Numbness & Neuropathy in Los Gatos
If you’re looking for a numbness and neuropathy chiropractor in Los Gatos, CA, you’re probably dealing with symptoms that feel weird, frustrating, and sometimes a little scary. “Neuropathy” simply means a nerve is irritated or not communicating normally. That can show up as numbness, tingling, burning, “pins and needles,” or weakness.
Peripheral neuropathy affects distant nerves, while radiculopathy is nerve irritation where it exits the spine. Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC often explains it with his “hose” analogy: your brain is the water source, your nervous system is the hose, and spinal misalignments are like stepping on the hose—signals don’t get through at 100%. Our job is to figure out why your symptoms are happening and whether joint mechanics, disc compression, posture, or another factor is driving your numbness.
Signs & Symptoms
Numbness and neuropathy symptoms can be loud (burning pain) or subtle (a “dead” thumb that comes and goes). The important part is pattern: where it starts, what makes it worse, and whether it’s spreading. Here are common signs we hear at On Purpose Chiropractic in Los Gatos:
- Tingling or pins-and-needles in hands or feet that flares after sitting, driving, or sleeping in one position for too long.
- “Sock” or “glove” numbness where sensation feels dulled, making it harder to feel the ground, hold small objects, or notice temperature.
- Burning or buzzing at night that interrupts sleep and makes you constantly adjust your legs, feet, arms, or shoulders.
- Radiating arm or leg symptoms like sciatica-style sensations traveling into the toes, or neck issues referring down into fingers.
- Weakness or clumsiness such as dropping items, tripping more often, or feeling less stable during workouts or stairs.
If numbness comes with sudden, significant weakness, major balance changes, or other rapid neurological changes, it’s smart to loop in your primary health provider right away.
Common Causes
Numbness and tingling are symptoms, not a diagnosis. That’s why we look at the “why” behind it. Some causes are mechanical (spine, discs, joints), and others are systemic (metabolism, vitamin levels, circulation). Common contributors include:
- Disc bulges or herniations where disc material crowds nearby nerves and creates radiating symptoms into the arm, hand, leg, foot, or toes.
- Spinal degeneration and arthritis changes that narrow the exit space for nerves over time, especially when spinal “physics” are off.
- Posture stress (“text neck”) from looking down at screens and laptops, which can load the neck and lead to arm/hand tingling patterns.
- Sciatica-type nerve root compression in the low back, often felt as pain, tingling, or numbness running down the buttock into the leg and toes.
- Hip and pelvic imbalance where one hip sits higher or twists, changing lower-body mechanics and adding stress down the chain into knees, ankles, feet.
We also consider non-spinal causes (like blood sugar issues or vitamin deficiencies) and will recommend medical co-management when that’s the appropriate next step.
How We Diagnose It
Dr. Kleinberg is very direct about this: “We don’t diagnose pain. The patients tell us they’re in pain… We diagnose why pain is happening.” The same approach applies to numbness and neuropathy symptoms.
Your first visit typically includes a detailed history (where symptoms start, what triggers them, and how they’re changing), plus a focused physical exam. We check posture, range of motion, and joint motion, and Dr. Kleinberg palpates the spine with his hands while also looking at leg length and overall balance. If your symptoms suggest a spinal or disc-driven issue, we often use full-spine digital X-rays to see alignment and disc spacing patterns, because “X-rays tell the tale.”
If you already have imaging like an MRI, we’ll review it (we do not have MRI in-office). If symptoms require it, we’ll recommend the right referral so you’re not guessing.
Treatment Approach & What to Expect
Our care is non-invasive and medication-free, with a focus on improving mechanics and reducing pressure on irritated nerves. Dr. Kleinberg is a “pretty straight chiropractor”—meaning the core of care is specific spinal adjusting, and when appropriate, decompression for disc and severe degeneration cases.
A typical plan may look like:
- Chiropractic adjustments (full-spine focus) to reduce interference and improve the way the brain communicates with the body.
- Targeted extremity adjustments when a joint-based issue is part of the chain (wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, ankle), based on exam findings.
- Spinal decompression therapy for disc compression patterns. The table cycles pull and release (about 50% release), “pumping the discs,” encouraging rehydration and more space for the nerve.
- Home guidance on posture, work habits, strengthening, and stretching to avoid re-aggravating the problem.
