Discover how chiropractic care can help address nerve damage, gluten sensitivities, and support overall health and recovery.

Gluten Sensitivity and Nerve Damage: Functional Medicine and Chiropractic Solutions

If you’ve ever experienced tingling in your hands or feet, unexplained burning pain, or persistent fatigue after consuming gluten-containing foods like bread or pasta, you may be suffering from the effects of gluten sensitivity. These symptoms could signal nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, a condition that’s more common than many realize. At our clinic, we specialize in natural, nonsurgical solutions to help you heal. Through functional medicine, chiropractic care, targeted exercises, therapies like massage and acupuncture, and personalized nutrition plans, we address the root causes of nerve damage to promote your body’s natural healing and prevent long-term issues. This isn’t just about masking symptoms—it’s about restoring health through clear communication and a patient-centered approach.

This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, written for a high school reading level, explores the link between gluten sensitivity and nerve damage, explains the clinical rationale for chiropractic and functional medicine interventions, and provides actionable steps to reclaim your health. Drawing on insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, and supported by scientific research, this 5,200-word article offers a comprehensive roadmap to wellness. Let’s dive in.

What Is Gluten Sensitivity? A Whole-Body Concern

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is a staple in many diets, from sandwiches to cereals. For most, it’s harmless, but for those with gluten sensitivity, it triggers an immune response that can affect more than just the gut. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) impacts up to 6% of the population and is often misdiagnosed due to its diverse symptoms (Cárdenas-Torres et al., 2021). Unlike celiac disease, which damages the small intestine, NCGS can cause neurological symptoms, including nerve damage, without obvious digestive clues.

Signs You Might Have Gluten Sensitivity

Common symptoms include:

• Bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements.
• Persistent skin rashes or itching.
• Frequent headaches or brain fog that clouds your thinking.
• Joint pain or muscle stiffness.
• Nerve-related issues like tingling, numbness, or burning in the extremities.

These symptoms can worsen over time, leading to chronic issues if ignored. Research shows gluten sensitivity can disrupt the gut-brain axis, causing inflammation that affects nerves (Mitsikostas & Di Luca, 2022).

How Gluten Sensitivity Causes Nerve Damage

Peripheral neuropathy, the primary nerve condition linked to gluten sensitivity, damages nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, disrupting sensation, movement, or organ function. Here’s how gluten plays a role:

1. Autoimmune Attack: Gluten can trigger antibodies that mistakenly target nerve cells or the myelin sheath, the protective nerve coating, similar to mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (Ludvigsson et al., 2013, as cited in El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
2. Nutrient Malabsorption: Gluten-induced gut inflammation impairs absorption of nerve-essential nutrients like vitamin B12, leading to neuropathy (Fasano, 2011, as cited in El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
3. Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption: Chronic inflammation may weaken the barrier protecting the brain, allowing toxins to irritate nerves (Hadjivassiliou et al., 2016, as cited in Cárdenas-Torres et al., 2021).
4. Inflammatory Nerve Damage: Gluten sensitivity can inflame sensory neurons, causing painful neuropathy (Mitsikostas & Di Luca, 2022).

Studies show celiac patients are 2.5 times more likely to develop neuropathy, and up to 30% of NCGS patients report neurological symptoms (Ludvigsson et al., 2013; Fasano, 2011). Our clinic sees similar patterns, with patients finding relief through integrative care.

Symptoms of Neuropathy to Watch For

Early signs include:

• Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes, like they’re “falling asleep.”
• Burning or stinging pain, often worse at night.
• Heightened sensitivity to touch, where even light contact hurts.
• Muscle weakness, making it hard to grip or walk.

Advanced symptoms may include:

• Balance problems, increasing fall risk.
• Sharp, shooting pains in arms or legs.
• Autonomic issues like irregular heart rate or digestive troubles.

These conditions can mimic symptoms of diabetes, so accurate diagnosis is crucial (Kamble et al., 2019).

Diagnosing Gluten Sensitivity and Neuropathy

Our functional medicine approach starts with a thorough diagnosis to identify root causes. We use:

• Blood Tests: To check for inflammation or celiac-related antibodies like anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA).
• Gluten Challenge: Supervised reintroduction of gluten to monitor symptom flare-ups (Cárdenas-Torres et al., 2021).
• Neurological Testing: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function (Kamble et al., 2019).
• Nutritional Analysis: Screening for deficiencies like B12 that contribute to neuropathy.

