Chiropractic Treatment for Neuropathy: Can a Chiropractor Help Nerve Pain?

Yes, chiropractic treatment can help neuropathy by addressing nerve compression through spinal adjustments, spinal decompression therapy to reduce pressure, soft tissue techniques to improve circulation, and nutritional support for nerve health. While chiropractic care cannot reverse permanent nerve damage, it can reduce pain, tingling, and numbness in 60-70% of patients when nerve compression is a contributing factor.

Introduction

Neuropathy can be frustrating, exhausting, and at times overwhelming. Burning pain in the feet. Tingling in the hands. Numbness that makes walking feel unstable or gripping objects feel unreliable. 

Many patients are told there is little that can be done beyond medications that dull symptoms but do not fix the problem.

That is where many people begin asking an important question. Can a chiropractor help neuropathy?

The honest answer is this. It depends on the cause. Neuropathy is not one condition. It is a symptom of nerve dysfunction that can come from several sources. 

Some causes are metabolic. Others are chemical. Many involve the mechanical compression of nerves along the spine.

This distinction is important because chiropractic care excels at improving the function of the spine and the nerve pathways that travel from the spine to the arms, legs, hands, and feet. 

When neuropathy is made worse by spinal misalignment, disc pressure, or restricted motion, addressing those issues can lead to meaningful relief.

At Crist Chiropractic, patients receive an honest evaluation. If chiropractic care can help, a clear plan is outlined. If it cannot, patients are told that upfront. This guide explains how chiropractic treatment for neuropathy works, who it helps most, what results are realistic, and how it compares to other treatment options.

“Neuropathy is complex, and I’m honest with patients. We cannot cure nerve damage from diabetes or chemotherapy. But what we can do is address spinal misalignment and nerve compression that makes neuropathy worse. Many patients are shocked to find that their neuropathy improves significantly once proper spinal function is restored.”
– Dr. Jason Crist

Understanding Neuropathy

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. These nerves branch out from the spinal cord and travel to the arms, hands, legs, feet, and internal organs. When they do not function properly, the brain receives distorted or weakened signals.

This dysfunction often presents as burning pain, pins and needles, numbness, electrical sensations, weakness, or poor balance. Symptoms may be mild at first and progress slowly, or they may appear suddenly after injury or illness.

Peripheral neuropathy affects an estimated 20 million Americans. Many cases go undiagnosed for years because symptoms are vague or attributed to aging.

Most Common Causes of Neuropathy

Neuropathy has many causes. Understanding the source is the key to determining whether chiropractic care can help.

• Diabetes (about 60% of cases)
  Chronically elevated blood sugar damages small nerve fibers, especially in the feet and legs.
  
• Spinal Issues (15-20%)
  Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or joint restriction compress nerves as they exit the spine. This is where chiropractic care is most effective.
  
• Chemotherapy (5-10%)
  Certain drugs are toxic to nerve tissue and may cause lasting symptoms.
  
• Nutritional Deficiencies (5-10%)
  Deficiencies in vitamin B12, B6, or B1 impair nerve repair and function.
  
• Trauma or Injury (around 10%)
  Car accidents, falls, repetitive stress, or surgeries can damage nerves or create scar tissue.
  
• Idiopathic Neuropathy (up to 30%)
  No clear cause is identified. Many of these cases have an undiagnosed spinal or mechanical component.
  

Neuropathy Causes and Chiropractic Effectiveness

Cause	Can Chiropractic Help?	Success Rate
Spinal compression	Yes, excellent	70-80%
Diabetes	Yes, supportive	40-60%
Chemotherapy	Symptom management	30-50%
Nutritional deficiency	Yes, with supplements	60-70%
Trauma or injury	Yes, good	60-75%
Idiopathic	Yes, good	50-70%

“The most important question is what is causing this. If there is any spinal component like compression, restricted motion, or impaired blood flow, that is where we can make a dramatic difference.”
– Dr. Jason Crist

Chiropractic Treatment for Neuropathy

Chiropractic care does not treat neuropathy with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient presents with a different cause, history, and level of nerve involvement. 

Effective care starts by identifying why the nerve is irritated or damaged and whether the spine is contributing to the problem. 

Results are consistently strongest when spinal compression, joint dysfunction, or poor nerve signaling from the spine is part of the picture.

When nerves exit the spine under pressure, even mild compression can worsen burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. 

Chiropractic treatment focuses on removing these mechanical obstacles so nerves can function as normally as possible.

Spinal Adjustments

Gentle chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion to spinal joints that have become restricted or misaligned. When joints lose proper movement, inflammation builds and nearby nerves become irritated.

