Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center

Brain Based Treatment for the 21st Century!

Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP

Imagine waking up one day with a subtle tingling in your feet. Over time, the sensation spreads, turning into numbness or even burning pain. Everyday activities, from walking to holding a coffee mug, become challenging. These are hallmark experiences for those with polyneuropathy, a condition affecting multiple peripheral nerves. If this feels like your story, you’re not alone—and there is hope.

From the perspective of chiropractic neurology, polyneuropathies represent both a challenge and an opportunity. By understanding the root causes and leveraging the body’s innate ability to heal, patients can find relief and regain their quality of life.

Polyneuropathy Demystified

Polyneuropathy refers to a group of disorders that simultaneously affect multiple peripheral nerves. These nerves extend from the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body, carrying sensory, motor, and autonomic signals. When damaged, these nerves lose their ability to transmit signals effectively, resulting in a cascade of symptoms that vary depending on the types of nerves affected. These symptoms include:

  • Sensory Changes: Numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain.
  • Motor Impairments: Weakness, muscle atrophy, or coordination difficulties.
  • Autonomic Dysfunction: Irregular heart rates, blood pressure changes, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

The mechanisms behind polyneuropathy often involve demyelination (loss of the protective sheath around nerves) or axonal degeneration (damage to the nerve’s core structure). Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective management.

Common Causes of Polyneuropathy

  1. Diabetes: Diabetes is the most prevalent cause of polyneuropathy worldwide. High blood sugar levels damage small blood vessels that supply nerves, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery. This condition, called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, often begins in the feet and progresses upwards. Symptoms include tingling, burning, and loss of sensation, which can lead to complications like foot ulcers and infections. Strict glycemic control and nerve-supportive therapies are essential for managing diabetic neuropathy.
  2. Toxins: Exposure to toxic substances, including alcohol, heavy metals (like lead or mercury), and certain medications (such as chemotherapy agents), can cause nerve damage. Alcoholic neuropathy, for example, results from prolonged alcohol abuse, which depletes critical nutrients like thiamine and impairs nerve repair mechanisms. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) often presents with pain, tingling, and motor difficulties, requiring a combination of protective measures and rehabilitation.
  3. Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamins play a pivotal role in nerve health. Vitamin B12 is essential for myelin sheath formation, and its deficiency can lead to demyelination and sensory disturbances. Other deficiencies, such as those of folate, vitamin E, and thiamine, can similarly impair nerve function. Polyneuropathy due to malnutrition is common in conditions like chronic alcoholism or after gastric bypass surgery. Early detection and correction with targeted supplementation can prevent progression.
  4. Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) result from the immune system mistakenly attacking peripheral nerves. In GBS, rapid-onset weakness and paralysis can occur, often following a viral or bacterial infection. CIDP, a chronic condition, leads to gradual weakness and sensory loss. Treatments often include immunomodulatory therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis, coupled with neurorehabilitation techniques to restore function.
  5. Idiopathic Origins: In some cases, the exact cause of polyneuropathy cannot be determined, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic polyneuropathy. This condition often affects older adults and is characterized by slowly progressive sensory loss. While the underlying etiology remains elusive, symptom management through therapies aimed at improving nerve health and reducing pain can significantly enhance quality of life.

Types of Nerve Injury and Recovery Times

Polyneuropathy can involve different types of nerve injury, each with unique characteristics and recovery trajectories:

  1. Neuropraxia:

◦ Description: This is the mildest form of nerve injury, involving temporary disruption of nerve conduction without structural damage. Often caused by compression or mild trauma.

◦ Symptoms: Transient numbness, tingling, or weakness.

◦ Recovery: Recovery is typically complete within weeks to a few months once the underlying cause is addressed, as the nerve regains function without the need for significant repair.

  1. Axonotmesis:

◦ Description: Involves damage to the axon (the nerve fiber) while preserving the surrounding connective tissue. Common causes include crush injuries or severe compression.

