Can a Chiropractor Help Fix a Pinched Nerve?
If you suffer from chronic pain, working with a reliable chiropractor, such as Ribley Family Chiropractic, can greatly impact your overall well-being and quality of life. Chiropractic care relies on non-invasive treatments to address the underlying cause of pain, including anything from muscle pain to sports injuries—even pinched nerves.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Your nerves are the messengers that transmit sensations like warmth, cold, and pain from your extremities to your spinal cord and eventually to your brain. These nerves often sit close to bones, especially in your joints. If the nerves become compressed, they tend to misfire and send misleading signals, often in the form of pain.
While many cases of pinched nerves are due to bones or cartilage pressing on the nerve, any type of pressure will result in pain. Sometimes, inflamed tendons or ligaments can swell and press on a nerve, especially in the event of major injuries.
Many things can cause a pinched nerve, ranging from repetitive motions to serious spinal issues like bulging or herniated discs. The affected nerves can eventually recover as long as you relieve the pressure causing the pinched nerve pain. Other common causes of pinched nerves include:
- Traumatic injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Obesity
- High-impact sports and hobbies
Signs of a Pinched Nerve
Nerve pain is unique. Once you’ve had a pinched nerve, you’ll never mistake the pain for anything else.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common signs of a pinched nerve include:
- Numbness or decreased sensation
- A sharp, burning pain that radiates outward
- Tingling
- Frequent pins and needles
- Muscle weakness, especially when combined with other symptoms
- Neck or lower back pain
In many cases, these symptoms get worse after sleeping.
If treated quickly, pinched nerves won’t cause any lasting damage. As soon as the pressure on the nerve goes away, the affected nerves recover. However, if left untreated, pinched nerves can degrade, causing chronic pain and permanent nerve damage.
How Can a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve?
Chiropractic treatments can relieve pressure on nerves by adjusting the spine. Since a chiropractor only uses their hands, they can control the amount of pressure and use just enough force to push joints into their correct place.
Spinal alignment can also reduce inflammation of joints in the spine, contributing to the formation of a pinched nerve.
Treating a pinched nerve can be a delicate task. It’s vital to work with a reputable chiropractor that has a proven track record treating pinched nerves. Chronic pain can be incapacitating. Why not visit a trusted Woodstock chiropractor today. Call Ribley Family Chiropractic to schedule an appointment!