Does the term peripheral neuropathy sound familiar? We want to help you understand the reasons for peripheral neuropathy.
This guide covers common and less common causes, risk factors, signs to watch for, and steps toward improvement. We also showcase how kelowna chiropractor supports nerve-focused neuro-structural care and low level laser as part of a comprehensive approach.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness, mainly in the hands or feet. Some people also feel coldness or burning in the feet or legs.
Common Reasons for Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes
High blood sugar over time is the most frequent cause of peripheral neuropathy. It damages small blood vessels that supply nerves, especially in the feet and legs.
Alcohol Use and Nutritional Deficiencies
Chronic alcohol intake may directly harm nerves and often leads to deficiencies in B-vitamins like B1 and B6. This trauma and poor nutrition often contribute to neuropathy.
Medication or Toxic Exposure
Certain medications, especially certain chemotherapy drugs can trigger nerve damage. Other toxins include heavy metals or excess vitamin B6.
Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and vasculitis may inflame or damage nerve tissue.
Inherited or Genetic Conditions
Genetic disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other hereditary neuropathies cause progressive nerve damage from early adulthood.
Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders
Hypothyroidism, kidney or liver disease, amyloidosis, and porphyria may disrupt nerve health. Vitamin B12, E, A or copper deficiencies are also common factors.
Physical Injury or Nerve Compression
Trauma from accidents, falls, sports injuries, improper casts or poor posture can stretch or compress nerves, leading to neuropathy. Carpal tunnel is a common example.
Less Common or Unexplained Causes
Idiopathic Neuropathy
In some cases, even after testing, no clear cause is found. This is called idiopathic neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy for no reason. It may still respond to supportive care.
Infections and Post-Viral Effects
Viruses like Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, and others can damage nerves, becoming more reasons for peripheral neuropathy. Post-viral autoimmune responses may also cause neuropathy.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Rarely, cancer-related immune reactions (paraneoplastic neuropathy) attack nerve tissue. Though uncommon, it’s one of all possible reasons for peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms and How They Progress
Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Tingling or numbness in feet or hands
- Burning or cold sensations
- Muscle weakness or reduced reflexes
- Loss of temperature or vibration sense
- Difficulty walking, balance issues, clumsiness
Symptoms often start at the tips of toes or fingers and may move upward. In severe cases, balance and coordination can decline, affecting daily activities.
Diagnosis
Steps used by clinicians often include:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Blood tests for sugar levels, vitamins B12/B6, kidney and liver function
- Nerve conduction studies (EMG, NCV)
- Rule out toxins, infections, inherited disorders
- If no cause is found: idiopathic designation
Working with a trusted care provider like kelowna chiropractorc, combined with medical evaluation, ensures a thorough approach.
How LifeWorks Family Chiropractic Supports Nervous System Health
- Specific neuro-structural adjustments that remove subluxations and improve nerve communication where needed.
- Summus Neuropathy Laser Therapy Protocol is a Low level laser or photobiomodulation protocol to support nerve repair and reduce inflammation
- Neuropathy Whole Body Vibration Protocol is Controlled vibrations at specific frequencies designed to stimulate nerves and improve blood flow.
- Nerve Health Regeneration Formula is a targeted nutritional program designed to support nerve repair and reduce inflammation.
- Ongoing functional testing to track improvements
- Lifestyle coaching (including effective diets), posture correction, and family wellness strategies
This holistic care supports neural adaptation, better brain-body communication, and greater resilience. While there might be several reasons for peripheral neuropathy, we’ll help you find relief.
Note: If you’re not sure you have a cause for concern, take up this carefully curated peripheral neuropathy questionnaire.
Final Notes
If you suddenly start experiencing any signs like numbness, tingling, or weakness in feet or hands on and off, it might be time to get yourself checked.
At kelowna chiropractor, we work hard to support nerve system communication, adaptation, and potential. While pain or numbness may improve, our goal is better nerve and brain function, posture, stress resilience, and overall wellness.
