Conditions Treated

Understanding Neuropathy: Causes, Treatment Options, and Paths to Relief

Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that arises from damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. While it commonly affects the hands and feet, it can impact other parts of the body depending on the underlying cause.

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What Causes Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, leading to diabetic neuropathy, the most common form.

• Injuries: Physical trauma, such as fractures or sports injuries, can disrupt nerve function.

• Infections and Illnesses: Viral or bacterial infections like shingles, Lyme disease, or hepatitis can attack the nerves.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may mistakenly target nerve tissues.

• Toxins and Medications: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or the side effects of chemotherapy can damage nerves.

• Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of nutrients like B vitamins can impair nerve health and function.

Symptoms to Watch For

Neuropathy symptoms can vary depending on the nerves affected. Common warning signs include:

• Sensory Symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling, often in the hands or feet.

  • Burning sensations or increased sensitivity to touch.

• Motor Symptoms:

  • Muscle weakness or cramping.

  • Difficulty with coordination or balance.

• Autonomic Symptoms:

  • Dizziness or fainting due to changes in blood pressure.

  • Digestive issues or bladder problems.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

The Impact of Neuropathy on Daily Life

Patients with neuropathy often experience:

• Reduced mobility due to pain or muscle weakness.

• Sleep disturbances caused by nighttime pain.

• Difficulty performing routine tasks, like walking or writing.

Common Treatment Options for Neuropathy

Managing neuropathy often involves a combination of approaches tailored to the patient’s specific needs:

• Lifestyle Changes:

  • Regular exercise can improve blood flow and nerve health.

  • A nutrient-rich diet, particularly one high in vitamins B1, B6, B12, and folate, supports nerve function.

• Medications:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may help manage symptoms.

  • Anticonvulsants or antidepressants are sometimes used to relieve nerve pain.

• Physical Therapy:

  • Strengthening exercises can improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

  • Stretching techniques may alleviate pressure on affected nerves.

• Alternative and Chiropractic Therapies:

  • Chiropractic adjustments address spinal alignment, reducing nerve compression.

  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) stimulates nerve repair and improves circulation.

Explore Our Neuropathy Reversal Program

At Accelerated Chiropractic, we specialize in providing targeted care for patients with neuropathy. Our Neuropathy Reversal Program combines advanced therapies, personalized care, and a holistic approach to restore nerve function and improve quality of life.

Here’s what you can expect from our program:

• A thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your neuropathy.

• Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific symptoms and goals.

• Access to innovative therapies, including laser treatments and specialized rehabilitation techniques.

• Ongoing support to ensure long-term success and symptom relief.

Thousands of patients have found relief through our program. Take the first step toward a pain-free life—schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you reclaim your mobility and comfort.

Neuropathy Reversal Program

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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This condition typically causes stabbing pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

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There are several factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including:

1. Overuse: Repetitive activities such as running, walking long distances, or standing for prolonged periods can strain the plantar fascia.

2. Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can put extra stress on the plantar fascia.

3. Obesity: Excess body weight increases the pressure on the plantar fascia and can contribute to its inflammation.

4. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or poor cushioning can exacerbate plantar fasciitis.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Pain: The most common symptom is a stabbing pain near the heel, particularly when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. The pain may also worsen after long periods of standing or physical activity.

2. Tenderness: The bottom of the foot, especially near the heel, may feel tender to the touch.

3. Stiffness: The foot may feel stiff and tight, especially after periods of inactivity.

4. Heel Pain: Pain may be localized to the underside of the heel or extend along the arch of the foot.

5. Discomfort with Movement: Pain may increase with activities that put stress on the plantar fascia, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.

6. Pain Relief with Rest: Symptoms may temporarily improve with rest or when the foot is elevated.

7. Morning Pain: Pain is often most severe in the morning when taking the first steps out of bed. This is due to the tightening of the plantar fascia overnight.

8. Worsening Pain Over Time: If left untreated, plantar fasciitis symptoms may worsen over time, potentially leading to chronic foot discomfort and difficulty performing daily activities.

Suffering from any of these symptoms?

Accelerated Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center can help!

The Accelerated Chiropractic difference

The methods at Accelerated Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center are non-invasive – meaning we don’t use injections, drugs, or surgeries. We use a variety of different therapies on a consistent basis that provide relief and help stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Like Dr. Randy Hamling says, not any single one of our therapies is special, it’s the combination of them that make our niche programs the best for each unique individual.

Our Plantar Fasciitis Program may provide the relief you need. For more information, please visit our Plantar Fasciitis page or contact us at (320) 585-7246. 

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Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment Options, and Paths to Relief

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among adults and can affect daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life. Whether due to injury, wear and tear, or an underlying condition, knee pain can be persistent and challenging to manage. Understanding the root causes and treatment options is the first step toward finding relief.

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What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can result from various factors, including:

• Injuries: Ligament injuries, meniscus tears, fractures, and dislocations are frequent causes, often resulting from sports or accidents.

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of arthritis commonly cause knee pain, especially in older adults.

• Tendonitis and Bursitis: Overuse and repetitive motion can lead to inflammation of the tendons or bursae, causing pain and swelling.

• Patellar Tracking Disorder: When the kneecap shifts out of place, it can cause discomfort and limit movement.

• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, and poor muscle strength can put extra stress on the knees, leading to pain over time.

Symptoms to Watch For

Knee pain symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause. Here are some signs to monitor:

• Swelling and Stiffness: Often worsens after activity or prolonged periods of sitting.

• Redness and Warmth: Indicates inflammation or infection in the joint.

• Weakness and Instability: The knee may feel like it’s giving way under weight.

• Popping or Crunching Noises: May indicate cartilage damage or arthritis.

