What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system. It often occurs when the nerves in question are damaged or inflamed and can be caused by trauma, diabetes, cancer, vertebral misalignments, or other medical conditions. Traditional treatment options for peripheral neuropathy are typically limited to pain management and lifestyle modifications. For those looking for a natural and alternative solution, upper cervical chiropractic care is an effective way to target the root cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the type of nerve affected. Generally, those affected by the condition may experience numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands or feet. Balance difficulty, muscle weakness, and a lack of coordination and reflexes may also be experienced. Left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to a long-term decrease in sensation in the extremities, as well as cause chronic throbbing or stabbing pain.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Peripheral Neuropathy

Due to its proximity to the brainstem and spinal nerves, the upper cervical spine plays a key role in supporting the function and transmission of nerve signals from the central nervous system to the peripheral nerves. When misalignments occur in this area, nearby spinal nerves can be compressed or irritated by the affected vertebra, resulting in altered or dysfunctional nerve activity. In particular, there is a growing body of research suggesting that a misalignment of the atlas vertebra can lead to a disruption in neuronal pathways that affect the body’s ability to send and receive peripheral nerve signals, potentially resulting in peripheral neuropathy. 

How our Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Works

At Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder, our expert chiropractors, Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau, seek to address the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy rather than just treat the symptoms. 

Both Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau are practitioners of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. The Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique is a specialized form of upper cervical chiropractic care that combines advanced diagnostic testing with low-force adjustment techniques. It is a gentle, non-invasive procedure that corrects misalignments of the upper cervical spine, reboots the body’s natural healing mechanisms, and restores regular function to the peripheral nerves.

At our clinic, treatment begins with a comprehensive suite of diagnostic tests. When treating peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau typically use cone-beam-computed tomography scans, an advanced imaging technology that provides a dynamic, 3D picture of the patient’s upper cervical spine. This image allows our team to pinpoint exactly where potential misalignments are and how they should be adjusted. Throughout the diagnostic process, special attention will be given to the vulnerable first two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and axis.

If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau will administer a series of precise, low-force adjustments to restore proper alignment and range of motion to the affected vertebrae. By correcting the underlying misalignments, our team is able to alleviate inflammation and irritation of the peripheral nerves, reducing, if not eliminating entirely, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. 

If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive treatment option for peripheral neuropathy, we can help! We service patients across Colorado, including

Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver.