Have you been dealing with tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your hands or feet? Maybe it feels like pins and needles that won’t go away, or like you’re wearing invisible gloves? These frustrating symptoms could be signs of peripheral neuropathy, and you’re definitely not alone—millions of Americans experience this condition every year.
At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer understand how nerve issues can affect your daily life. While peripheral neuropathy can have various causes, many people don’t realize that the health of your upper cervical spine—specifically the top two bones in your neck—can play a significant role in overall nervous system function. Let’s talk about what’s happening in your body and how upper cervical care might help.
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What Exactly Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Think of your peripheral nerves as a vast communication network extending from your brain and spinal cord to every part of your body. These nerves are constantly sending messages back and forth—telling your muscles to move, letting you feel temperature and texture, and controlling automatic functions like your heartbeat and digestion.
When these nerves become damaged or aren’t working properly, that communication system breaks down. It’s like having static on a phone line—the messages don’t get through clearly, or they get distorted along the way.
There are three types of peripheral nerves that can be affected. Sensory nerves control what you feel, motor nerves control movement, and autonomic nerves handle those automatic functions your body does without you thinking about it. Most often, peripheral neuropathy affects the sensory nerves in your feet and hands, which is why those areas tend to show symptoms first.
What Does Peripheral Neuropathy Feel Like?
Peripheral neuropathy doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Your symptoms depend on which nerves are affected and how severe the damage is. But here are some of the common experiences our patients in Southaven describe:
The sensory symptoms are what most people notice first. You might feel numbness or tingling that usually starts in your feet or hands and gradually moves upward. Many people say it feels like “pins and needles,” or like they’re wearing socks or gloves when they’re not. Some experience sharp, stabbing, or burning pain. Others become overly sensitive to touch—even the weight of bedsheets can feel uncomfortable. On the flip side, some people lose sensation completely in certain areas, which can be dangerous if you injure yourself and don’t realize it.
Motor symptoms can show up as muscle weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or frequent stumbling. You might find yourself dropping things more often or having trouble with tasks that require fine motor control, like buttoning a shirt or picking up small objects.
Less commonly, autonomic symptoms can include excessive sweating, difficulty regulating body temperature, changes in blood pressure, or digestive issues.
Here’s the important thing: if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t just brush them off. Early intervention is crucial for preventing the condition from getting worse and maintaining your quality of life.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Understanding what’s causing your peripheral neuropathy is really important for figuring out the best way to address it. There are quite a few potential causes, and sometimes multiple factors are at play.
Diabetes is the number one cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. When blood sugar stays elevated over time, it damages nerve fibers throughout your body, especially in your legs and feet. About half of people with diabetes develop some form of diabetic neuropathy.
Physical trauma or injury can directly damage peripheral nerves. We’re talking about car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or even repetitive stress from certain jobs or activities. This is where things get interesting from an upper cervical perspective—spinal misalignments can put pressure on nerve roots as they exit your spine, which can contribute to neuropathic symptoms.
Nutritional deficiencies are another common culprit. Your nerves need specific nutrients to stay healthy, particularly B vitamins (especially B12), vitamin E, and niacin. Without adequate levels, nerve damage can develop over time.
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause your immune system to mistakenly attack your own nerve tissue. Other causes include certain medications (chemotherapy drugs are notorious for this), infections, alcohol abuse, kidney or liver disease, and exposure to toxins.
Sometimes, despite thorough investigation, doctors can’t identify a specific cause. This is called idiopathic neuropathy, and it’s more common than you might think.
The Upper Cervical Connection: How Your Neck Affects Your Nerves
Here’s where things get really interesting, and this is what we specialize in at Desoto Upper Cervical. Your entire nervous system is coordinated through your brain and spinal cord. The upper cervical spine—specifically your atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae—sits right where your brainstem transitions into your spinal cord. This is an incredibly important area.
When your atlas or axis becomes misaligned, even slightly, it can affect the entire nervous system in several ways. First, the misalignment can directly irritate nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord. Second, it can interfere with the brainstem, which controls many autonomic functions and helps coordinate nerve signals throughout your body. Third, it can affect cerebrospinal fluid flow and blood circulation to the brain and peripheral nerves.
