The nerves in the feet and legs that are affected in peripheral neuropathy have their origin in the lower lumbar spine. One of the major contributors to peripheral neuropathy is nerve pressure at the spine. This is termed compressive neuropathy.
It is very common for neuropathy patients to also have a history of back pain from spinal stenosis, degenerative/bulging discs and degenerative arthritis. All of these conditions have one thing in common: your lower spine is compressed placing pressure on the nerves that go to your feet or the nerves are stretched along their pathway (Adverse Neural Tension)
There are multiple causes of peripheral neuropathy. Some are metabolic such as diabetes or immune dysfunction, while others are medicine-induced. Most neuropathy sufferers have more than one cause. If a diabetic also has a degenerated lower back compressing the nerves at the spinal level, they will have a much higher chance of developing neuropathy in their feet.
If we determine your neuropathy has spinal compression as one component of the underlying causes, your care plan may include Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy. This therapy utilizes a specialized table that tractions your spine to gently take the pressure off the discs and nerves in the lower spine. It works by creating a negative disc pressure and reduces the pressure on the nerves. We combine spinal decompression with oxygen therapy for our neuropathy patients. The therapy is so relaxing that many fall asleep on the table during the therapy.
Spinal Decompression Therapy with Oxygen therapy
- Reduces and repairs bulging and herniated discs
- Increases circulation to the nerves in the spinal canal
- Decompresses spinal nerves
- Promotes oxygenation of nerve tissue
