Neuropathophysiology

illustration of a highlighted spine

Neuropathophysiology refers to pathophysiological conditions that affect the nervous system. A more recognizable term may be neuropathy. Neuropathy is not a single disease; rather, it is an umbrella term used to describe a host of disorders that affect various nerves in various ways, in various areas of the body.

It can affect three types of nerves:

  1. Motor – Controls the body’s muscles
  2. Sensory – Is responsible for processing information obtained by way our vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell and sending it to our brain, which then interprets that information. For instance, the sensation of cold, heat and pain
  3. Autonomic – Regulates the involuntary functions of our internal organs (the viscera) such as the heart’s beat and our glands ability to produce sweat

Causes of Neuropathy

Physical trauma, such as that occurred during an automobile accident, can lead to neuropathy, but so can:

  • Infection (i.e., viral and bacterial)
  • Some drugs (e.g., those used to treat cardiac problems, seizures, infections and cancer)
  • Toxic exposure (e.g. excessive alcohol use)
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Repetitive injury

Still, most cases of neuropathy are found in people with diabetes, and it is considered to be a complication of the disease. Known as diabetic neuropathy, this is a microvascular complication that results because of excess blood glucose in people with diabetes. Over time, this surplus can damage the wall of the blood vessels supplying the nerves — often in the legs. Injury to the nerves can lead to a loss of sensation, making some injuries go unnoticed.

Though diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy, there are other medical conditions that may be involved, such as chronic liver or kidney disease, cancer (e.g., lymphoma), AIDS or Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Neuropathy

Many people describe the pain associated with neuropathy as tingling or burning, but there are also those who suffer a loss of sensation. However, a patient’s symptoms largely depend on the type of neuropathy, as well as the specific nerves affected—be they motor, sensory or autonomic, or a combination of the three.

If sensory nerves are involved, symptoms might include:

  • Burning, jabbing, stinging, sharp or electric-like pain
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Changes in skin, hair or nails
  • Gradual numbness or tingling sensation, often in the hands or feet
  • Loss of coordination

If motor nerves are involved, symptoms could include:

  • Paralysis
  • Muscle weakness

If autonomic nerves are involved, symptoms could include:

  • Dizziness (due to modifications in blood pressure)
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Digestive, bowel or bladder problems

Treating Neuropathy

In addition to treatment you might receive from your primary care physician, stress-relieving therapies like massage and acupuncture, as well as other complementary therapies, including those given by a chiropractor, can help.

For instance, when the vertebrae of the spine deteriorate, such as in the case of vertebral subluxation, the bones can push on the roots of the spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms of neuropathy. Chiropractors can relieve this pressure by doing spinal adjustments to get the vertebrae into alignment, which should free trapped nerves. In cases where the nerves have become compressed by connective tissue, chiropractors may use the active release technique, which is a movement-based massage technique to apply a contact tension, lengthen the tissue, shorten the tissue or make the tissue slide relative to adjacent tissue.

To learn more about what your chiropractor can do for you or someone you know with neuropathy, contact our office today.

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • ""I appreciate the attention to detail of my care and treatment plan""
    Tristen J/Remsen
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Stange."
    Bob H. / Orange City, IA
  • ""Everyone was so friendly and caring! The front desk staff and chiropractors made me feel so at ease.""
    Amber H./Orange City
  • ""I appreciate the courteous and friendly staff, as well as the complete explanation of recommended care""
    Phyllis/Orange City
  • ""The staff at the front desk were extremely friendly and helpful. I appreciated how Dr. Stange remembered things I had told him about my life and his interest in basketball. This experience was excellent! There is nothing I would change! I am so thankful Dr. Stange was able to help get me through the basketball season!""
    Breanne
  • ""Dr. Sarah shows a genuine interest in my health, is always a great listener and willing to offer her expertise. I have been thoroughly impressed by my visits & appreciate the knowledge and caring spirit she shares each visit""
    Kim
  • ""Everyone is friendly. Don't waste time waiting to see the doctor. Flexible with scheduling appointments. Doctor fixed my back issues""
    Pat
  • ""I'm always able to be seen quickly, so it doesn't interrupt my day. The care provided is quality and attentive. They are a wonderful business and I recommend you all the time""
    Mary
  • ""Pleasant welcome, quick service-the girls are very professional. Excellent care from the doctor and staff. Dr. Stange is a very accomplished physician, trust him completely!""
    Gloria
  • ""Dr. Sarah doesn't miss a beat! She is never rattled by my 5 year old's behavior, she meets him right where he is & gets her job done. He has respect for her that I normally don't see with others until much later in a relationship!""
    Jessica H.
  • ""Fast and easy, and everyone is very nice!""
    Emma
  • ""Everyone was so kind & helpful. Everything is clean & well taken care of. It is near our house and that is convenient for me. Wonderful experience!""
    Norma K./Orange City
  • ""I appreciate the friendliness of everyone on staff in helping me to feel better. A big thank you!!!""
    Pat K/Remsen
  • "I love Chiropractic care because it helps keep my kids healthier!"
    Jamie S / Sioux Center
  • ""I greatly appreciate the help I received at each appointment. I am also thankful for the different stretches Dr. Sarah gave me to do at home and at work. Thanks also for being open and honest about payment plans and openly communicating with my employer about work limitations""
    Rona/Orange City
  • "Dr. Stange has been working on correcting my sciatica for a short time each visit helps me more than I can express. The staff here is so supportive and upbeat you just start feeling better just walking in the door. I highly recommend!"
    Ronda S./Orange City
  • "Only been there twice but gotten some major relief from those 2 visits. I have found my new chiropractor for life."
    Terry S./Sheldon