What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone with Neuropathy?
- Jordan Stenzel, D.C, CVSMT
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 13
The short answer is reassuring: peripheral neuropathy itself does not shorten life expectancy when it is properly managed. What threatens longevity are the complications that can arise from untreated or poorly controlled neuropathy—foot ulcers, infections, falls, and autonomic instability. By detecting the condition early, applying a comprehensive treatment program, and committing to diligent self‑care, most patients enjoy a normal lifespan and a quality of life comparable to peers without neuropathy.

Foot ulcers are a major concern because open wounds can become infected, leading to sepsis or even amputation. Daily foot inspection, proper footwear and the use of focused shockwave therapy and low‑level light therapy dramatically improve tissue health and accelerate ulcer healing by several weeks. This reduces the risk of hospitalization and preserves mobility.
Loss of proprioception and balance puts patients at a higher risk of falls and fractures, especially as they age. Regular balance drills, gait training and the use of PEMF to improve circulation and tissue elasticity help maintain stability. When falls are prevented, the cascade of injuries, immobility and subsequent health decline is avoided.
Autonomic neuropathy can cause blood‑pressure swings, heart‑rate irregularities and gastrointestinal dysmotility. Monitoring vital signs, employing stress‑reduction techniques and, when needed, targeted autonomic rehabilitation keep these systems in check. For diabetic patients, tight glucose control—supported by our glycemic‑support supplement and routine HbA1c testing—reduces the progression of both peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, further protecting cardiovascular health.

The six‑essential framework that underlies our treatment also supports overall longevity. Adequate nutrition supplies the vitamins and minerals needed for vascular health and reduces systemic inflammation. Optimized oxygen delivery through light therapy and PEMF improves tissue perfusion, preventing ischemic injury. Regular stimulation via exercise and electrical therapy maintains muscle tone, decreasing fall risk. Neurotrophic factor production encouraged by photobiomodulation fosters nerve repair, limiting chronic pain that can lead to sedentary lifestyles. Healthy surrounding tissue, achieved by breaking down scar tissue with shockwaves, prevents ulcer formation and improves biomechanical function. Finally, robust mitochondrial health—bolstered by CoQ10 and NMN—keeps cellular energy levels high, reducing fatigue and the cascade of oxidative stress that contributes to age‑related disease.
Practical daily habits reinforce these benefits. Inspect your feet every night, keep blood‑glucose levels stable if you have diabetes, perform strength and balance exercises three to five times a week, review supplement dosages every three months using intracellular NAD⁺ testing, attend scheduled therapy sessions for the first three months, and obtain an annual physical exam to screen for cardiovascular, renal and ocular complications. Prompt medical attention for sudden foot pain, unexplained weakness or persistent fever prevents escalation that could affect overall health.
Clinical data from our practice illustrate the impact of this approach. Over eighty percent of patients report significant symptom reduction within three months, and seventy percent achieve measurable functional improvement—better balance, restored sensation and fewer falls—by the twelve‑month mark. Studies cited in our training materials show that shockwave therapy shortens foot‑ulcer healing time by roughly three weeks, while low‑level light therapy improves mitochondrial efficiency, a known factor in cardiovascular disease risk. These outcomes translate into lower hospitalization rates and preserved independence, both strong predictors of normal life expectancy.
In summary, peripheral neuropathy does not inherently shorten lifespan; it is the preventable complications that pose a risk. A multidisciplinary protocol that addresses the six essential needs, incorporates advanced technologies, and embeds healthy lifestyle habits effectively mitigates those risks, allowing patients to live as long and as healthily as anyone else.
If you want to safeguard your future and maintain a normal life expectancy despite neuropathy, schedule a free screening with our chiropractic team. We’ll assess your nerve health, run NAD⁺ and laboratory panels, and craft a personalized plan that protects both your nerves and your overall well-being.
Call 507-524-4000 or 507-387-1222 or book online today and start your journey toward a neuropathy‑free future.
Want to Learn More about Peripheral Neuropathy? Find a Proven, Evidence‑Based Path to Relief from Peripheral Neuropathy. Dr. Stenzel's Book "Healing the Hidden Nerves" isn’t a medical textbook—it’s a compassionate, action‑oriented guide that equips anyone living with peripheral neuropathy to regain comfort, mobility, and confidence. Begin Your Journey by clicking the link: https://a.co/d/7B5Am7F
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