By restoring motion and alignment:

• Pressure on spinal nerves is reduced
  
• Inflammation around nerve roots decreases
  
• Blood flow and oxygen delivery improve
  
• Nerve signaling becomes clearer and more efficient
  

Over time, this improved environment allows irritated nerves to calm down. Patients often notice reduced burning sensations, less tingling, improved grip strength, better balance, and more confidence with walking or daily activities. 

Adjustments are always tailored to the individual and performed conservatively, especially for patients with long-standing nerve symptoms.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a powerful tool when neuropathy is related to disc herniation, disc degeneration, or spinal stenosis. This therapy uses computer-controlled traction to gently separate spinal segments in a precise and repeatable way.

Decompression works by:

• Creating negative pressure within the disc
  
• Allowing bulging or herniated disc material to retract
  
• Reducing direct pressure on compressed nerves
  
• Improving nutrient exchange to damaged discs
  

Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes and are performed 2-3 times per week. Most patients describe decompression as relaxing rather than uncomfortable. This therapy is especially effective for patients with neuropathy that worsens when standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Nerves do not function in isolation. Tight muscles, restricted fascia, and scar tissue can all impair nerve mobility and circulation. Soft tissue therapy addresses these surrounding structures to support nerve healing.

Common techniques include:

• Myofascial release to reduce tension and restriction
  
• Laser therapy to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation
  
• Targeted muscle work to improve circulation and flexibility
  

By improving the health of the tissues surrounding nerves, soft tissue therapy enhances the results of spinal adjustments and decompression while helping reduce pain and stiffness.

Nutritional Support

Nerve tissue requires specific nutrients to repair and function properly. Without adequate nutritional support, healing can be slow or incomplete. Based on individual needs, targeted supplementation may be recommended.

Common nutritional strategies include:

• B vitamins such as B12, B6, and B1 to support nerve signaling
  
• Alpha lipoic acid to reduce oxidative stress on nerves
  
• Antioxidants to support cellular repair
  

For patients with diabetic neuropathy, coordination with medical providers to improve blood sugar control is critical. Stable blood sugar levels reduce ongoing nerve damage and allow chiropractic care to be more effective.

When these components are combined into a comprehensive care plan, chiropractic treatment for neuropathy addresses both the mechanical and metabolic factors that influence nerve health.

Treatment Components Overview

Treatment	Primary Goal	Frequency	Best For	Timeline
Spinal adjustments	Reduce nerve compression	2-3xweekly	Compression-related neuropathy	4-8 weeks
Spinal decompression	Create space, reduce pressure	2-3xweekly	Disc involvement	6-12 weeks
Soft tissue therapy	Improve circulation, reduce scar tissue	Every visit	All types	Ongoing
Nutritional support	Address deficiencies, nerve health	Daily supplements	Deficiency related	3-6 months

Experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning from neuropathy?
Schedule an evaluation to determine if your neuropathy has a structural component that can be addressed.
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What to Expect From Treatment

Initial Evaluation

Your first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes a detailed health history, neurological examination, orthopedic testing, and spinal assessment. 

The goal is to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and what results are realistic.

If chiropractic care is unlikely to help, you will be told honestly and referred appropriately.

Treatment Timeline

Phase	Duration	Frequency	Expected Improvement
Pain relief	Weeks 1-2	3x weekly	20-30%
Active treatment	Weeks 3-8	2-3x weekly	40-60%
Stabilization	Weeks 9-16	1-2 times weekly	60-75%
Maintenance	Ongoing	Monthly	Sustained results

Realistic Expectations

What chiropractic can do

• Reduce nerve compression when present
  
• Decrease pain and tingling by 40-70%
  
• Improve balance, coordination, and function
  
• Reduce reliance on medications
  

What chiropractic cannot do

• Reverse permanent nerve death
  
• Cure diabetic or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
  
• Produce instant results

“I never promise to cure neuropathy. What I can promise is an honest assessment and comprehensive care. Most patients are thrilled when burning pain drops 60-70%because that is life-changing.”
– Dr. Jason Crist

Real Patient Results

A 58-year-old patient came in with burning foot pain and numbness that had worsened over two years. Standing for long periods and walking at night were difficult. 

The patient, diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy, was prescribed medication with limited relief.

Evaluation revealed lumbar disc degeneration and nerve compression affecting both legs. A treatment plan including spinal decompression, adjustments, and soft tissue therapy was started.

