biotin
• chromium
• Gymnema
• Asian ginseng
• aloe vera

*Please Check with your doctor prior to utilizing any of the above

How a chiropractor can help provide care for Diabetic Neuropathy naturally

Diabetic Neuropathy can be helped naturally at Meiri Chiropractic.  Firstly, this involves spinal adjustments or extremity (limbs) manipulation and may include mobilization.  Secondly, soft tissue techniques along with the use of modalities (i.e. heat therapy, electric muscle stimulation) and rehabilitation/home exercises. Finally, homeopathic consultations/ prescriptions along with recommendations on nutrient and vitamin/herbal supplementation will be provided as necessary.  These treatments along with regular exercise and stress reduction can give you relief. 

Are you suffering from diabetic neuropathy?  Neuropathic pain is an issue that no one wants to deal with. It can be an uncomfortable and often debilitating condition, so it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Call 561-253-8984 today!