Neuropathy: Definition and Clinical Context

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy — technically peripheral neuropathy — is damage or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, resulting in abnormal nerve signaling. The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord: the nerves that carry motor commands to muscles, sensory information from the skin, and autonomic signals to organs.

When peripheral nerves are damaged, they can misfire, sending pain signals when no stimulus is present, failing to transmit normal sensory information, or losing the ability to control muscle function. The result is a characteristic constellation of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

• Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain — often worse at night
• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Sensitivity to touch (even light contact feels painful)
• Muscle weakness in affected areas
• Loss of balance and coordination (when proprioceptive nerves are involved)

Symptoms typically start in the feet and/or hands (the classic "stocking-glove" distribution) and can progress proximally.

Causes of Neuropathy

Diabetes: The leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. Chronically elevated blood glucose damages nerve fibers and the blood vessels that supply them (diabetic neuropathy).

Spinal nerve compression: When nerve roots are compressed by herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, the resulting symptoms — radiating pain, numbness, tingling — can mimic peripheral neuropathy. This is sometimes called "radiculopathy."

Autoimmune disease: Conditions including lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis can attack peripheral nerves.

Trauma: Physical injury to nerves from accidents, surgery, or pressure.

Nutritional deficiencies: B12 deficiency is a well-documented cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Medications: Chemotherapy agents, certain antibiotics, and other drugs can damage peripheral nerves.

Chiropractic and Laser Therapy for Neuropathy

For neuropathy caused by spinal nerve compression — such as sciatica or cervical radiculopathy — chiropractic decompression and adjustment can address the root cause by relieving the mechanical pressure on the nerve root.

Class IV Laser Therapy has emerging evidence for improving peripheral nerve function in both compressive and metabolic neuropathy. The photobiomodulation mechanism supports axonal repair, improves local circulation to nerve tissue, and reduces inflammatory mediators that damage nerve fibers.

At McNamara Chiropractic Center, Dr. McNamara evaluates each neuropathy patient thoroughly to determine whether the nerve dysfunction has a mechanical (spinal compression) or peripheral origin — and whether our therapies are appropriate for their specific presentation.

Questions about neuropathy care? Call (954) 943-1100 or explore our Class IV Laser Therapy and Spinal Decompression pages.

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McNamara Chiropractic Center | 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 | (954) 943-1100