Neuropathy Treatment

Neuropathy Treatment in Holland, MI — McAlpine Chiropractic

The numbness in your feet. The tingling in your hands. The burning that keeps you awake at night. Neuropathy is not just uncomfortable — it is your nervous system sending a distress signal that something needs to change.

Peripheral neuropathy affects an estimated 20 million Americans, and the numbers are rising — driven largely by the increasing prevalence of diabetes and metabolic conditions. If you are living with numbness, tingling, burning pain, or loss of sensation in your hands or feet, you already know how much it affects your daily life. Walking becomes uncertain. Sleep becomes difficult. Simple tasks that require fine motor control become frustrating.

Most neuropathy patients are told to manage their symptoms with medication. But medication does not restore nerve function — it only masks the signals your nerves are sending. At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, we take a different approach. We use chiropractic care and Class IV laser therapy to address the underlying factors that are damaging your nerves — improving nerve function, reducing pain, and helping you regain sensation and quality of life.

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Serving Holland and West Michigan for over 30 years | 4.9 stars on Google

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy — specifically peripheral neuropathy — is damage to the peripheral nerves, the vast communication network that transmits signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. Your peripheral nervous system includes motor nerves (controlling muscles), sensory nerves (transmitting touch, temperature, and pain), and autonomic nerves (regulating involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion).

When peripheral nerves are damaged, the signals they carry become disrupted. Depending on which nerves are affected, the symptoms can range from mild tingling to severe, debilitating pain and loss of function.

Common Neuropathy Symptoms

• Numbness — Gradual loss of sensation, typically beginning in the toes or fingers and spreading upward in a “stocking-glove” pattern
• Tingling — A persistent “pins and needles” sensation in the hands, feet, or both
• Burning pain — A deep, burning discomfort that is often worse at night and can disrupt sleep
• Sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock sensations — Sudden jolts of pain that occur without an obvious trigger
• Increased sensitivity to touch — Even light contact with clothing or bedsheets can cause pain (allodynia)
• Muscle weakness — Difficulty gripping objects, tripping or stumbling while walking, or a feeling that your feet are not responding properly
• Balance problems — Loss of proprioception (your body’s sense of where it is in space) increases the risk of falls, particularly in older adults
• Temperature sensitivity — Difficulty detecting hot or cold, which increases the risk of burns and cold injuries to the hands and feet

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms in Holland, MI, early intervention matters. Nerve damage that is caught and treated early has a significantly better prognosis than neuropathy that has been progressing unchecked for months or years.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy has more than 100 known causes. Understanding your specific cause is critical because effective neuropathy treatment must address the root problem — not just the symptoms. The most common causes we see at our Holland, MI clinic include:

Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) — The single most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Prolonged elevated blood sugar damages the small blood vessels that supply nerves, starving them of oxygen and nutrients. Diabetic neuropathy typically begins in the feet and progresses upward. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that 60-70% of people with diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy.

Spinal nerve compression — Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and vertebral misalignment can compress the nerve roots that form the peripheral nerves in your arms and legs. This type of neuropathy responds particularly well to chiropractic care and spinal decompression because the structural cause is directly addressable. (Learn more about spinal conditions we treat.)

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy — Certain chemotherapy drugs are neurotoxic and damage peripheral nerves as a side effect of cancer treatment. This is one of the most common reasons cancer survivors develop neuropathy, and it can persist long after treatment ends.

Idiopathic neuropathy — In approximately 30% of cases, no specific cause can be identified. Even in idiopathic cases, treatment can improve nerve function and reduce symptoms.

Other causes — Autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome), vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6, folate), alcohol-related nerve damage, infections, and thyroid disorders.

Because our chiropractors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine — can order diagnostic imaging including X-rays and MRI, we can identify spinal causes of neuropathy that other providers may overlook. A thorough examination is always the first step.

How We Treat Neuropathy at McAlpine Chiropractic

Neuropathy treatment at our Holland, MI clinic is focused on two objectives: reduce nerve irritation and improve nerve function. We combine multiple therapies to address both the structural and cellular components of nerve damage.

1. Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV laser therapy is one of the most promising treatments available for peripheral neuropathy. The laser delivers concentrated photon energy deep into tissue, where it is absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells. This triggers a cascade of biological effects that directly benefit damaged nerves:

• Increased ATP production — Cells produce more energy, accelerating the repair process
• Improved blood flow — Enhanced microcirculation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to nerve tissue
• Reduced inflammation — Inflammatory mediators decrease, relieving pressure on nerves
• Nerve regeneration support — Studies have shown that photobiomodulation (laser therapy) can promote nerve fiber regeneration and improve nerve conduction velocity

A 2017 systematic review published in Lasers in Medical Science found that low-level laser therapy improved pain scores, nerve conduction parameters, and overall function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

For patients whose neuropathy has been unresponsive to medication, laser therapy offers a fundamentally different mechanism of action — it supports healing rather than masking symptoms.

2. Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments play a critical role in neuropathy treatment when spinal nerve compression is contributing to the condition. Misaligned vertebrae compress nerve roots, disrupting the signals that travel through your peripheral nervous system. Restoring proper spinal alignment relieves that compression and allows nerve signals to transmit more effectively.

Even in cases where the primary cause of neuropathy is metabolic (diabetes, chemotherapy, etc.), spinal alignment matters. A nervous system that is free from structural interference functions better overall — and that improved function can make a meaningful difference in how your body manages and recovers from nerve damage.

3. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

For neuropathy patients with disc-related nerve compression — particularly in the lumbar spine (affecting the legs and feet) or cervical spine (affecting the arms and hands) — our FDA-cleared SpineMed decompression table provides targeted relief. By creating negative intradiscal pressure, the system draws herniated disc material away from compressed nerves and promotes the flow of nutrients into damaged discs.

Our SpineMed table offers both lumbar and cervical decompression, making it effective for neuropathy symptoms in the lower and upper extremities.

4. Corrective Exercises and Lifestyle Guidance

Our doctors — all of whom have passed the national board exam for physical therapy — prescribe targeted exercises to improve circulation, maintain mobility, and support nerve health. For diabetic neuropathy patients, we also discuss the lifestyle factors that directly influence nerve damage progression, including blood sugar management, nutrition, and activity level.

When a patient’s rehabilitation needs exceed what we provide in-house, we coordinate with trusted local physical therapists and medical providers to ensure comprehensive care. Neuropathy often benefits from a team approach, and we work collaboratively with your other healthcare providers.

5. Diagnostic Evaluation

A thorough evaluation is the foundation of effective neuropathy treatment. We perform a detailed neurological examination, assess sensation and reflexes, and can order X-rays or MRI to identify any spinal contribution to your symptoms. Understanding the full picture — metabolic, structural, and neurological — allows us to build a treatment plan that targets your specific type of neuropathy.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Neuropathy can feel overwhelming, especially if you have been told there is nothing more that can be done. At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, your first visit is focused on getting clear answers.

Detailed history. We ask about your symptoms — when they started, how they have progressed, what makes them better or worse. We review your medical history, medications, and any previous testing or diagnoses.

Neurological examination. We assess sensation, reflexes, strength, and coordination to determine the extent and pattern of nerve involvement.

Spinal evaluation. A thorough assessment of your spinal alignment identifies any structural compression that may be contributing to your neuropathy.

Imaging if needed. Our doctors can order X-rays or MRI to evaluate the spine for disc herniations, stenosis, or other structural causes of nerve compression.

Honest assessment. We tell you what we find, what we believe is contributing to your neuropathy, and whether our treatment approach is likely to help your specific case. Not every patient is a candidate for every treatment — and we will always be straightforward with you about what to expect.

