Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: The In-Depth Guide

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is more than just tingling in your fingers and toes—it’s a serious nerve condition that can drastically impact your ability to move, feel, and function normally. Too many people ignore the early warning signs, assuming the numbness or burning sensation will go away on its own. But when left untreated, PN can worsen, leading to chronic pain, muscle weakness, and even permanent nerve damage.

At Pure Light Chiropractic, I’ve seen how debilitating PN can be. Patients come in frustrated, feeling like they've tried everything without relief. Some have been given medications that only mask symptoms, while others have been told they just have to "live with it." That is not the case.

The good news? There are real solutions. Let’s break down what’s happening inside your body, what causes PN, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Your nervous system is like an electrical wiring system. The central nervous system (CNS) (your brain and spinal cord) sends signals through peripheral nerves, which reach your arms, legs, and organs. These nerves control everything from movement and sensation to automatic bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when these nerves become damaged or dysfunctional, disrupting the signals between the brain and body. This condition affects over 20 million Americans, though the actual number may be higher due to undiagnosed cases.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

PN can manifest in different ways depending on which nerves are affected:

• Pain, burning, or tingling

• Loss of sensation, increasing the risk of injury

• Muscle weakness or paralysis

• Balance problems and falls

• Digestive or heart rate irregularities

The longer PN remains untreated, the more severe these symptoms can become. Some patients experience pain so intense it affects their sleep, mobility, and daily activities.

The Three Types of Nerves Affected by PN

Peripheral Neuropathy can impact different nerve groups, leading to a variety of symptoms. Identifying which type is affected can help determine the best treatment approach.

1. Sensory Nerves (Control Sensation)

• Numbness, burning, or sharp pain

• Tingling or “pins and needles”

• Difficulty sensing temperature or touch

2. Motor Nerves (Control Movement)

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of coordination and balance

• Difficulty walking, gripping objects, or buttoning shirts

3. Autonomic Nerves (Control Involuntary Functions)

• Blood pressure changes

• Digestive issues (nausea, bloating, constipation)

• Excessive sweating or inability to sweat

Understanding which nerves are affected is crucial for finding the right treatment.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

There are many possible causes of PN, and identifying the root issue is essential for effective treatment.

1. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Certain chemotherapy drugs damage nerve fibers, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness that can last for months or years after treatment.

2. Diabetes

Over 50% of diabetics develop PN due to high blood sugar levels damaging nerves. This often presents as burning feet, loss of sensation, and poor circulation.

3. Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause the immune system to attack nerve tissues.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

Low levels of Vitamin B12, B6, and E can starve nerves of essential nutrients, leading to nerve degeneration.

5. Alcohol Abuse

Excessive drinking depletes nerve-protecting vitamins, leading to alcoholic neuropathy characterized by numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.

6. Spinal Cord or Nerve Compression

Herniated discs, spinal misalignments, or nerve entrapment (like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) can restrict blood flow to nerves, leading to chronic pain and muscle dysfunction.

Can Peripheral Neuropathy Be Reversed?

Yes, but only if you take action quickly.

Many patients are told that PN is progressive and untreatable. But that’s not true. Nerves can heal if given the right environment.

At Pure Light Chiropractic, I’ve helped countless patients regain sensation, mobility, and relief from nerve pain using drug-free, science-backed solutions like:

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

• Chiropractic Adjustments

• Nutritional Guidance

• Targeted Exercise Therapy

But don’t just take my word for it.

"Dr. Joe is an experienced and great chiropractor who can help you with your needs with ease. He is also one of the few who uses light therapy here in Greenville, which has amounted to great results for me personally." — Hayden Young

"Dr. Joe is very thorough and highly educated in holistic treatments. I could tell an immediate difference within 24 hours of seeing him. I just wish I had learned of him sooner!" — Julie Hayes

Breakthrough Treatment: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for PN

One of the most powerful tools we use at Pure Light Chiropractic is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy that helps repair nerve damage.

How It Works:

LLLT uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into tissues, reducing inflammation and stimulating cellular regeneration.

Proven Benefits of LLLT for Peripheral Neuropathy:

• Reduces pain and inflammation

• Stimulates nerve repair and regrowth

• Improves blood circulation to nerves

• Restores sensation and muscle function

A study published in MOJ Orthopedic Rheumatology found that LLLT significantly improved nerve function and pain levels in patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Another research review showed that laser therapy enhances ATP production (cellular energy), accelerating nerve healing.

Take Control of Your Nerve Health—Now

Peripheral Neuropathy doesn’t have to define your life. The sooner you address the root cause, the better your chances of stopping nerve damage before it becomes permanent.

At Pure Light Chiropractic, we don’t just manage symptoms—we fix the root cause.

📞 Call Pure Light Chiropractic today to schedule your FREE consultation.

📍 Greenville Chiropractor Office | 🌐 www.purelightchiropractic.net

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your health is in your hands.