After four weeks, night pain decreased significantly. By eight weeks, numbness reduced by about 60%, and balance improved. After 12 weeks, the patient returned to daily walks and reduced medication use.

The key takeaway is that when spinal compression contributes to neuropathy, addressing it can dramatically improve quality of life.

Wondering if chiropractic care can help your neuropathy?
Get honest answers about your specific case and realistic outcomes.
📞 (615) 771-0022 | 🌐Book your assessment today
📍 Franklin, Cool Springs, and Brentwood, TN

Chiropractic vs Other Neuropathy Treatments

Treatment Comparison

Treatment	Success Rate	Pros	Cons	Cost
Chiropractic	60-70%	Addresses root cause, drug-free	Requires time	$60-100 per visit
Medications	40-50%	Fast symptom relief	Side effects, long-term use	$20-200 per month
Physical therapy	50-60%	Improves strength	Does not address spine	$80-150 per visit
Surgery	70-80%	Permanent decompression	Invasive, higher risk	$15,000-40,000

Chiropractic is often a smart first step when spinal compression is present, symptoms are under two to three years old, the cause is unclear, or patients want to avoid medications.

 “I work closely with medical doctors. Neuropathy often requires a team approach. The endocrinologist manages blood sugar, the neurologist diagnoses the condition, and I address spinal issues. Together, patients get the best outcomes.”
– Dr. Jason Crist

Maintaining Results Long Term

Long-term success requires ongoing support. Monthly maintenance adjustments help prevent recurrence. Home exercises maintain strength and balance. Nutritional supplementation supports nerve health. Diabetic patients benefit from continued medical monitoring.

Long Term Management

Component	Frequency	Purpose	Expected Benefit
Chiropractic maintenance	Monthly	Prevent symptom return	Maintains gains, catches issues early
Home exercises	3-4 times weekly	Maintain strength	Prevents falls, improves balance
Nutritional supplements	Daily	Support nerve health	Ongoing nerve function support
Medical monitoring	Every 3-6 months	Track progress	Early detection of changes

Neuropathy Treatment at Crist Chiropractic

At Crist Chiropractic, patients benefit from 25+ years of experience treating complex nerve conditions. Care is honest, individualized, and collaborative. Patients are never accepted unless there is a reasonable expectation of benefit.

Dr. Crist is a Tennessee Chiropractor of the Year with over 480+ five-star reviews. Most insurance plans are accepted.

Costs are transparent. Initial visits typically range from $100-150. Follow-up visits range from $60-100.

Quick Self Assessment

Could chiropractic help your neuropathy?

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  
• Back or neck pain present
  
• Symptoms worsen in certain positions
  
• Diagnosed disc herniation or stenosis
  
• Worse on one side
  
• Present less than three years
  
• Unknown cause
  
• Desire to reduce medications
  

Results:

5-8 yes answers suggest an excellent candidate
3-4 yes answers suggest a good candidate
1-2 yes answers suggests partial benefit possible

Conclusion

Neuropathy does not always have to be a life sentence. While not every case can be cured, many can be significantly improved when spinal compression and nerve irritation are addressed. 

Chiropractic treatment for neuropathy offers a natural, drug-free approach that focuses on function, not just symptoms.

If you are living with numbness, tingling, or burning pain, the next step is a thorough evaluation. Knowing the cause makes all the difference.

Still living with numbness, tingling, or burning pain from neuropathy?

📞 (615) 771-0022 🌐 Schedule Your Evaluation

Crist Chiropractic | Franklin, Cool Springs & Brentwood, TN
Tennessee Chiropractor of the Year | 25+ Years Treating Neuropathy
⭐ 480+ five-star reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Treatment for Neuropathy

Understanding Effectiveness

Can a chiropractor help neuropathy?

Yes, especially when nerve compression or spinal dysfunction contributes to symptoms. Chiropractic is most effective (70-80% success) for spinal compression, herniated discs, and stenosis. It provides supportive care for diabetic neuropathy (40-60% symptom reduction) and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (30-50% management). 

Treatment includes spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, soft tissue work, and nutritional support.

Can chiropractors help with neuropathy in feet?

Yes, foot neuropathy often originates from nerve compression in the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve and its branches exit the lower back (L4-S1) and travel to the feet. 

Treatment focuses on lumbar decompression, spinal adjustments, improving circulation, and addressing biomechanical issues. 

Success rates are 60-75% for structural foot neuropathy and 40-60% for diabetic foot neuropathy when combined with proper blood sugar management.

Can chiropractic help diabetic neuropathy?

