Pinched nerves are a frequent source of pain for lots of people. They can come from many different causes, most typically from overexerting the neck or back, numerous sports injuries, or repetitive motions. They also tend to happen more often as we age, because of the general wear and tear on our bodies.
While the precise reason continues to be unclear, it is believed that pinched nerves may occur when there’s a misalignment in vertebrae.
The end results may be discomfort, tingling feelings, sharp, shooting pains, decreased range of motion and muscle weakness in the arms or hands on one half of your body. In this brief article, we review exactly what a pinched nerve is and ways you can ease the pain with chiropractic care.
Pinched nerves: What Are They?
A pinched nerve results when a nerve root gets compressed as it passes through a tight space, generally in the shoulder, neck, or upper back. This compressing can trigger oversensitivity, swelling, and discomfort in the local area served by that nerve.
A large number of activities have actually been shown to increase your risk of developing pinched nerves, including extended fixed postures (like sitting at a desk for extended periods), repetitive movements (like tennis or golf) and activities that include repeated lifting (for example, working in a warehouse).
Pinched nerves can likewise be caused by muscle spasms, tight muscles, bone spurs, or a herniated disc that presses on a nerve. Basically, pinched nerves can occur in any part of the body where nerves go through a small place, such as the lower back, shoulders, or neck.
What Are the Signs of a Pinched Nerve?
The symptoms of a pinched nerve differ depending on the area of the nerve. The most typical place for a pinched nerve is the neck. When the neck is compacted, the symptoms can vary from mild to extreme and might consist of neck pain, weakness, stiffness, headaches, or tingling in the arms or hands.
If the pinched nerve is in the lower back or shoulders, the signs can range from moderate to extreme and might likewise include discomfort, weakness, stiffness, or feeling numb.
These locations are the most vulnerable to pinched nerves. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, your doctor or therapist may wish to take a look at you to figure out if a pinched nerve is the source.
How Does Chiropractic Therapy Address Pinched Nerves?
Chiropractic treatment strives to realign the vertebrae in your spine so that they are in ideal position, correcting any misalignments that could create pinched nerves and cause chronic pain.
This may be accomplished in many different ways, but most commonly with spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, or mobilization.Back adjustment is a hands-on or mechanical correction of a joint that may have been misaligned or out of place.
Corrections are passive movements applied to a joint that are generally made with the hands, while mobilization is a more mild and measured motion used to flex and revitalize the joint and surrounding tissues. Depending on your particular condition, your chiropractor may use a mix of these approaches.
There are other treatment options for pinched nerves
Over-the-counter medications: If you have a moderate case of a pinched nerve, over the counter pain relievers might be a helpful initial step to ease any pain you’re experiencing.
Heat/cold packs: Delivering heat or cold to the affected area can improve inflammation and discomfort, most especially if the pinched nerve is in your neck.
Active Movement: Mild muscle extensions can really help to increase overall flexibility, stretch those tense muscles, and help you to deal with the ache of a pinched nerve. Stretching is very important when taking care of a pinched nerve, not only due to the fact that it can help with flexibility but also since it can help you find the source of your pain.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that pinched nerves can be incredibly agonizing and devastating. Thankfully, there are treatment options that can serve to help relieve your discomfort and get you back on your feet.
If you think you may have a pinched nerve, the smartest thing you can do is quit whatever you’re doing that’s causing you pain and see a physician or therapist. The sooner you get treatment, the faster you can get back to living your life free from pain.
Call the chiropractic team at Body Science Therapy in Mississauga soon and we can schedule exceptional care in relieving your pinched nerve discomfort. Now booking new appointments!