• Inability to Fully Straighten the Knee: Can be a sign of structural issues within the joint.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consulting a professional for an evaluation is essential.

Common Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain, common treatment options can provide relief:

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.

• Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary relief.

• Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can alleviate pressure on the knee.

• Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like arthroscopy, partial or total knee replacement, or ligament reconstruction might be necessary.

Explore Our Knee Restoration Program

Our Knee Restoration Program (link) is designed to provide long-term solutions for knee pain by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes without the use of drugs, injections or surgery. We combine advanced therapies, personalized treatments, and expert guidance to help you regain strength, reduce pain, and get back to the activities you love.

Is Our Knee Restoration Program Right for You?

Our program is ideal for those experiencing chronic knee pain due to injury, arthritis, or overuse. By addressing the root cause of your discomfort, we aim to help you achieve sustained relief and prevent further issues.

Are you Bone-on-Bone?

No problem! We often work with patients who have been told they are “bone on bone” and are experiencing significant joint degeneration. Our Knee Restoration Program includes therapies specifically designed to improve joint function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain, even in some of the most advanced cases. While each case is unique, many of our patients with advanced knee conditions have found relief and improved mobility through our non-invasive approach.

Don’t Let Knee Pain Control Your Life

Take the first step towards relief and schedule a consultation to learn more about our comprehensive Knee Restoration Program (link). Let us help you find a personalized path to improved mobility and reduced pain.

Knee Restoration 

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Joint Pain: How Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Your Discomfort

Joints are important musculoskeletal structures that connect bones to one another. Some facilitate different types of movement while others remain fixed. Joint pain is a very common and often debilitating problem with around one-third of all adults experiencing it at some point during their lifetime. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help and one of the most effective is chiropractic care.

Here’s what you need to know about joint pain and how chiropractic care can help relieve discomfort.
 

Causes of joint pain

There are many different things that can cause joint pain. The most common is a condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that usually protects the ends of bones begins to deteriorate, causing them to rub against one another. This friction causes pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint.

Other potential causes of joint pain include but are not limited to:

• Gout

• Bursitis

• Inflammation of the joint lining

• Damage to the cartilage at the back of the kneecap

• Bleeding into the joint space

• A fracture to the bones of the joint

• Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
   

Your chiropractor will be able to assess your condition to determine the cause of your joint pain and recommend chiropractic techniques to help ease your discomfort.

Intervertebral discs are found all throughout the spinal column except for the C1 and C2 vertebrae (the Axis and Atlas).  These discs act to cushion the vertebrae from each other as well as the impacts that are felt throughout the spinal column. While many people will describe painful back issues as a “slipped disc,” this isn’t really the case as the intervertebral discs don’t actually slide out of place. What many people experience is called a bulge. This bulging disc is also called a herniated disc.
 

Causes of a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs may occur for a variety of reasons. A damaged disc may be the result of poor posture or due to the patient being overweight which places additional stress on the spinal column. Discs may also become herniated due to a sports or other traumatic injury.

Some patients have even suggested that a relatively minor activity, such as a sneeze, has caused a herniated disc. This is usually the end result of a long-term weakening of the disc that has been unnoticed until a small movement finally makes the injury apparent.
 

Signs of a Herniated Disc

The signs and symptoms of a herniated disc can vary widely. This is because damaged discs manifest in different ways at various points in the spinal column.  For instance, discs that are damaged in the lower back may cause intense pain in the legs, lower back, or buttocks. But if the herniated disc is in the neck, pain is more likely to present in the shoulders or arms. The pain experienced from a herniated disc can also be felt as a sharp, shooting pain when you sneeze, cough, or move in a specific position.

Many people who have experienced a herniated disc also describe numbness or tingling in their extremities. This numbness and tingling may be felt in the same area as the pain which is related to the location of the herniated disc.

The longer that an individual goes with a herniated disc, the more likely they are to also experience weakness due to the inability of nerves to properly communicate with the affected body parts. The lack of a signal leads to muscle atrophy and a weakening of the muscles.

Sciatica is a condition that affects many people today. It typically manifests as pain in the lower back or buttocks that radiates down to the legs or feet. This pain can be felt in one or both legs and is often difficult to describe. Patients have also found that the pain can change in frequency or intensity ranging from mild to severe and can be debilitating at times. Patients have reported various sensations related to sciatica pain including pins and needles while at other times it may be described as dull, or even like electric shocks.

The discomfort that sciatica patients experience often causes them to be willing to try anything to alleviate the condition. Understanding a few things about sciatica may help you decide what is best for you.
 

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is understood as a compression of the sciatic nerve. This compression can occur as the sciatic nerve leaves the spinal column and travels down to the legs and there are many possible causes of sciatica that vary in their severity.

• Subluxations – subluxations occur when the vertebrae in the spine are misaligned. These misalignments can cause restrictions or pressure on different nerves. Subluxations on the sciatic nerve are a common occurrence for many patients.

• Herniated or bulging discs – The padding or discs between the vertebrae can be damaged or deformed which can create issues with the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatica.

• Pregnancy – The drastic changes that occur to a woman’s body during pregnancy can create issues along the pelvis and spinal column. Some of these issues may cause a problem with the sciatic nerve.

• Tumors – A potentially severe issue occurs when a tumor grows in or along the spinal column. One of the first signs of tumor growth in your spine may be a change in sensation that is caused by the tumor placing pressure against your nerves. Your chiropractor can help diagnose the cause of your discomfort and ensure that you get the appropriate treatment.

• Piriformis syndrome – The sciatic nerve travels underneath the piriformis muscle which can be damaged in slips or falls. If the muscle experiences a strain or tightness, it may affect the ability of the sciatic nerve to function. Cramping or twitching of this muscle can also trigger pain associated with sciatica.