Can a Chiropractor help pinched nerves?

Nerve pain, or commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, can be a very painful and even debilitating condition. Nerve pain may feel mild like a tingling numb sensation, but also be very painful and severe. So, what exactly is a pinched nerve?

Can a Chiropractor help ease the pain from a pinched nerve?

A nerve can be "pinched" in many areas of the body. The most commonly pinched nerves happen in the spine. However, pinched nerves can also happen peripherally in the chest, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Usually, pinched nerves in the spine are compressed from a bulging or herniated disc.

Arthritis is also the main contributor to pinched nerves in the spine. Tight muscles and ligaments can pinch nerves in the arms and legs.

How Do I Know I Have A Pinched Nerve?

• There is pain that radiates- Most of the time a pinched nerve will cause radiating pain or pain that travels downwards.
• There is tingling or numbness- When nerves are compressed they typically cause a tingling or numb sensation.
• There is a burning sensation- Pinched inflamed nerves oftentimes feel like a burning sensation.
• There is a loss of muscle strength in the arms, legs, feet, or hands- Nerves provide strength to the muscle in the body and when pinched can result in loss of strength.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help Pinched Nerves?

Chiropractic pinched nerve treatments include a variety of methods. Some common treatments for pinched nerves include

• Spinal adjustments- Aligning the vertebra in the spine can help increase the space around where the nerves may be being compressed or pinched in the spine. This may be from a disc, arthritis, or ligaments that are pressing on the nerves.
• Spinal decompression therapy- This therapy uses a special computerized machine to decompress the vertebrae and discs in the spine to relieve compression of the spinal nerves.
• Exercises and stretching- It is important to take an active role in your treatments if you are suffering from a pinched nerve. Proper exercises and stretches should be completed during treatment and at home in between treatments to help you get results faster and longer-lasting. Even when the pain from a pinched nerve has subsided it is very important to continue home exercises so that the pain does not return.
• Physiotherapies- Physical therapies like electrical muscle stimulation, manual massage, traction therapy, and ultrasound therapy are often used to help relieve the pain from a pinched nerve.
• Diagnostic studies- X-ray studies can help to determine which area of the spine the nerves may be affected. Sometimes conditions require more advanced imaging like an MRI as well.
• Referrals fo nerve studies or injections- When conservative treatment fails, you may require nerve studies, a consultation for injections, or surgery. Nerves that are compressed for extended amounts of time can lead to weakened muscles, or in extreme cases permanent loss of strength and sensation.

Can a Chiropractor fix pinched nerves? Yes!

Whether you are suffering from a pinched nerve in your neck, a pinched nerve in your hip, Sciatica, or a pinched nerve in your back Chiropractors are specialists in treating musculoskeletal disorders causing pinched nerves.

Can a Chiropractor fix a pinched nerve in the arm?

If you are having radiating pain in the arm and hand the cause may be a pinched nerve in your neck, chest, arm, or wrist.

Your Chiropractor will perform a series of tests through the examination and may order diagnostic studies like X-ray or MRI to determine where the pinched nerve is coming from.

Pinched nerve lingo…

• Sciatica - a pinched nerve in the back
• Carpal Tunnel - a pinched nerve in the wrist
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - a pinched nerve in the chest
• Cervical Radiculopathy - a pinched nerve in the neck
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - a pinched nerve in the foot

If you have any additional questions about chiropractic care for pinched nerve treatments please feel free to get in touch here.

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.