What is a Pinched Nerve & Can Chiropractic Help?

You’ve likely heard someone say they have a pinched nerve, and while it’s often a go-to term for someone who’s in pain, it may not be the case. We want to clear up the misconceptions about a pinched nerve so you have a better understanding of what’s going on in your body when you notice discomfort. 

This article goes over the following:

  • What a pinched nerve is
  • Symptoms of pinched nerves
  • How you get a pinched nerve
  • Chiropractic care to relieve pinched nerves
  • And more

Let’s jump straight in…

What is a Pinched Nerve?

When soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.) become injured or imbalanced and place undue pressure on a nerve, causing discomfort, the condition is called a pinched nerve. 

Because of the essential relationships between the soft tissues, joints, and spine, when one part moves out of place or is impaired, it can significantly impact other parts.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

  • Numbness 
  • Decreased sensation 
  • Sharp, aching, or burning pain
  • Radiating pain 
  • Tingling sensations
  • Muscle weakness 
  • The feeling the area is asleep

These symptoms can occur consistently or while using the area of the body that responds to the affected nerve. Either way, when the body is in pain, it’s important to get it the attention necessary as soon as you can. 

An experienced chiropractor will provide a comprehensive physical exam to determine where injuries are and how to best re-establish proper function and connectivity so each part of the body can perform as it’s meant to. 

Removing the imbalance in the tissues to take pressure off the nerve will ensure the injury is treated, not just the symptom. 

How Did I Get a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves can affect anyone at any age and ability level and with every kind of lifestyle. Whether you compete in triathlons, suffer from a chronic injury, or sit at a desk for numerous hours a day, you may experience the condition.

Common reasons for pinched nerves include:

  • Repetitive use of specific tissue groups, usually due to occupation or sports
  • Traumatic injuries, such as a car accident or sports injury 
  • Arthritis
  • Stress
  • Disc herniation
  • Sprains and strains
  • Inflammation 
  • Scar tissue
  • Pregnancy or weight gain
  • Poor posture
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Slip and fall accidents

Whether your condition is chronic (ongoing) or acute (sudden), chiropractic techniques can reduce your symptoms and encourage strength, correct movement patterns, and overall function. 

Chiropractic Care to Resolve Pinched Nerves

Chiropractic solutions are non-invasive and nurture the body’s natural healing power for a safe recovery process. Chiropractic care steers clear of pain-masking medications and aggressive treatments, offering little to no downtime so you can get pain-free and moving again quickly. 

Common chiropractic treatments for a pinched nerve include: 

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Kinesio taping
  • Corrective exercise and stretching solutions
  • Lifestyle guidance

Typically, your local chiropractor will provide at least one in-clinic chiropractic treatment and implement take-home strengthening exercises, stretches, and insight into movement, posture, and healthy living. 

Visit Our Ellisville Chiropractic Clinic for Safe Pinched Nerve Treatment

At West County Spine & Joint, we’re dedicated to your success and helping you achieve your wellness goals. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach to care. We provide deep analysis and consider your medical history, pain points, injuries, and lifestyle prior to designing a unique wellness strategy. 

Don’t let your discomfort go untreated. Your pinched nerve is stemming from something that can create more complications, so get the safe, natural, holistic help your body deserves. 

Contact our Ellisville chiropractic team so we can find what’s causing your pain and put an end to it. We’re ready when you are.

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