Chiropractic cannot reverse permanent nerve damage from diabetes, but it can significantly reduce symptoms when structural issues contribute. Treatment addresses undiagnosed spinal compression, improves circulation to nerves, and provides nutritional support (alpha-lipoic acid, B vitamins). 

Success rates are 40-60% for symptom reduction. Best outcomes occur when combining chiropractic care with good blood sugar control (HbA1c under 7%).

Can a chiropractor help neuropathy from a herniated disc?

Yes, this is where chiropractic care excels, with 75-85% success rates. Spinal decompression therapy creates negative pressure that pulls herniated disc material away from nerves, while adjustments restore proper alignment. 

Combined with soft tissue therapy and exercises, most patients see 60-70% improvement within 6-8 weeks and avoid surgery entirely.

Treatment Process

How long does chiropractic treatment take to help neuropathy?

Improvement is gradual because nerve healing is slow. Most patients notice 20-30% improvement within 4 weeks, 40-50% by week 8, and 60-70% by weeks 12-16. 

Timeline varies based on severity, underlying cause, and compliance with treatment. Compression-related neuropathy improves faster than diabetic or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. 

Consistency throughout the full program is essential.

How many chiropractic visits are needed for neuropathy?

Most patients require 12-20 visits over 8-16 weeks. 

• Initial phase involves 3 visits weekly (weeks 1-4) for pain relief 
• Active treatment phase involves 2 visits weekly (weeks 5-12) for continued decompression 
• Stabilization phase involves 1 visit weekly (weeks 13-16) 
• Maintenance care (monthly) follows to prevent symptom return 

More visits are needed compared to back pain because nerve healing requires sustained treatment.

Is chiropractic treatment painful for neuropathy patients?

No. Treatment is gentle and modified for sensitive nerve conditions. Spinal adjustments are soft mobilizations, not forceful. 

Decompression is comfortable, most patients relax during sessions. Soft tissue therapy pressure is adjusted to your comfort. 

You may experience temporary soreness (24-48 hours) after initial treatments as nerves respond, which is normal. Sharp pain or significantly worsened symptoms are not normal and should be reported immediately.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Is chiropractic better than medication for neuropathy?

Chiropractic addresses structural root causes while medication masks symptoms. Success rates: chiropractic 60-70%, medications 40-50%. 

Chiropractic has no side effects, improves overall function, and provides long-term management tools. Medications offer faster initial relief but require lifelong use with side effects like dizziness and weight gain. 

Best approach: combine minimal medication for pain management while chiropractic addresses root causes, then reduce medications as symptoms improve.

Should I try chiropractic before considering a spinal cord stimulator?

Absolutely. Spinal cord stimulators are invasive ($20,000-30,000), carry surgical risks, and only mask pain without addressing causes. Chiropractic is non-invasive, costs $1,200-2,400 for full treatment, and helps 60-70% avoid more invasive procedures. 

Medical standard recommends trying conservative treatments for 3-6 months first. However, if comprehensive chiropractic care doesn’t help after 3-6 months and pain severely limits life, stimulation may be appropriate.

Safety and Limitations

Are there risks to chiropractic treatment for neuropathy?

Chiropractic treatment is very safe when properly performed. Serious complications are extremely rare (less than 1 in 100,000 treatments). Mild side effects include temporary soreness (24-48 hours), increased nerve sensations as nerves “wake up,” and fatigue after initial treatments. 

We use gentle techniques, progress gradually, and monitor response closely. Treatment is contraindicated for severe osteoporosis, active spinal infections, tumors, or severe vascular disease.

Can chiropractic make neuropathy worse?

When performed properly, treatment should not worsen neuropathy. You may experience temporary treatment reaction (increased soreness for 24-48 hours) as tissues respond, which is normal healing response. 

As severe numbness improves, you may notice tingling you couldn’t feel before, this is positive nerve recovery. True worsening (sharp pain, spreading numbness, new weakness) is very rare. We start gently, communicate frequently, and modify treatment if needed.

Practical Information

How much does treatment cost and does insurance cover it?

In Franklin, TN: Initial visits: $100-150. Follow-up visits: $60-100. Typical program: 12-20 visits = $900-2,400 total.

Insurance: Most plans cover chiropractic with $20-50 copays. We accept Medicare, most major insurers, and auto accident cases. We verify benefits and file claims for you.

View detailed pricing and insurance info.

Do not assume you have to live with neuropathy forever.
Get honest answers about whether chiropractic can help your specific case.
📞 (615) 771-0022 🌐 Book Online 

Crist Chiropractic | Franklin, TN
Tennessee Chiropractor of the Year | 25+ Years Treating Neuropathy