Think of your upper cervical spine as a master control center. When there’s interference at this level, it can have downstream effects throughout your entire nervous system—including your peripheral nerves.
Now, let’s be clear: upper cervical care isn’t going to cure diabetic neuropathy or reverse nerve damage from chemotherapy. But if spinal misalignment is contributing to your symptoms or making them worse, addressing that misalignment can help your nervous system function more effectively. Many of our patients find that their symptoms improve when we correct upper cervical subluxations and restore proper nerve communication.
How Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology Can Help
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two highly specialized techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. These aren’t your typical chiropractic adjustments with twisting and popping. Instead, they’re incredibly precise corrections focused specifically on your upper neck.
Here’s how the process works. We use detailed imaging and specialized analysis to determine the exact angle and direction of your atlas misalignment. Then we use a gentle, instrument-assisted adjustment that’s so precise and controlled, most patients barely feel it happen. There’s no forceful manipulation or twisting of your neck.
When we restore proper alignment to your atlas and axis, several things happen that can benefit peripheral nerve function:
First, we remove nerve interference at the upper cervical level. When your atlas is properly aligned, nerve signals can flow more freely between your brain and the rest of your body. This improved communication can help reduce abnormal pain signals and improve sensation.
Second, proper alignment enhances circulation. Better blood flow means your nerves receive more oxygen and nutrients they need for optimal function and healing. It also helps remove inflammatory substances that can contribute to nerve irritation.
Third, correcting upper cervical misalignments can reduce overall inflammation in your body. Less inflammation means less pressure on nerves and potentially less pain.
Fourth, when your nervous system is functioning better overall, your body’s natural healing mechanisms work more effectively. We’re essentially removing obstacles that might be preventing your body from healing itself.
What to Expect at Desoto Upper Cervical
When you come to our office at 1134 Church Rd W in Southaven, your first visit will be comprehensive. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will take time to understand your complete health history, including when your symptoms started, what they feel like, what makes them better or worse, and any diagnoses you’ve received.
We’ll perform a thorough neurological examination to assess nerve function and identify any areas of concern. We’ll also take specialized upper cervical imaging to see exactly what’s happening with your atlas and axis alignment. This precision is crucial—we need to know the exact nature of your misalignment to correct it properly.
Based on our findings, we’ll develop a personalized care plan. If we find upper cervical misalignment that could be contributing to your symptoms, we’ll explain exactly how correction could help. If we determine that your neuropathy is primarily from another cause (like diabetes or a nutritional deficiency), we’ll be honest about that and may refer you to other specialists while still supporting your overall nerve health through upper cervical care.
Treatment is typically progressive. Unlike taking a pain pill that works immediately, correcting spinal alignment and improving nerve function takes time. Many patients notice gradual improvements over several weeks—maybe reduced pain, better sensation, improved coordination, or fewer symptoms overall. The timeline varies based on how severe your neuropathy is, how long you’ve had it, and what’s causing it.
Supporting Your Nerve Health Beyond Adjustments
While upper cervical corrections are powerful, there are things you can do at home to support your nerve health and manage symptoms. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer will provide specific recommendations based on your situation, but here are some general guidelines:
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, managing your blood sugar is absolutely critical. This is non-negotiable for preventing further nerve damage. Work closely with your medical doctor on this.
Stay active with regular, low-impact exercise. Walking, swimming, or cycling can improve circulation and maintain nerve function. Just be careful if you have reduced sensation in your feet—wear proper shoes and check your feet daily for any injuries you might not have felt.
Pay attention to nutrition. Foods rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants support nerve health. We can provide guidance on specific nutritional strategies that might help your situation.
Avoid things that damage nerves. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking both worsen neuropathy symptoms. If you’re struggling with either, we can point you toward resources to help.
Manage stress effectively. Chronic stress can heighten pain perception and worsen symptoms. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help.