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Why Choose McAlpine Chiropractic for Neuropathy Treatment

• Advanced laser technology — Class IV laser therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for peripheral neuropathy, and it is not available at most chiropractic or primary care offices in Holland, MI.
• Three experienced doctors — Dr. Phillip Maletta, Dr. Ben De Young, and Dr. Ann McAlpine bring decades of combined experience in treating nerve-related conditions.
• Spinal decompression for nerve compression — Our FDA-cleared SpineMed table treats both cervical and lumbar nerve compression — addressing neuropathy in the hands and feet from the source.
• Diagnostic capability — We can order X-rays and MRI to identify spinal causes of neuropathy that may have been overlooked.
• Comprehensive approach — We address structural, neurological, and functional factors in your neuropathy — not just the pain.
• Collaborative care — We work with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or oncologist to ensure your neuropathy treatment is coordinated with your overall medical care. Learn more about our team.

Patient Results

“Dr. Ann has a gift in figuring out what hurts and why and how. Second to none, hands down the best.” — Verified Google Review

“Doctor and staff are always so kind and professional.” — Verified Patient Review

[PLACEHOLDER — Add a neuropathy-specific patient testimonial here. Requires signed Testimonial and Consent Form. Check `4-Marketing/Testimonials/` for consent forms. Pull from Google reviews if a neuropathy, numbness, or tingling-related review exists. Ideal: a patient describing improvement in sensation or reduction in burning/tingling after treatment.]

(All testimonials used with permission. Individual results may vary.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropathy Treatment

Can a chiropractor help with neuropathy?

Yes. Chiropractic care addresses neuropathy from two angles. First, spinal adjustments correct vertebral misalignments and disc problems that may be compressing the nerve roots feeding your peripheral nerves. Second, Class IV laser therapy — available at our Holland, MI clinic — has been shown in clinical research to improve nerve function, reduce neuropathic pain, and support nerve regeneration at the cellular level. The combination of structural correction and laser therapy provides a comprehensive, non-pharmaceutical approach to neuropathy treatment.

Is neuropathy reversible?

It depends on the cause, the severity, and how long the condition has been present. Neuropathy caused by spinal nerve compression is often highly reversible when the structural problem is corrected. Diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may not be fully reversible, but treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, slow progression, and improve nerve function. Early intervention consistently produces better outcomes — the sooner treatment begins, the more nerve function can be preserved and restored.

What does neuropathy feel like?

Neuropathy most commonly presents as numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the feet or hands. Some patients describe it as a “pins and needles” sensation that does not go away. Others experience sharp, electric-shock-like jolts. As the condition progresses, it can include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, balance problems, and loss of sensation. Symptoms are often worse at night.

How long does neuropathy treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the type and severity of your neuropathy. Many patients notice improvement in pain and tingling within the first 4 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment. More advanced or long-standing neuropathy may require 3 to 6 months of care. Your treatment plan will include specific milestones so you can track your progress.

Does insurance cover neuropathy treatment at a chiropractor?

Most insurance plans in Michigan cover chiropractic care. Coverage for specific treatments like laser therapy varies by plan. Contact our office at 616-392-7031 and we can help you understand your coverage before your first visit.

What is the best treatment for neuropathy in the feet?

The best treatment depends on the cause. For neuropathy caused by spinal nerve compression, chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression can relieve the source of nerve damage directly. For diabetic neuropathy and other metabolic causes, Class IV laser therapy is one of the most effective available options — it improves blood flow to damaged nerves, reduces inflammation, and supports cellular repair. At McAlpine Chiropractic, we evaluate the full picture and build a treatment plan that addresses your specific type of neuropathy.

When should I see a doctor for numbness and tingling?

If you experience persistent numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of sensation in your hands or feet — especially if it is progressive (getting worse over time) — you should be evaluated promptly. Numbness and tingling are symptoms of nerve damage, and early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes. If you experience sudden numbness on one side of your body, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping, call 911 immediately — these may be signs of a stroke.

Your Nerves Are Worth Fighting For

Neuropathy is not something you have to accept as permanent. It is not something you have to manage forever with medication that only dulls the signals. Your peripheral nerves have the capacity to heal and regenerate when they are given the right conditions — and that is exactly what our treatment approach is designed to create.

McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI offers neuropathy treatment that goes beyond symptom management. We address the structural and cellular factors that are driving your nerve damage, and we track your progress every step of the way.

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