You beat cancer. But months — maybe years — after your last infusion, your feet still burn, your hands are numb, and your balance isn’t what it was. The oncologist told you it might improve on its own. It hasn’t.
The short answer: yes, many patients with chemo-induced neuropathy see measurable improvement with the right treatment. Of course, it depends on the severity of the nerve damage, the type of chemo you received, and how long symptoms have persisted — but “just give it time” and Gabapentin are not your only options. In fact, specialized programs exist that target the underlying nerve damage, and they’re producing results that medication alone cannot.
Why Chemo Damages Your Nerves
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill fast-dividing cancer cells. However, they’re not perfectly selective. Certain classes — particularly platinum-based agents (cisplatin, oxaliplatin), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), and vinca alkaloids (vincristine) — also damage peripheral nerve cells and the blood vessels that supply them.
The damage typically starts in the longest nerves first, which is why symptoms usually begin in the toes and fingertips and may spread upward over time. Depending on which nerves are affected, you might experience:
- Sensory symptoms — numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in feet and hands
- Motor symptoms — weakness, difficulty with buttons or zippers, or foot drop
- Autonomic symptoms — blood pressure changes, digestion issues, or temperature regulation problems
In fact, an estimated 30 to 70% of patients who receive neurotoxic chemo agents develop some degree of peripheral neuropathy. For many, it becomes the longest-lasting side effect of cancer treatment.
Does It Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes — partially. In some cases, patients see gradual improvement in the first 6 to 12 months after completing chemotherapy as the body clears the drug and some natural improvement occurs.
However, for a significant percentage of patients, symptoms persist beyond a year and become chronic. If your chemo ended more than 12 months ago and you’re still experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning, spontaneous recovery alone is unlikely to resolve it fully. At that point, the remaining nerve damage will likely require active intervention to improve.
What Your Oncologist May Not Have Mentioned
Oncology is focused on cancer treatment and survival — which is exactly what it should be focused on. But neuropathy management typically falls outside the oncologist’s specialty. As a result, the standard recommendation is often Gabapentin or Lyrica for symptom management, physical therapy for balance, and “give it time.”
What’s less commonly discussed is that specialized neuropathy treatment protocols exist that aim to improve nerve function rather than just mask symptoms. Specifically, these programs are offered by providers with dedicated training in peripheral neuropathy — not oncologists, not general practitioners, and not most chiropractors.
Treatments That Target the Nerve Damage
The Neuropathy Reversal Program at Accelerated Chiropractic in Morris, MN specifically addresses peripheral neuropathy — including chemo-induced cases. Instead of managing symptoms with medication, the program combines multiple therapies to address the underlying nerve damage:
Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic wave technology that stimulates blood flow and triggers the body’s natural response in damaged nerve tissue. Research shows it may support nerve function and increase myelin sheath thickness — the insulation that chemo drugs often damage.
Cold Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy that penetrates tissue to reduce inflammation and support nerve function at the cellular level. Published research on neuropathy patients demonstrated significant pain reduction with this approach.
Vibration Therapy
Specialized vibration protocols that improve circulation to the extremities and help re-educate damaged nerves. For chemo patients with reduced sensation, this can be particularly helpful in improving sensory feedback.
Nutritional Support
Chemotherapy often depletes nutrients critical for nerve health. Consequently, the program includes targeted nutritional support to give your nerves the building blocks they need to function properly.
Dr. Hamling holds a Neuropathy Treatment Certification through ClinicMasters — one of only 4 certified providers in Minnesota. The intake evaluation assesses your specific situation, including the type of chemo you received, how long ago treatment ended, and the current severity of your nerve damage.
Who Travels for This Program
Specialized neuropathy reversal isn’t available at every clinic. Because of this, patients travel to Morris from Alexandria (45 min), Willmar (60 min), Fergus Falls (70 min), St. Cloud (90 min), and Brainerd (2 hours). For chemo survivors in particular, the drive to a specialized provider is often worth it — because what’s available locally is typically limited to medication management.
You Survived Cancer. You Deserve to Feel Your Feet Again.
The $79 New Patient Assessment includes a 24-Point Nerve Health Assessment that objectively measures your current nerve function. No injections. No surgery. No medication.
Or call 320-585-7246
Sources
- Staff NP, Grisold A, Grisold W, Windebank AJ. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A current review. Annals of Neurology. 2017;81(6):772-781.
- Seretny M, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2014;155(12):2461-2470.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet. NIH. 2024.
Accelerated Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center
707 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN 56267