If you’re suffering from a pinched nerve, you’re likely in pain and are having your body function restricted. Pinched nerves, also known as compressed nerves, are incredibly common, affecting about 85 in 100,000 people in the United States. Fortunately, if you have a compressed nerve, this can usually be resolved with non-invasive treatment methods, such as chiropractic care.
Here is what you need to know about pinched nerves and how chiropractic care can help.
What Is A Pinched Nerve?
If your nerve gets pinched, this means that it’s being compressed by surrounding tissues or a herniated disc. When your nerve gets compressed, this can cause pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates out from the affected area. It’s most common for nerves to get pinched in your neck or back, but as you have nerves all over your body, a compressed nerve can happen anywhere.
Pinched nerves are typically treatable with rest, over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. In rare cases where the pinched nerve has been ignored, permanent nerve damage can occur, and you may need surgery. However, most people can recover fully from a compressed nerve with proper care, no invasive procedures needed.
They can go away within a few days or weeks. If symptoms do not improve with home treatment after a few days, you’ll want to see a professional like a chiropractor or a doctor for more guidance. Left untreated, pinched nerves can cause serious problems, so it’s important to treat them sooner rather than later.
Symptoms Of Pinched Nerves
No matter where they are in the body, compressed nerves usually have similar symptoms. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Pain that can radiate outward from the affected nerve
- Numbness
- Tingling/a pins and needles sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling like that area of your body has fallen asleep
Symptoms can worsen as you sleep, depending on your sleep position. While symptoms can improve and go away with home treatment, if they do not respond to self-care measures, you should seek professional treatment.
What Causes A Pinched Nerve?
As previously mentioned, these happen when your nerve gets compressed by the tissues surrounding it, whether they are bone, cartilage, muscle, herniated discs, or something else.
Many different things can cause compressed nerves, such as:
- Repetitive motions
- Injuries
- Sports
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Prolonged periods of time in bed
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Bone spurs
- And more
Essentially, whenever pressure is put on your nerve, this can pinch it. As such, many different conditions can cause pinched nerves or increase your likelihood of getting one.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With A Pinched Nerve?
Chiropractors are experts when it comes to your musculoskeletal system and how it impacts your nervous system. Many pinched nerves result from misalignments, making chiropractors excellent people to see if you suffer from one, as they specialize in keeping your musculoskeletal system in alignment. When something compresses your nerve, this interferes with how it communicates with the rest of your body. Through adjustment, chiropractors can alleviate the pressure on your nerves, restoring your function and relieving your pain.
Chiropractors can help with compressed nerves in a variety of ways. They can diagnose the issue by conducting a thorough evaluation and inquiring about your symptoms and history. Once they understand what nerves are impacted, they can formulate a personalized treatment plan. By uncovering the root cause, you can find long-term relief, rather than just masking the pain.
Some of the ways chiropractors treat pinched nerves include:
- Adjustments
- Exercises that stretch and strengthen the area around the nerve, alleviating pressure
- Advice for lifestyle changes, such as improving your posture
Chiropractors provide natural, non-invasive treatment that can help you recover fully from your pinched nerve.
How To Prevent Pinched Nerves
Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent nerves from getting pinched. Some of the ways you can avoid this nerve pain include:
- Maintaining good posture
- Getting enough sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Stretching in order to keep your muscles flexible
- Not sitting or staying in one position for too long
- Taking breaks from repetitive tasks
Some pinched nerves can’t be prevented, such as if they’re the result of an injury. However, you can lower your risk of suffering from one by utilizing the above prevention methods.
Do You Have A Pinched Nerve?
Ogden Chiropractic provides expert chiropractic care that can help you find relief and recover from your pinched nerve. If you suspect you have a compressed nerve, contact us to schedule an evaluation today!
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