Neuropathophysiology

illustration of a highlighted spine

Neuropathophysiology refers to pathophysiological conditions that affect the nervous system. A more recognizable term may be neuropathy. Neuropathy is not a single disease; rather, it is an umbrella term used to describe a host of disorders that affect various nerves in various ways, in various areas of the body.

It can affect three types of nerves:

  1. Motor – Controls the body’s muscles
  2. Sensory – Is responsible for processing information obtained by way our vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell and sending it to our brain, which then interprets that information. For instance, the sensation of cold, heat and pain
  3. Autonomic – Regulates the involuntary functions of our internal organs (the viscera) such as the heart’s beat and our glands ability to produce sweat

Causes of Neuropathy

Physical trauma, such as that occurred during an automobile accident, can lead to neuropathy, but so can:

  • Infection (i.e., viral and bacterial)
  • Some drugs (e.g., those used to treat cardiac problems, seizures, infections and cancer)
  • Toxic exposure (e.g. excessive alcohol use)
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Repetitive injury

Still, most cases of neuropathy are found in people with diabetes, and it is considered to be a complication of the disease. Known as diabetic neuropathy, this is a microvascular complication that results because of excess blood glucose in people with diabetes. Over time, this surplus can damage the wall of the blood vessels supplying the nerves — often in the legs. Injury to the nerves can lead to a loss of sensation, making some injuries go unnoticed.

Though diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy, there are other medical conditions that may be involved, such as chronic liver or kidney disease, cancer (e.g., lymphoma), AIDS or Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Neuropathy

Many people describe the pain associated with neuropathy as tingling or burning, but there are also those who suffer a loss of sensation. However, a patient’s symptoms largely depend on the type of neuropathy, as well as the specific nerves affected—be they motor, sensory or autonomic, or a combination of the three.

If sensory nerves are involved, symptoms might include:

  • Burning, jabbing, stinging, sharp or electric-like pain
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Changes in skin, hair or nails
  • Gradual numbness or tingling sensation, often in the hands or feet
  • Loss of coordination

If motor nerves are involved, symptoms could include:

  • Paralysis
  • Muscle weakness

If autonomic nerves are involved, symptoms could include:

  • Dizziness (due to modifications in blood pressure)
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Digestive, bowel or bladder problems

Treating Neuropathy

In addition to treatment you might receive from your primary care physician, stress-relieving therapies like massage and acupuncture, as well as other complementary therapies, including those given by a chiropractor, can help.

For instance, when the vertebrae of the spine deteriorate, such as in the case of vertebral subluxation, the bones can push on the roots of the spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms of neuropathy. Chiropractors can relieve this pressure by doing spinal adjustments to get the vertebrae into alignment, which should free trapped nerves. In cases where the nerves have become compressed by connective tissue, chiropractors may use the active release technique, which is a movement-based massage technique to apply a contact tension, lengthen the tissue, shorten the tissue or make the tissue slide relative to adjacent tissue.

To learn more about what your chiropractor can do for you or someone you know with neuropathy, contact our office today.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

2:30 pm-7:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

  • "I have suffered from severe back pain and migraines. The treatment has been very helpful and Dr Waisbrots adjustment are very gentle. He also treats my children. 2 of my children have had chiari decompression surgery and he has helped them tremendously."
    ★★★★★ Kim / Google+
  • "I feel very confident in the care Dr. Paul gives because of his wealth of knowledge related to the body, science and healing! Leah is the office manager and is very organized and quick to answer any questions about appointments and billing. Michelle provides professional therapy. All 3, along with the massage therapists, work together harmoniously providing an overall great experience."
    ★★★★★ Nancy / Facebook
  • "Doctor Paul continues to keep me on my feet. I stand, run, and coach all day, then typically toss a couple more hours in after school. His skills are awesome and his personality is engaging and pleasant. My wife and two kids both get proactive treatment as well and are very healthy."
    ★★★★★ Casey / Google +
  • "From fixing my frozen shoulder to keeping me active, Dr Paul and his wonderful staff have been there for me. I see them every two weeks now to maintain my good health."
    ★★★★★ Barb / Google+
  • "Awesome office. Wonderful doctor and Staff!"
    ★★★★★ Leah / Google +
  • "I have attended the clinic many times since the start of 2014. Doc was thorough in his examination and took lots of time to explaine everything to me. He is an excellent practitioner and is always positive and upbeat. His support staff operate like a fine-tuned machine and are cheerful and competent. I highly recommend this clinic."
    ★★★★★ Michael / Google+
  • "Amazing staff, friendly, clean and extremely knowledgeable. A++"
    ★★★★★ James / Google +
  • "Dr. Paul allows me to stay in great shape because I run, lift, and do so many plyometrics my core takes a beating. He fixes me up every time!"
    ★★★★★ Connor / Yellowpages.com
  • "I cannot praise Dr. Waisbrot and staff at Baker Chiro enough. I have been going to Dr. Waisbrot for five years and have had great success. I am a cyclist and have injured my back several times within that time and without fail, they have helped me get back to riding all without medicine, and in a very short time."
    ★★★★★ Bruce / Google+
  • "After two years of seeing three different doctors, having an MRI and several sets of xrays for my shoulder issue, Dr. Paul immediately diagnosed the root cause of the problem. I felt so much better the day after my very first visit. I have been raving about him to everyone I know. He also help my son with a knee problem. He has a wonderful personality as does his office staff. Highly recommend!"
    ★★★★★ RateMDs.com
  • "Dr. Paul is my guy. We bring the whole family in for superb treatment with a very engaging clinician and talented chiropractor."
    ★★★★★ Janel / Yelp
  • "I suffered for years with chronic lower back pain (L5,S1). Dr. Paul has given me new life! Absolutely, hands down, the most incredible chiropractor I've been to."
    ★★★★★ Bradley / Google+