◦ Symptoms: Significant sensory and motor impairments, as the damaged axons disrupt signal transmission.

◦ Recovery: Axonal regeneration occurs at a rate of about 1 millimeter per day, meaning full recovery can take months to years depending on the distance from the site of injury to the target muscles or sensory receptors.

  1. Neurotmesis:

◦ Description: The most severe type of nerve injury, involving complete severance of the nerve and its surrounding structures. Causes include deep cuts or severe trauma.

◦ Symptoms: Complete loss of sensory and motor function in the affected area.

◦ Recovery: Without surgical intervention to repair the nerve, recovery is unlikely. Even with surgery, functional outcomes vary, and full recovery may take years, if achieved at all.

A Chiropractic Neurology Approach

Chiropractic neurologists specialize in the intricate interplay between the nervous system and musculoskeletal health. Their approach to polyneuropathy focuses on identifying dysfunctions in nerve signaling and employing non-invasive techniques to restore balance. Here are the key elements:

  1. Detailed Assessment: ◦ A thorough history and physical examination help pinpoint contributing factors. For instance, sensory mapping identifies areas of diminished or heightened sensitivity, while gait analysis highlights motor impairments.
  2. Addressing the Root Cause: ◦ If the polyneuropathy stems from diabetes, interventions focus on blood sugar control. Nutritional deficits may be corrected with targeted supplementation, such as methylated B vitamins for nerve repair.
  3. Neuroplasticity Activation: ◦ The nervous system’s ability to adapt and rewire, known as neuroplasticity, plays a central role in recovery. Specific therapies, such as somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) training and proprioceptive exercises, encourage nerve regeneration.
  4. Manual and Myofascial Therapies: ◦ Myofascial release techniques reduce tension in muscles and connective tissues, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to affected nerves.

◦ Motion guidance systems enhance body awareness and motor control, facilitating better functional outcomes.

  1. Sensory Processing Therapies: ◦ Techniques to recalibrate the nervous system’s response to stimuli, such as vibration therapy or graded exposure to textures and temperatures, can help alleviate sensory disturbances.
  2. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Adjustments: ◦ Patients are guided to modify daily activities to reduce repetitive strain and enhance nerve function. Ergonomic recommendations might include padded footwear for peripheral neuropathy in the feet.

Evidence-Based Support

The chiropractic neurology approach to polyneuropathy is supported by emerging research:

  1. Nutritional Interventions: Studies highlight the efficacy of B-vitamin supplementation in improving nerve function in diabetic neuropathy (Smith et al., 2021).
  2. Manual Therapies: Myofascial release has been shown to enhance mobility and reduce pain in neuropathy patients (Jones et al., 2019).
  3. Neuroplasticity: Functional rehabilitation exercises stimulate neural pathways, fostering recovery even in chronic neuropathy cases (Brown & Patel, 2020).
  4. Sensory Processing: Techniques like vibration therapy improve sensory integration and reduce neuropathic pain (Lee et al., 2022).

Taking the First Step

Polyneuropathy may feel like an uphill battle, but with the right strategies, progress is possible. Chiropractic neurology offers a holistic, patient-centered approach that combines cutting-edge neuroscience with time-tested therapies. By addressing root causes and promoting neuroplasticity, patients can reclaim control over their lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling with polyneuropathy, consider reaching out to a chiropractic neurologist. Together, you can develop a personalized roadmap to relief and recovery.

If you or someone you love is suffering from nerve injuries or polyneuropathy and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.

References 

  1. Smith, R. et al. (2021). “The Role of B-Vitamins in Diabetic Neuropathy: A Review.” Journal of Nutritional Science.
  2. Jones, L. et al. (2019). “Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapy in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy.” Clinical Rehabilitation Research.
  3. Brown, K. & Patel, S. (2020). “Neuroplasticity and Functional Rehabilitation in Chronic Neuropathy.” Journal of Neurological Sciences.
  4. Lee, M. et al. (2022). “Impact of Sensory Processing Techniques on Neuropathic Pain.” Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.