Protect your extremities. If you have reduced sensation, you’re at risk for injuries you won’t notice. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Check your feet daily. Avoid extreme temperatures. These precautions can prevent complications.
Commonly Asked Questions About Upper Cervical Care and Neuropathy
Can upper cervical care cure my peripheral neuropathy?
Let’s be honest about this. “Cure” is a strong word, and it depends entirely on what’s causing your neuropathy and how severe it is. If spinal misalignment is a contributing factor to your symptoms, correcting that misalignment can lead to significant improvement. Some patients experience dramatic relief. However, if your neuropathy is from diabetes, chemotherapy, or advanced nerve damage, we’re working to optimize nerve function and prevent further damage rather than reverse existing damage. We’ll always be upfront with you about realistic expectations for your specific situation.
How long will it take to see improvement?
This varies considerably from person to person. Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks of care—maybe reduced pain, better sensation, or improved function. Others take several months to see significant improvement. Factors that affect your timeline include the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had symptoms, what’s causing it, and your overall health. Consistency with your care plan is crucial. We’ll monitor your progress closely and adjust our approach as needed.
Should I still see my medical doctor?
Absolutely, yes. Upper cervical care is not a replacement for medical care—it’s a complement to it. If you have diabetes, you need to continue managing that with your physician. If you’re on medications, keep taking them as prescribed. If you haven’t been evaluated by a medical doctor for your neuropathy, we’ll likely recommend that you do so to rule out serious underlying causes. We believe in collaborative care and are happy to work with your medical team to give you the best possible outcomes.
Is the treatment painful?
Not at all. The Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology adjustments we use at Desoto Upper Cervical are gentle and precise. Most patients barely feel anything during the adjustment itself. You might experience some mild soreness afterward, similar to what you’d feel after starting a new exercise routine, but this typically resolves within a day or two. The adjustments themselves are comfortable and safe.
Will I need ongoing treatment forever?
Not necessarily. Our goal is to correct your misalignment, stabilize your spine, and help your body maintain proper alignment. Many patients complete an initial series of corrections and then transition to periodic maintenance care—maybe once a month or even less frequently. Some patients find they don’t need ongoing care once their body stabilizes. It really depends on your individual situation, your lifestyle, and whether you have ongoing factors that contribute to misalignment. We’ll discuss realistic expectations with you.
Can upper cervical care help if I’ve already tried other treatments?
Yes, often it can. Many of our patients come to us after trying medications, physical therapy, or other approaches with limited success. If upper cervical misalignment hasn’t been addressed yet, that could be a missing piece of your treatment puzzle. Even if you’re currently receiving other treatments, upper cervical care can often be safely combined with them to enhance your overall results. The key is addressing your nerve health from multiple angles.
Take the First Step Toward Better Nerve Function
Look, peripheral neuropathy is frustrating. It affects your comfort, your mobility, your independence, and your quality of life. You might feel like you’ve tried everything, or maybe you’re just starting to figure out what’s wrong. Either way, we want you to know that there’s hope.
At Desoto Upper Cervical, we don’t make promises we can’t keep. We won’t tell you that upper cervical care is a magic cure for every type of neuropathy. What we will do is thoroughly evaluate your upper cervical spine, determine if misalignment is contributing to your symptoms, and provide precise, gentle corrections that optimize your nervous system function.
Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer have helped many patients in Southaven and throughout the Mid-South region improve their nerve function and reduce neuropathy symptoms through specialized upper cervical care. We take a comprehensive, honest approach—if we can help you, we’ll tell you how. If we think another specialist would be more appropriate, we’ll tell you that too.
You deserve to understand what’s happening in your body and to explore all your options for managing peripheral neuropathy. Upper cervical care might be exactly what you’ve been missing.
Desoto Upper Cervical is located at 1134 Church Rd W in Southaven, MS. Call us at (662) 393-4848 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Let’s figure out together whether upper cervical misalignment is playing a role in your neuropathy symptoms and develop a personalized plan to help you feel better.
Don’t let peripheral neuropathy continue limiting your life. Give us a call today and let’s start working toward better nerve health and improved quality of life. You’ve got nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
