Pinched Nerve Treatment In Gilbert, AZ
Chiropractic Treatment For Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is an injury to a nerve or collection of nerves caused by excessive stress on the nerve from nearby soft tissues (cartilage, disc, bone, tendon, or muscle). Pinched nerves can occur nearly everywhere in your body and can be a painful and incapacitating medical condition to have. However, therapeutic alternatives are available, and surgery may not be necessary.
A pinched nerve chiropractor can utilize adjustments to relieve a pinched nerve, therefore treating the underlying source of the problem. This can aid in recovery without the need for invasive techniques or pharmaceuticals, both of which can have adverse side effects. Here’s everything you need to know about managing a pinched nerve and how our chiropractors can assist you in resolving this painful condition.
Symptoms Of Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve might cause some signs and symptoms. These are some examples:
- Pain that is commonly felt in the lower spine, neck, shoulders, or legs
- Pain that radiates down an extremity or limb
- Numbness or tingling
- A blistering sensation
- Fatigue in the limbs during physical activity
Causes Of Pinched Nerves
Your body’s nerves run from your head to your spine and subsequently to your limbs and extremities. They deliver messages to every cell in your body. Pain may occur when these nerves get compressed, squeezed, or constricted. A variety of factors can cause a pinched nerve. Repetitive movements can frequently cause nerve constriction in the tiny gaps that nerves travel through in joints without much cushioning from soft tissues. A swollen or herniated disc in the back is another cause of a pinched nerve.
The following are the four prevalent reasons behind a pinched nerve:
Subluxation or Misalignment
A subluxation is a partial vertebral imbalance that exerts pressure on and pinches the nerve branch out of the spine at that level. Pain and muscle spasms can result from nerve irritation.
Disc Degeneration
Disc degeneration may result in dehydration inside the disc, leading to fluid loss and shrinkage. The severity of disc shrinkage might induce spinal canal constriction, resulting in radiculopathy.
Osteoarthritis can cause a Pinched Nerve
Together with cartilage loss, osteoarthritis induces the growth of bone spurs known as osteophytes. These spurs can compress nerves as they exit the spinal column, resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness to spread down your limbs and extremities.
Disc Herniation or Protrusions
A disc herniation or protrusion develops when the fibrous outer layer of the disc ruptures or rips, allowing the jelly-like center to escape. A pinched nerve can occur when a herniated disc pinches a neighboring nerve.
Chiropractic Care For Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve is a nerve that has become compressed, squeezed, or constricted. Peripheral soft tissues that push on nerve roots can cause discomfort, numbness, and tingling sensation throughout your body. A disc herniation sliding out between vertebrae in the spinal cord and pushing on the spinal nerve that runs down the leg is the most common cause.
Pinched nerves usually occur in the:
- neck (cervical radiculopathy)
- upper-middle back (thoracic radiculopathy)
- lower back (lumbar radiculopathy)
- wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Pinched nerves are also possible in the hand or elbow and can cause problems in a variety of regions of your body, including:
- A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can cause stiffness in the neck and discomfort and numbness in the shoulder and arm.
- A lumbar nerve pinched in the lower back can produce discomfort in the spine, pelvis, glutes, and legs.
- Thoracic radiculopathy can create pain in the chest region. If you are experiencing significant chest discomfort, call your healthcare professional immediately.
A pinched nerve can be extremely unpleasant, but it is typically curable with rest and chiropractic care. Most people heal completely from a pinched nerve. Over-the-counter medications can help decrease inflammation and alleviate pain, but they do not deal with the root issue that is generating the discomfort in the first place.
At Arizona’s Family Chiropractic, chiropractor Dr. Brice Neff DC focuses on resolving the underlying cause of your discomfort and bringing you to total health. Dr. Brice Neff DC may combine spinal manipulations with additional treatments such as heat/cold therapy, stretching activities, rehabilitative therapy, and a workout routine to help your body heal and function properly. The emphasis is not just on pain management but also on your general health and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Pinched Nerve Cause Additional Problems?
Yes. A pinched nerve can become dangerous, causing chronic discomfort or irreversible nerve damage. Fluid and swelling can cause irreparable nerve damage. Consult your chiropractic physician if your symptoms increase or do not improve within a few days.
What Are Other Alternative Treatment Options For Pinched Nerves?
Time and rest
A pinched nerve heals independently for many patients and does not require treatment. The discomfort may subside within a few days or weeks.
Physical therapy
Stretching and mild exercise might help reduce slight pain and strain on your nerves. Consult your physician or a chiropractor skilled in treating pinched nerves about the appropriate workout regimen for your condition.
How Do I Prevent A Pinched Nerve?
Although not all pinched nerves can be avoided, you can reduce your chances by doing the following:
- Keep a healthy body weight and a decent posture.
- Exercise your muscles to keep them robust and responsive.
- Avoid sitting in one place for long periods and crossing your legs for prolonged periods. This might result in a swollen nerve in your leg.
- Try to reduce and break up monotonous movements.
Can I Exercise With A Pinched Nerve?
Yes. We suggest performing muscle-strengthening workouts that do not aggravate the pain and symptoms of a pinched nerve. For instance, if jogging hurts your lower back but diving feels okay, concentrate on that and other aquatic workouts.