Peripheral neuropathy is a common and often confusing condition for many people in El Paso, especially in a region where diabetes rates are higher than the national average. Many residents ask similar questions about why they feel burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in their feet, legs, hands, or arms—and what they can do beyond taking medications.
This article explains neuropathy in clear, simple terms. It answers the most common local questions and highlights how integrative chiropractic care and nurse practitioners (NPs) work together to improve function, comfort, and quality of life. Clinical insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, are included throughout.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord—become damaged or irritated. These nerves control:
Sensation (feeling hot, cold, pain, vibration)
Movement (muscle control and coordination)
Automatic body functions (sweating, digestion, blood pressure)
When nerves do not send signals correctly, symptoms can feel intense, confusing, and sometimes frightening (West Texas Pain Institute, n.d.; Frontier Neurology, n.d.).
Common Neuropathy Symptoms People in El Paso Ask About
Many people in El Paso describe similar symptoms when seeking care. These symptoms may come on slowly or appear suddenly.
Common symptoms include:
Burning or sharp pain
Tingling or “pins and needles”
Numbness in the feet or hands
Electric or shooting pain
Muscle weakness
Balance problems
Sensitivity to touch
Cramping or spasms
In more advanced cases, people may notice changes in sweating, digestion, bladder control, or sexual function (Frontier Neurology, n.d.; El Paso Pain Center, n.d.).
Why Is Neuropathy So Common in El Paso?
One major reason neuropathy is common in this region is the high rate of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most frequent forms of nerve damage seen locally.
Other common causes include:
Diabetes and prediabetes
Poor blood circulation
Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
Spine problems affecting nerve roots
Repetitive stress or physical strain
Prior injuries or accidents
Certain medications
Alcohol overuse
Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
Many people have more than one contributing factor, which is why a full evaluation matters (West Texas Pain Institute, 2023; Medicos Family Clinic, n.d.).
How Does Diabetic Neuropathy Affect the Body?
Diabetic neuropathy often starts in the feet and moves upward. High blood sugar can damage small blood vessels that feed the nerves, leading to poor signal transmission.
Common diabetic neuropathy complaints include:
Burning feet at night
Loss of sensation
Increased risk of cuts and ulcers
Changes in walking or posture
Reduced balance and higher fall risk
If not addressed early, diabetic neuropathy can lead to infections, slow healing, and mobility loss (El Paso Feet, n.d.; iVascular Center, n.d.).
How Is Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is not based solely on symptoms. A proper evaluation looks at the whole person.
A comprehensive neuropathy assessment may include:
Detailed health history
Review of blood sugar control
Neurological exams
Sensory testing
Reflex testing
Imaging (when spine involvement is suspected)
Nerve conduction or muscle testing when needed
Dr. Jimenez emphasizes that neuropathy symptoms often overlap with spinal nerve compression or musculoskeletal problems, making dual-scope evaluation important (Jimenez, n.d.-a; Nonsurgical Spine Center, n.d.).
Can Neuropathy Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. Most people in El Paso are looking for non-invasive options before considering surgery or long-term medications.
Non-surgical care may include:
Lifestyle and nutrition support
Blood sugar management
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Laser therapy
Nerve stimulation therapies
Supportive bracing or footwear
Stress and sleep optimization
Many patients improve when multiple strategies are combined instead of relying on a single treatment (P3 Physical Therapy, n.d.; El Paso Feet, n.d.).
How Chiropractic Care Helps Neuropathy
Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal alignment, joint motion, and nerve communication. When the spine moves better, nerves often function more efficiently.
Chiropractic strategies for neuropathy may include:
Gentle spinal adjustments
Mobilization of stiff joints
Postural correction
Nerve decompression techniques
Soft tissue therapy
Movement guidance
Clinical observations from Dr. Jimenez show that correcting spinal stress patterns may reduce nerve irritation and help improve signal flow, especially in people with overlapping back, neck, and nerve symptoms (Jimenez, n.d.-b; El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
What Role Do Nurse Practitioners Play in Neuropathy Care?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential in integrative neuropathy management. They look beyond symptoms to underlying causes.
NP-led support often includes:
Ordering and reviewing labs
Managing diabetes and metabolic health
Addressing vitamin deficiencies
Evaluating medication side effects
Monitoring nerve-related complications
Coordinating referrals when needed
Dr. Jimenez’s dual training enables both structural and medical evaluation, which helps identify why neuropathy is occurring—not just where it hurts (Jimenez, n.d.-c).
Why Integrative Care Works Better Than One Approach Alone
Neuropathy rarely has a single cause. That is why integrative care—combining chiropractic, medical, and lifestyle strategies—often leads to better results.
