Are you noticing shooting pain traveling down your arms and legs? If so, you may be suffering from something called a pinched nerve. Unfortunately, a pinched nerve is a common concern that many people face at some point during their life. Even though a lot of people believe they might need surgical procedures to release this nerve, this is not always the case. A chiropractor can help. What is a pinched nerve? Why do they happen, and how can a chiropractor help someone recover?
The Definition of a Pinched Nerve
The body uses nerves to send signals throughout the body. Motor (movement) commands leave the brain, travel down the spinal cord, and follow the paths of nerves until they reach their final destination. Then, sensory (feeling) commands travel from the outside of the body up through the spinal cord back to the brain for processing. Along the way, these long nerves can get compressed, pinched, or trapped.
If there is pressure on the nerve, this is the definition of a pinched nerve. If the nerve has been pinched, its ability to function is compromised. Some of the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- Decreased sensation in certain areas of the body
- Feelings of numbness, pins, needles and tingling
- Sharp, burning pains
- Shooting, shock-like sensations
- Feeling like certain parts of the body have “fallen asleep”
- Muscle weakness impacting only one side of the body
These symptoms are common signs that someone is dealing with a pinched nerve. Why do they happen?
Why Do Pinched Nerves Happen?
A pinched nerve takes place when the nerve itself has been compressed by surrounding tissues. In some situations, cartilage, bone, or swollen soft tissue can impact the nerve itself. Some of the most common reasons why people develop pinched nerves include:
- Issues related to weight and obesity
- The development of rheumatoid arthritis
- Suffering a traumatic injury playing sports or in a motor vehicle accident
- Stress from poor work ergonomics
- Certain hobbies, particularly athletics, that can lead to a pinched nerve through an overuse injury
If you are suffering from a pinched nerve, you should seek chiropractic care assistance. Make sure that you visit with your local chiropractor and learn about your treatment options.
A Chiropractor Can Help Release Your Pinched Nerve
In most situations, a pinched nerve is caused by a spinal alignment issue. This could include the body’s bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or muscle tissue. These tissues should not compress the body’s nerves. If this is the case, these issues need to be realigned.
That is where a chiropractor can help you. A chiropractor can adjust the alignment of these body tissues. That way, the trapped nerve can be freed. Even though it is possible that medication or surgery may help, adjustments avoid side effects and complications. Therefore, it’s best to rely on the skills of a chiropractor to help you address a pinched nerve.
Address a Pinched Nerve with the Help of a Chiropractor
A pinched nerve can be a painful, debilitating medical condition to live with. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and even pains that feel like shocks. Fortunately, there are conservative treatment options addressing the root cause of the issue. If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, reach out to an experienced chiropractor for help. If you don’t have a local chiropractor, then give us a call. We’re here to help!
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Closed:
Tuesday 11/22/22 – Sunday 11/27/22
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Monday 1/2/23
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