Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment at Balance Atlanta

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes that affects the nerves, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and even weakness in various parts of the body, particularly the extremities. At Balance Atlanta, we offer a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing and alleviating the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, combining chiropractic care, functional medicine, and cutting-edge therapies to support your overall health and well-being.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar levels. Over time, these elevated glucose levels can harm the nerves, especially those in the legs, feet, and hands. There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy, each affecting different areas of the body:

Peripheral Neuropathy: The most common form, which affects the feet, legs, hands, and arms.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Proximal Neuropathy: Affects the thighs, hips, or buttocks and can cause sudden, severe pain.
Focal Neuropathy: Involves damage to a single nerve, typically in the head, torso, or leg.

Statistics on Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence increases with the duration of diabetes:

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), up to 50% of people with diabetes experience some form of neuropathy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 3 diabetics over the age of 50 has peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy is a leading cause of amputations, particularly of the lower extremities, as nerve damage can lead to unhealed wounds and infections.

Common Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can vary depending on the type and severity of nerve damage but often include:

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
Sharp, shooting pains or cramping
Increased sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness
Balance and coordination problems
Loss of reflexes, particularly in the ankles
Digestive issues, such as bloating, nausea, or constipation (autonomic neuropathy)
Bladder and sexual dysfunction

These symptoms can severely affect your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks and increasing the risk of injury.

Common Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy

While elevated blood sugar levels are the primary cause of diabetic neuropathy, several factors can contribute to its development, including:

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

Chronic high blood sugar damages the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, leading to nerve damage over time.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, common in people with diabetes, can damage blood vessels, further reducing blood flow to the nerves.

Inflammation

Diabetes can trigger inflammation in the nerves, leading to swelling, damage, and pain.

Obesity

Excess weight puts additional pressure on nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, exacerbating symptoms of neuropathy.

Heart Disease

A sedentary lifestyle exacerbates diabetic neuropathy and cardiometabolic disease by impairing blood circulation, increasing inflammation, and worsening insulin resistance.

Smoking and Alcohol Use

Both can worsen nerve damage by impairing circulation and contributing to inflammation.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Diabetic Neuropathy

At Balance Atlanta, we take an integrative approach to treating diabetic neuropathy, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of nerve damage. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain, improve nerve function, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Key chiropractic treatments for diabetic neuropathy include:

Spinal Adjustments: Misalignments in the spine can affect the nervous system’s ability to function properly. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care helps improve nerve communication, blood flow, and overall body function.
Neuropathy-Specific Therapies: Specialized techniques, such as nerve mobilization, can help alleviate pain and restore sensation in the affected areas. These gentle, non-invasive therapies target the nerves to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Postural Corrections: Poor posture can worsen neuropathy symptoms by increasing pressure on the nerves. Chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercises help restore proper posture, reducing nerve compression and pain.

Functional Medicine for Diabetic Neuropathy

Functional medicine at Balance Atlanta addresses the root causes of diabetic neuropathy, such as blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. By taking a holistic approach to your health, we aim to slow the progression of nerve damage and support long-term wellness.

Functional medicine treatments for diabetic neuropathy include:

Blood Sugar Management: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial to preventing further nerve damage. We offer personalized dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes to help you manage your blood sugar naturally and effectively.
Nutritional Support: Certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, play a key role in nerve health and repair. We provide guidance on supplements and foods that support nerve function and reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Protocols: Chronic inflammation contributes to nerve damage and pain. We address inflammation through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and supplements designed to reduce oxidative stress and promote healing.

Advanced Therapies for Diabetic Neuropathy

At Balance Atlanta, we combine chiropractic care and functional medicine with cutting-edge therapies to optimize your treatment and provide relief from diabetic neuropathy symptoms.

Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy): Cold laser therapy uses light energy to penetrate deep into tissues, reducing inflammation, promoting nerve regeneration, and relieving pain. It is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that can help improve nerve function over time.
Electrical Stimulation (TENS): Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers mild electrical impulses to the affected areas, helping to block pain signals and improve blood circulation. TENS therapy is particularly beneficial for reducing pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Why Choose Balance Atlanta for Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment?

At Balance Atlanta, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to treating diabetic neuropathy. By combining chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced therapies, we address the root causes of nerve damage while providing relief from your symptoms.

Here’s why Balance Atlanta is the right choice for diabetic neuropathy treatment:

Holistic Care: We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our integrative approach helps you manage your diabetes and improve your overall health.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We understand that every patient is unique. We tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs and goals, ensuring the best possible results.
Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Solutions: Our treatments are non-invasive and drug-free, focusing on natural healing and long-term wellness without the side effects of medication.
Experienced Team: Our team of skilled practitioners has extensive experience in treating neuropathy and diabetes-related conditions, ensuring you receive expert care and support.

If you’re struggling with diabetic neuropathy, don’t let pain and discomfort control your life. Contact Balance Atlanta today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our holistic, effective treatment options for diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy

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