Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or irritated. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, increased sensitivity, weakness, and pain, most often affecting the hands and feet. Neuropathy can have many causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, injuries, nerve compression, and certain medical conditions. While treatment depends on the underlying cause, conservative therapies may help manage symptoms and improve function.

Key Insight:

Class IV therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to cells in injured tissues. It's absorbed by cells and stimulates biological processes involved in tissue repair, circulation, and inflammation. Researchers believe these effects may help support nerve healing, reduce inflammation surrounding irritated nerves, and decrease pain in some patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Research suggests that laser therapy may improve pain, sensation, nerve function, and quality of life in certain patients with peripheral neuropathy, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Laser therapy can be an effective tool as part of your comprehensive care plan. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may also include chiropractic adjustments management of medical conditions, therapeutic exercise, nutritional counseling, and coordination with the patient's primary care provider or specialist.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, neurological examination, and underlying diagnosis. Because neuropathy can occasionally signal a serious medical condition, a thorough evaluation is important to determine the cause of symptoms and identify whether additional medical testing or referral is needed.

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, burning pain, or changes in sensation, an evaluation can help determine whether laser therapy may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan. Our goal is to help reduce symptoms, improve function, and support your overall nerve health using evidence-informed, conservative care.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• de Oliveira RF, da Silva CV, Ciena AP, et al. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Available through PubMed.

• Ibarra-Coronado EG, Pantaleón-Martínez AM, Velazquéz-Moctezuma J, et al. The Bidirectional Relationship Between Sleep and Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Available through PubMed. (Background on neuropathic pain mechanisms.)

• Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RÁB, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Lancet. (Background on photobiomodulation mechanisms.) Available through PubMed.

• American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes. Sections addressing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Available through PubMed.