More than half of patients with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy. This nerve condition can lead to numbness, burning and tingling. Chiropractic care can become a beneficial part of diabetes care for those who suffer with neuropathy or have other back issues.
- Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system and how they impact your overall health. Chiropractors often treat neck, back and join pain, as well as numbness and pain in the legs and arms. They may also treat headaches, along with a variety of other related conditions. Chiropractors generally have a hands-on, drug-free approach. They often work jointly with your regular physician. Ongoing sessions relieve the patient’s symptoms, along with lifestyle changes such as exercise and proper diet.
- Diabetes neuropathy can lead to numbness, tingling, a freezing sensation, throbbing and/or a ticklish feeling in a patient’s extremities. Chiropractic care can help these patients manage the pain while treating the underlying cause. While medication simply addresses the pain, chiropractic care also focuses on targeting the cause of the discomfort. It can become an effective treatment without the side effects of using certain medications.
- Diabetic neuropathy can occur when blood sugar levels are continuously high. Nerve fibers get damaged, often having an effect on the legs and feet, hands and fingers. Patients get a feeling of numbness, tingling, freezing or “pins and needles”. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and managing pain may make a big difference. Many people find chiropractors can reduce the pain and help them return to normal activities over time.
- Chiropractics take a whole body approach to pain. A diagnostic examination is performed to find out more about what may cause and trigger the pain. Diabetic neuropathy can be diagnosed in its early stages to reduce the severity of potential nerve damage and other possible health complications. Treatments may include spinal adjustments, massage, traction, the use of a TENS unit, an ultra sound machine, and/or applying heat or cold packs to the affected areas.
- There may be a connection between blood sugar levels and the back. The nerves in the upper and middle back help supply the pancreas. When they are disturbed or irritated, it can have an impact on how the pancreas functions. This possibly can lead to conditions such as hypoglycemia or diabetes.
- Several recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can be a positive part of a complete treatment program for type 2 diabetes. This treatment includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and chiropractics. It may help stabilize blood sugar levels which are often increased during high pain episodes associated with diabetic neuropathy.
- Chiropractics focus on the neural connections in the body. Enhancing the brain-body connection can help boost hormone function and immunity. This makes it easier to manage blood sugar levels and combat diabetes-related complications. People with diabetes often have fluctuating hormone levels and a compromised immune system. Strengthening these areas can help patients maintain good blood sugar levels, fight off infections and reduce neurological pain.
- Chiropractics are just a part of an effective diabetes management plan. Maintain regular appointments with your primary care physician or endocrinologist. Take medications as directed and eat a well-balanced diet. Exercise to improve circulation and maintain a healthy weight. Consider taking a daily walk and wear an Omron pedometer to check your progress. Proper diabetes care requires a motivated, multi-faceted approach to good health.
Chiropractic care can be an effective part of a balanced diabetes care program. Chiropractics can reduce pain and may help blood sugar control. Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits of chiropractic care.
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