NCGS is often confirmed by ruling out celiac disease and wheat allergy, followed by verifying symptom improvement on a gluten-free diet. Our detailed lab work ensures a personalized plan.

Why Chiropractic Care Helps: The Clinical Rationale

Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of our approach to gluten-related neuropathy. Spinal misalignments, or subluxations, can compress nerves, worsening inflammation and pain. Our adjustments, guided by Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s expertise, relieve this pressure to support nerve healing.

The Science Behind Chiropractic

1. Reducing Nerve Compression: Adjustments realign the spine, easing pressure on nerve roots and improving blood flow to aid repair (Jimenez, n.d.a).
2. Lowering Inflammation: Manipulations stimulate anti-inflammatory responses, countering gluten’s effects (Mitsikostas & Di Luca, 2022).
3. Enhancing Nerve Signals: Alignment improves proprioception, retraining damaged nerves (Seyedizadeh et al., 2020).
4. Supporting Gut-Brain Health: Adjustments influence the vagus nerve, reducing gut-brain inflammation linked to gluten sensitivity (Jimenez, n.d.b).

Research supports this: spinal manipulation reduces pain and boosts mobility in neuropathy patients (Seyedizadeh et al., 2020). Dr. Jimenez explains, “Chiropractic removes obstacles to healing, empowering the body’s natural recovery” (Jimenez, n.d.a).

Dr. Alexander Jimenez: A Leader in Functional Medicine

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, brings over 30 years of experience in chiropractic and functional medicine. Board-certified in family practice and functional medicine, he integrates nutrition, lab testing, and wellness to address neuropathy holistically. On LinkedIn, he emphasizes patient empowerment: “Understanding your condition transforms pain into progress” (Jimenez, n.d.c).

Dr. Jimenez’s Approach

• In-Depth Assessments: Using genetics, lifestyle, and lab data for tailored plans.
• Targeted Adjustments: Focusing on nerve roots affected by gluten inflammation.
• Nutritional Coaching: Guiding gluten-free diets to reduce triggers.

Dr. Jimenez’s protocols, including “Neuro-Gen” supplements, have helped patients like Maria, a 45-year-old teacher, reduce tingling by 80% in three months through chiropractic and diet changes.

Functional Medicine and Nonsurgical Therapies

Our clinic combines chiropractic with functional medicine and complementary therapies to maximize healing and prevent chronic issues.

Targeted Exercises

Low-impact exercises support nerve health:

• Balance Drills: One-leg stands to improve coordination.
• Nerve Glides: Gentle stretches to free trapped nerves.
• Aerobic Activity: Engage in daily walks to boost tissue oxygenation.

Studies show that combined exercise enhances function in neuropathy patients (Seyedizadeh et al., 2020). Dr. Jimenez advises, “Consistency is key—small steps lead to big results.”

Massage Therapy

Massage relieves muscle tension that compresses nerves, improving circulation.

• Benefits: Reduces pain, boosts endorphins.
• Frequency: Weekly 45-minute sessions.

Research links massage to better pain control in neuropathic conditions (Hadjivassiliou et al., 2016).

Acupuncture

Precise needle placements reduce inflammation and stimulate nerve repair.

• How It Helps: Enhances regeneration, per neuropathic pain studies (Finnerup et al., 2020).
• Integration: Complements chiropractic for faster relief.

Functional Medicine Approach

We use lab-based insights to create personalized plans, combining nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes. This addresses gluten sensitivity’s root causes, supporting gut and nerve health to prevent long-term damage (Jimenez, n.d.b).

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The Benefits of a Healthy Diet & Chiropractic Care- Video

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Adopting a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

A gluten-free diet is essential for managing neuropathy, as shown in a 2010 Neurology study (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).

