What Is Neuropathy? Understanding the Nerve Damage Behind the Pain

If you've ever felt burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet that just won’t go away—there’s a chance it could be neuropathy. And while a lot of people brush it off as “just getting older” or “poor circulation,” neuropathy is a real medical condition that can seriously affect your daily life if left untreated.

So, what exactly is neuropathy? And more importantly—can anything be done about it?

Let’s break it down.

The Basics: What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a term that simply means nerve damage. It happens when nerves are injured, irritated, or degenerate over time. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves in your extremities—usually the hands, legs, and feet.

When nerves are healthy, they send messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. But when they’re damaged, those signals get crossed, delayed, or cut off entirely—which can lead to all sorts of weird and uncomfortable symptoms.

Common Signs of Neuropathy

• Numbness or tingling (like pins and needles)
• Burning or sharp, stabbing pain
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature
• Balance problems or frequent falls
• A “buzzing” or “electrical” sensation

These symptoms usually start gradually and get worse over time. What begins as occasional numbness can eventually turn into chronic pain, limited mobility, or even loss of sensation—especially in the feet.

What Causes Neuropathy?

• Diabetes – The #1 cause of neuropathy in the U.S. High blood sugar levels damage nerves over time.
• Injury or trauma – Car accidents, repetitive stress, or poor posture can compress or damage nerves.
• Chemotherapy – Some cancer treatments can trigger neuropathy as a side effect.
• Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can damage nerve tissue.
• Vitamin deficiencies – Especially B12, which is crucial for nerve health.
• Infections – Like shingles, hepatitis C, or Lyme disease.
• Alcohol abuse – Excessive drinking over time can damage the nervous system.

In many cases, neuropathy develops slowly—and by the time the symptoms are noticeable, the nerves have already been affected for months or even years.

Can Neuropathy Be Reversed?

That depends on the cause and how early you catch it. If neuropathy is caused by something treatable (like vitamin deficiency, diabetes, or a compressed nerve), you may be able to reduce or even reverse some of the damage.

At Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine, we focus on regenerative and functional medicine techniques that help the body restore damaged nerves naturally. Our non-invasive approach addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Some patients may also benefit from:

• Lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, blood sugar control)
• Chiropractic care to remove pressure on affected nerves
• Regenerative therapies to support tissue repair
• Targeted supplements for nerve healing

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Here’s the thing: nerve damage doesn’t get better on its own. If you’re dealing with numbness, tingling, or unexplained pain, ignoring it could allow the condition to get worse—and much harder to treat.

The sooner you get evaluated, the better your chances of preserving nerve function and avoiding long-term damage.

You Don’t Have to Live With It

If you’re dealing with burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet, don’t chalk it up to age or stress. You deserve answers—and real solutions.

At Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine, we specialize in drug-free, non-surgical treatments for neuropathy. Our team takes the time to listen, evaluate, and design a personalized plan to help you regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

📞 Call us today at (707) 474-5688 or schedule your consultation online.

Your nerves deserve better care—and so do you.

Related Video: Understanding Neuropathy