A pinched nerve can cause discomfort, chronic pain, and loss of function. It can also occur in a variety of regions of the body and be brought on by numerous causes from injury to repetitive stress. Resolving a pinched nerve can be a frustrating process and many patients struggle with leading an active life while dealing with the symptoms of a pinched nerve. Find out how a trained chiropractor can help resolve the loss of function and pain associated with a pinched nerve.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is one of those conditions where the name perfectly describes the condition. When a nerve is pinched or compressed, it becomes irritated and causes disruption in the communication to the associated areas of the body. This compression can happen with one or more nerves. Out of place bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments can be the culprit placing extra pressure on the nerve.

What are the most common areas for a pinched nerve to occur?

Pinched nerves are very common, but there are a wide variety of areas that are affected, many of which are concentrated in the back and spine region. Here are some of the most common pinched nerve locations:

Cervical nerves: These are the nerves in the neck area of the spine and compressed cervical nerves can cause symptoms to occur in the neck and shoulders.

Thoracic nerves: This is the upper back and one of the less common areas for pinched nerves. Here discomfort and pain can be felt in the upper back, shoulders, and across the chest. Any sign of chest pain however requires an immediate evaluation from a healthcare provider to rule out life-threatening conditions.

Lumbar nerves: The lower back region of the spine often suffers the impact from age, high-impact exercises, heavy lifting, and sports activity. Compression of these nerves can cause lower back pain as well as pain that radiates down through the buttocks, hips, and legs.

Ulnar nerves: Whether it’s sports injuries or from arthritis, repeated use of machinery or any repetitive movement that requires the need for repeated grip strain, the elbow region of your arm can experience a pinched nerve, just like your spine. This can cause tingling in your fingers, numbness in your hand and a weakened grip. A pinched nerve in the elbow region can also create a sensation like you feel if you hit your “funny bone.”

Carpal tunnel nerves: The carpal tunnel is the region of the wrist where the median nerve passes through and controls the function of the fingers and hand. When this becomes inflamed or irritated, it can put pressure on the nerve and cause a variety of issues, from hand and wrist pain to numbness and a burning sensation.

What are the most common symptoms of pinched nerves?

Pinched nerves can cause pain at the site where the nerve is being compressed, but also extend to other areas of the body that receive messages from the nerve. Sensations such as pain, numbness, and tingling are common symptoms of a pinched nerve. The compressed nerve may also cause weakness in the back or limbs.

How can a pinched nerve impact your daily life?

A pinched nerve can profoundly impact your daily life due to the range of discomfort it creates. You may experience sharp, burning, or aching pain in the affected area and it can radiate to other parts of your body, making movement and even simple tasks uncomfortable. Numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation can reduce your ability to feel properly, affecting your grip or coordination, especially in your limbs.

These symptoms can impact everything from your ability to remain productive at work or drive a car. Muscle weakness can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as lifting objects, walking, or even standing for extended periods. These symptoms can lead to fatigue and decrease your quality of life. Many patients report a pinched nerve affecting both their personal and professional lives, with the persistent discomfort leading to disrupted sleep, irritability and sometimes depression.

What are the most common treatments for pinched nerves?

Common treatments for pinched nerves include over-the-counter pain medications and corticosteroid injections. These treatments however can only mask the pain and provide temporary relief. For more severe cases of nerve compression, surgery is often recommended.

What are the drawbacks/side effects of traditional treatments?

Pain medications don’t solve the root cause of the pinch nerve, they simply mask the pain temporarily. This can lead to a cycle of pain, medication and dealing with the side effects of such drugs. Steroid treatments can carry their own side effects, potentially weakening the surrounding tissues and increased blood sugar levels. There is also a potential for infection at the injection site. Surgical options come with inherent risks like infection, nerve damage, and lengthy recovery periods.

How can chiropractic care help alleviate the symptoms of  a pinched nerve?

Chiropractic care focuses on alleviating the pain and discomfort of a pinched nerve by applying techniques that work to reduce the pressure on the affected nerve. This promotes the body’s healing and helps resolve the issue of the pinched nerve in a more permanent way.

At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we focus on realigning the spine through gentle and precise adjustments, helping to relieve pressure on the nerve and improve nerve function. These adjustments can also reduce inflammation and muscle tension around the affected area. Patients report pain relief and improved mobility and function. Rather than mask the pain, our focus is on identifying the root cause and correcting the imbalances which are causing your pain and discomfort.

Oakland Spine & Physical Therapy Offers a Natural Solution for Pinched Nerves

Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy takes a comprehensive approach to care. We employ the most advanced chiropractic techniques delivered by leaders in the chiropractic field. Our approach is always non-invasive, safe, and drug-free. With experienced chiropractors and a team of physical therapists, massage therapists, and acupuncturists, you’ll receive the exact therapies that your body needs to properly heal and move past your pinched nerve condition.

Our holistic approach looks at your lifestyle and works to provide improvements to your routine, from exercises to dietary changes to help prevent future injuries from occurring. By addressing the root cause of your pinched nerve, we can help you heal without the need for risky drugs or surgery.