Many patients begin with either a three-month corrective care plan (adjustments) or a two-month combination plan (adjustments + decompression), usually three times per week, with re-checks and re-X-rays to track progress.
Patient Education & Self‑Care Tips
Neuropathy and numbness can feel random, but small daily habits often make a big difference. Here are simple, safe steps we commonly recommend alongside in-office care:
- Change your “default posture.” Raise screens, bring your phone up to eye level, and avoid long stretches of “text neck.”
- Take movement breaks every 30–45 minutes. A short walk or gentle standing back-bend can reduce prolonged nerve stress from sitting.
- Do light mobility and stretching daily. Gentle hip, hamstring, and thoracic mobility can ease tension that contributes to nerve irritation.
- Support neck curve if recommended. Some patients benefit from durable home tools like a Posture Pump for neck curve restoration.
- Track your pattern. Note which positions trigger tingling (driving, side-sleeping, desk work). That helps us dial in the real cause faster.
If symptoms are steadily worsening or you’re noticing significant weakness, coordinate with your primary care provider while we address the mechanical side.
Long-Term Effects of Ignoring It
Numbness is your body’s way of saying, “Something isn’t firing correctly.” And while symptoms sometimes come and go, ignoring the pattern can allow the underlying pressure or dysfunction to continue. Timely care matters because nerve irritation is often easier to calm earlier.
Possible long-term consequences include:
- Progression from tingling to persistent numbness, with less reliable sensation in fingers or feet and more difficulty with fine motor control.
- Worsening mechanics and spinal decay over time when “physics” stay off, potentially creating more crowding where nerves exit.
- Balance and gait changes that increase fall risk, especially when you can’t feel the ground clearly or your foot placement becomes less precise.
- Chronic sleep disruption and reduced activity, because burning, buzzing, or leg symptoms make it hard to rest and harder to stay consistent with exercise.
We keep it educational, not scary: the goal is to catch it early, understand it clearly, and build a plan you can stick with.
Why Choose On Purpose Chiropractic for Numbness & Neuropathy
When you’re dealing with nerve symptoms, you want thoroughness, clarity, and a plan that makes sense. Here’s what patients appreciate about working with Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC:
- 25 years of experience and practice in multiple countries, with a calm, confident approach and empathy from being a long-time chiropractic patient himself.
- A “why-first” evaluation style: posture, palpation, range of motion, leg length, balance testing, and full-spine digital X-rays for objective insight.
- Focus on spinal “physics” and correction, not just short-term symptom chasing, especially when nerve pressure and disc space loss are involved.
- Spinal decompression available in-house using the Dr x9 1000, designed to support disc rehydration and nerve space over time.
- Clear milestones and progress tracking, including re-exams and re-X-rays at the end of plans to see structural changes.
If you’re searching for a neuropathy chiropractor in Los Gatos, CA, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and map out the next steps.
Case Study
A memorable case Dr. Kleinberg shared involved a 71-year-old who could barely walk and had intense sciatic-type leg symptoms. He had “been to every doctor,” and at one point even had a vertebra stabilized in a way that left “concrete in his spine.” He was dealing with severe nerve irritation down one leg.
We started him on a chiropractic and decompression plan, using specific adjustments paired with 20-minute decompression sessions multiple times per week. Over the next few months, his mobility steadily improved. Within about three to four months, he was able to go on a cruise with his wife and even returned to playing golf.
Every case is different, and results vary, but it’s a solid example of what can happen when the mechanical source of nerve compression is addressed consistently.
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FAQs
Can numbness and neuropathy improve?
Often, yes—especially when symptoms are coming from mechanical nerve irritation (disc compression, posture, joint restriction). The key is identifying the true driver.
Do you “treat” neuropathy from diabetes?
We don’t claim to treat the underlying medical condition. We can help with spinal mechanics and nerve irritation that may be contributing to symptoms, and we coordinate with your medical team.
Do I need an MRI first?
Not always. We commonly start with a thorough exam and X-rays. If you already have an MRI, we review it; if needed, we’ll refer out.
Is spinal decompression safe?
For appropriate candidates, it’s gentle and non-invasive. It uses a controlled pull-and-release pattern designed to “pump” and rehydrate discs over time.
How many visits does it usually take?
Many patients notice changes within two to four weeks, and decompression patients often feel significant changes within about two weeks, depending on severity and consistency.
