A Pattern Patients Report Every January
Mid-January in Lubbock tends to bring the coldest, most consistent stretch of winter weather, and Dr. Brett Chavez hears the same thing from patients managing neuropathy almost every year: their burning, tingling, or numb sensations in the hands or feet get noticeably worse once temperatures drop and stay down. There’s a real physiological reason behind that pattern, and understanding it helps set realistic expectations for what treatment can accomplish.
Why Cold Makes Neuropathy Symptoms Worse
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels near the skin’s surface to constrict as the body prioritizes keeping the core warm, which reduces blood flow to the extremities, exactly the areas neuropathy already affects most. Nerves that are already compromised, whether from a compression issue, metabolic condition, or another underlying cause, tend to be more sensitive to that reduced circulation, which is why cold-induced symptom flares are such a consistent complaint this time of year.
What Chiropractic Care Can Address
It’s important to be direct about this: chiropractic care does not treat every cause of neuropathy, and a thorough exam is necessary to understand what’s driving a given patient’s symptoms before recommending any treatment plan. Where chiropractic care has a role is in cases involving nerve compression along the spine or extremities that’s contributing to or worsening the neuropathy symptoms, such as a restricted joint in the low back or neck adding pressure to a nerve root, or numbness and tingling related to postural or mechanical issues rather than purely metabolic causes like diabetes.
Dr. Chavez evaluates each case to determine whether there’s a mechanical, correctable component contributing to the symptoms, and is upfront when a patient’s presentation suggests the primary driver needs to be managed by their physician rather than through chiropractic care alone. The two approaches often work well together rather than one replacing the other.
What an Evaluation Involves
A visit for neuropathy symptoms includes a detailed history, since the pattern, location, and progression of symptoms give important clues, along with a neurological exam checking sensation, reflexes, and strength. Dr. Chavez also assesses spinal and joint mobility to identify any mechanical contributors that chiropractic care could realistically help.
Managing Symptoms Through Cold Weather
- Keep hands and feet warm and dry, since wet cold accelerates the vasoconstriction that worsens symptoms
- Layer socks and gloves rather than relying on a single thick layer, which traps warm air more effectively
- Stay active with gentle movement, since circulation improves with activity even when it’s cold outside
- Avoid direct high heat on numb areas, like a space heater held too close, since reduced sensation increases burn risk without the usual warning signs
- Keep any physician-managed underlying condition, such as blood sugar control for diabetic neuropathy, on track through the winter months
When to Get Evaluated
Any new or worsening numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness deserves a proper evaluation rather than being written off as “just the cold.” Dr. Chavez can help determine whether there’s a mechanical component worth addressing and will coordinate with a patient’s physician when the picture points toward a cause outside the scope of chiropractic care.
If cold weather has your neuropathy symptoms flaring, schedule a new patient visit at Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX for a thorough evaluation.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet,” ninds.nih.gov
- American Diabetes Association, “Neuropathy,” diabetes.org