Benefits of integrative neuropathy care include:
More accurate diagnosis
Personalized treatment plans
Reduced reliance on pain medication
Improved balance and movement
Better long-term nerve health
Higher quality of life
This team-based approach is especially helpful for people with diabetes, prior injuries, or long-standing symptoms (HealthCoach Clinic, n.d.; Pain and Wellness Institute, n.d.).
Can Physical Therapy Help With Nerve Damage?
Yes. Physical therapy helps retrain movement patterns and strengthen muscles that protect affected nerves.
Physical therapy may help by:
Improving circulation
Restoring muscle strength
Enhancing balance
Reducing fall risk
Teaching safe movement strategies
When combined with chiropractic care and NP oversight, physical therapy often accelerates recovery (P3 Physical Therapy, n.d.).
Are Lifestyle Choices Important for Neuropathy?
Absolutely. Many daily habits can either support or worsen nerve health.
Lifestyle factors that matter include:
Blood sugar control
Smoking cessation
Reducing alcohol intake
Wearing supportive footwear
Managing stress
Getting quality sleep
Staying physically active
Even small changes can reduce symptom flare-ups over time (Modern Pain Houston, n.d.; Dr. Dennis Harris, n.d.).
Emotional and Social Support for Neuropathy
Living with nerve pain can affect mood, sleep, and mental health. Support matters.
Helpful resources include:
Patient education programs
Counseling or stress management
Peer support groups
Family involvement in care planning
Support groups, including virtual options, help many people feel less alone and more empowered (Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, n.d.).
When Should You Seek Care for Neuropathy?
You should seek professional evaluation if you notice:
Persistent numbness or tingling
Burning or sharp pain
Muscle weakness
Balance problems
Foot wounds that heal slowly
Symptoms that worsen at night
Early care can prevent complications and slow progression (West Texas Pain Institute, n.d.; Frontier Neurology, n.d.).
Key Takeaway for El Paso Residents
Neuropathy is common in El Paso, but it does not have to control your life. Understanding symptoms, addressing root causes—especially diabetes—and choosing integrative, non-invasive care can make a real difference.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s clinical approach highlights the importance of combining chiropractic care, nurse practitioner oversight, and lifestyle strategies to support nerve health, mobility, and long-term wellness.
References
Dr. Dennis Harris. (n.d.). Common questions about neuropathy. https://www.drdennisharris.com/common-questions-about-neuropathy/
El Paso Back Clinic. (n.d.). Chiropractic care and peripheral neuropathy recovery. https://elpasobackclinic.com/chiropractic-care-and-peripheral-neuropathy-recovery/
El Paso Feet. (n.d.). Laser therapy for diabetic neuropathy. https://www.elpasofeet.com/blog/laser-therapy-for-diabetic-neuropathy
El Paso Pain Center. (n.d.). Sharp, throbbing, burning pain. https://elpasopaincenter.net/sharpthrobbingburningpain/
Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. (n.d.). Support groups. https://www.foundationforpn.org/support-groups/
Frontier Neurology. (n.d.). Neuropathy services. https://www.frontierneurology.net/services/neuropathy
HealthCoach Clinic. (n.d.). Chiropractic care strategies for peripheral neuropathy. https://healthcoach.clinic/chiropractic-care-strategies-for-peripheral-neuropathy-pain/
iVascular Center. (n.d.). Peripheral neuropathy overview. https://ivascularcenter.com/peripheral-neuropathy/
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-a). Safe chiropractic care in El Paso. https://dralexjimenez.com/safe-chiropractic-care-in-el-paso-what-to-expect/
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-b). Managing peripheral neuropathy. https://dralexjimenez.com/managing-peripheral-neuropathy-effective-treatment-strategies/
Jimenez, A. (n.d.-c). Chiropractic care and recovery for diabetic neuropathy. https://dralexjimenez.com/chiropractic-care-and-recovery-for-diabetic-neuropathy/
Medicos Family Clinic. (n.d.). Understanding neuropathy screening. https://www.medicosfamilyclinic.com/understanding-neuropathy-screening
Modern Pain Houston. (n.d.). Neuropathy triggers and relief. https://www.modernpainhouston.com/neuropathy-triggers-relief
Nonsurgical Spine Center. (n.d.). Five questions about peripheral neuropathy. https://nonsurgicalspinecenter.com/5-questions-about-peripheral-neuropathy/
P3 Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Nerve damage and physical therapy. https://p3ptpro.com/conditions/nerve-damage/
West Texas Pain Institute. (n.d.). Peripheral neuropathy services. https://www.westtexaspain.com/services/peripheral-neuropathy
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and physical medicine, as well as wellness, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. We utilize functional health and wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice. Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and to identify relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol. To discuss the subject matter above further, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or us at 915-50-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
