Living with a pinched nerve, whether in your neck, back, or anywhere along the spine, can be incredibly frustrating. The discomfort, tingling, and sharp pain associated with a pinched nerve can significantly affect your quality of life. Whether you have an incredibly active lifestyle or simply enjoy spending time with loved ones, pinched nerves can make it difficult to focus on the moment and enjoy your favorite activities.
Thankfully, with the help of a chiropractor, you can find relief from this pinched nerve. Whether this is the first time you’ve dealt with a pinched nerve or it has become a persistent problem, our team at Elite Chiropractic wants you to know that there is relief from this pain. If you have a pinched nerve and you’re considering seeing a chiropractor, keep reading to find out how they can help you recover.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to the nerve surrounding tissue. This tissue can include bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area
- Sharp, aching, or burning pain
- Tingling, pins and needles sensation
- Muscle weakness
Common locations for pinched nerves include the spine, where you may develop herniated discs or bone spurs, and areas prone to repetitive motions, like your wrists and elbows. While some pinched nerves may lead to mild discomfort, this can develop into a sharper, more debilitating pain.
Pinched nerves often respond well to non-invasive therapies like chiropractic care, making it a great solution to this discomfort. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for managing your symptoms and preventing long-term irritation.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
If you have a pinched nerve, there are several steps that your chiropractor will take to help you recover. The treatment for your pinched nerve includes the following:
1. Precise Diagnosis
While you may have a pinched nerve, you might not be sure what the cause of it is. When you see a chiropractor, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine what the source of your pinched nerve is. Through a combination of physical assessments and, if necessary, imaging studies, your chiropractor can pinpoint where the source of the discomfort began. From this point on, they can begin crafting a specialized treatment plan for you to help you recover from this pain.
2. Spinal Adjustments
If you know anything about chiropractors, you’re probably familiar with spinal adjustments. This treatment is one of the most commonly performed treatments for patients. By applying controlled force to joints that are stiff and experiencing restricted movement, your chiropractor can help you regain mobility and alignment to the spine. By getting a spinal adjustment for a pinched nerve, you can experience a reduction in pressure and relief from the pinched nerve entirely.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy
Spinal adjustments aren’t the only treatment in your chiropractor’s toolbelt. If you have a pinched nerve, they may also recommend soft tissue therapies to address muscle tension and inflammation around the nerve. These soft tissue therapies may include massaging, stretching, and other manual therapies. They are designed to enhance flexibility and reduce pressure on the nerve, helping to alleviate a great deal of discomfort.
4. Posture Correction and Ergonomics
When going through your physical examination, your chiropractor may determine that the cause of your pinched nerve is your posture. While you may do the best you can to have good posture, your bad posture may lead to a pinched nerve and chronic discomfort. By working with a chiropractor, you can improve your posture. They will also provide you with guidance on your ergonomics at home and work. These minor lifestyle adjustments can make a substantial difference when dealing with your pinched nerve.
5. Customized Exercise Plan
In addition to the treatments performed in the office, your chiropractor will often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. Strengthening the muscles surrounding your spine can contribute to better spinal stability, reducing the chance of dealing with another pinched nerve. To see the best results from your treatment, it is best to perform these exercises at least once a day. The more consistent you are with these exercises, the more beneficial they will be in your recovery.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
The length of treatment for your pinched nerve will vary greatly based on the severity of the discomfort. If your pinched nerve is more aggravated, you may need to see a chiropractor several times a week to address the pain properly. As your symptoms improve, the frequency of your visits may decrease.
On average, individuals undergoing treatment for a pinched nerve may continue the treatment for a few weeks to several months. The most important part of recovering from a pinched nerve is consistency. The more consistent you are with your treatments, the more likely you are to heal quickly.
Relief Within Reach
Chiropractic care provides a patient-centered approach to managing pinched nerves. By addressing the underlying problem through a variety of chiropractic treatments, you can return to enjoying an active life. If you are dealing with a pinched nerve, know that pain relief is within reach. Our team of experts at Elite Chiropractic has years of experience helping people recover from a wide variety of conditions, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
Whether you’ve been in a car accident recently or you’re dealing with chronic discomfort, our team provides it all. If you have a pinched nerve and you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team at Elite Chiropractic, don’t hesitate to call our team today.