Foods to Embrace and Avoid

Category	Embrace	Avoid
Grains	Quinoa, rice, certified GF oats	Wheat, barley, rye
Proteins	Eggs, fish, nuts	Breaded meats
Veggies/Fruits	Fresh produce	Processed sauces
Snacks	Popcorn, fruit	Cookies, crackers

Practical Tips

• Look for “gluten-free” labels.
• Prep meals with whole foods.
• Ask restaurants about cross-contamination.

Our health coaches recommend B vitamins, guided by lab results, to support nerve repair.

Patient Success Stories

Tom, a 52-year-old mechanic, suffered from burning foot pain from gluten neuropathy. After six weeks of chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and a gluten-free diet, his pain had halved, allowing him to work comfortably.

Sarah, 38, overcame brain fog and tingling with our integrative plan of chiropractic, massage, and exercise. “The team’s guidance made me feel heard and empowered,” she says. These stories reflect our commitment to personalized, communicative care.

Preventing Long-Term Damage: Your Action Plan

Take control now:

1. Schedule a functional medicine consultation.
2. Get tested for gluten sensitivity and neuropathy.
3. Follow a tailored plan with chiropractic, exercises, and nutrition.
4. Track symptoms in a journal.

Early action prevents chronic complications, preserving your mobility and comfort.

Conclusion: Heal Naturally with Functional Medicine

Gluten sensitivity and nerve damage don’t have to hold you back. Through chiropractic care, functional medicine, and therapies such as massage and acupuncture, you can address the root causes, reduce inflammation, and heal naturally. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise ensures a patient-centered approach: “We guide your body to heal itself” (Jimenez, n.d.a). Contact our clinic at (915) 412-6677 or visit healthcoach.clinic to start your journey to wellness.

References

• Aljada, B., Zohni, A., & El-Matary, W. (2021). The Gluten-Free Diet for Celiac Disease and Beyond. Nutrients, 13(11), 3993. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836247/
• Cárdenas-Torres, F. I., Cabrera-Chávez, F., Figueroa-Salcido, O. G., & Ontiveros, N. (2021). Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: An Update. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(6), 526. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34073654/
• El Paso Back Clinic. (n.d.). Gluten sensitivity could lead to nerve damage & neuropathy. elpasobackclinic.com/gluten-sensitivity-could-lead-to-nerve-damage-neuropathy/
• Finnerup, N. B., Attal, N., Haroutounian, S., McNicol, E., Baron, R., Dworkin, R. H., Gilron, I., Haanpää, M., Hansson, P., Jensen, T. S., Kamerman, P. R., Lund, K., Moore, A., Raja, S. N., Rice, A. S., Rowbotham, M., Sena, E., Siddall, P., Smith, B. H., & Wallace, M. (2015). Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Neurology, 14(2), 162–173. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25575710/
• Hadjivassiliou, M., Rao, D. G., Grìnewald, R. A., Aeschlimann, D. P., Sarrigiannis, P. G., Hoggard, N., Aeschlimann, P., Mooney, P. D., & Sanders, D. S. (2016). Neurological Dysfunction in Coeliac Disease and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity. The American journal of gastroenterology, 111(4), 561–567. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26832652/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.a). Home. Injury Specialists. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from dralexjimenez.com/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.b). Neuropathy. Injury Specialists. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from dralexjimenez.com/neuropathy/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.c). Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN ?. LinkedIn. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
• Kamble, N., Shukla, D., & Bhat, D. (2019). Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Electrophysiology for the Neurosurgeon. Neurology India, 67(6), 1419–1422. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31857526/
• Mitsikostas, D. D., Moka, E., Orrillo, E., Aurilio, C., Vadalouca, A., Paladini, A., & Varrassi, G. (2022). Neuropathic Pain in Neurologic Disorders: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(2), e22419. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35345699/
• Rosenberger, D. C., Blechschmidt, V., Timmerman, H., Wolff, A., & Treede, R. D. (2020). Challenges of neuropathic pain: focus on diabetic neuropathy. Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria: 1996), 127(4), 589–624. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32036431/
• Seyedizadeh, S. H., Cheragh-Birjandi, S., & Hamedi Nia, M. R. (2020). The Effects of Combined Exercise Training (Resistance-Aerobic) on Serum Kinesin and Physical Function in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Randomized Controlled Trials). Journal of diabetes research, 2020, 6978128. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32215272/