How a Chiropractor Can Help Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain

Nerves are located throughout the nervous system from the brain all the way to the spinal cord and work with the body in order to help it send important messages throughout your body. If you have a pinched nerve, or nerve compression, your body’s way of warning you is by sending pain signals. If you have ever experienced a pinched nerve, you know that these are extremely painful. For your body to recover properly, it’s important that you do not attempt to ignore this pain hoping it will go away.

If you’re experiencing nerve pain, a chiropractor may be able to help. Read on to learn about diagnosing pinched nerves, the common symptoms associated with them, and what you can do right now to alleviate pain.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve is, essentially, a nerve under pressure. This pressure originates in the bone and soft tissues surrounding the nerve. When the nerve is under extreme pressure, it loses its ability to carry accurate signals, and this can cause a number of different sensations within the body. The main sensation experienced is severe pain. When the nerve is pinched or compressed, it triggers the nerve to signal pain up and down the spine.

Causes of Pinched Nerves

Pressure on a nerve is normally the result of repetitive motions or holding your body in the same place for extended amounts of time. Nerves are particularly sensitive at the areas in the body where they move through narrow spaces without much tissue to protect them. Nerve compression occurs when the nerve is pressed between tissues including:

• Ligament
• Tendon
• Bone

For example, repetitive movements on a nerve root exiting the spine may lead to neck or lower back pain. It may also spark pain extending to the shoulder, arms, legs, and feet.

Signs of Nerve or Muscle Damage from Pinched Nerve

Once a nerve has pressure for an extended period of time, muscle weakness may be experienced and pain may increase. In severe cases, surgery is needed for the loss of reflexes, and muscle dexterity can be the result of the untreated pinched nerve.

A pinched nerve may not be able to receive the proper nutrients it needs, and nerve fibers have the potential to die and lose electrical impulses. When enough nerve fibers stop working, the skin may feel numbness, and muscles may stop contracting properly.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

A chiropractor will go through a detailed consultation with you in order to examine and locate the source of your pain, determining whether or not you’re experiencing a pinched nerve. During this consultation, the chiropractor will conduct a physical exam.

During these exams, your doctor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes pain. He or she will also test your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory testing. All of this will help your chiropractor determine the severity of your condition and how long will it take to resolve it.

If it’s determined that you do in fact have a pinched nerve, the chiropractor will prescribe treatment plans, which will involve spinal manipulation. When your spine is back to normal and you have a healthy alignment, the nerve blocks will allow blood to take oxygen and other nutrients to the necessary areas of the body where it is needed. This improved circulatory function can help relieve pain and boost the immune system. Regular visits may also help a pinched nerve heal faster and prevent future damage.

ChiroCare of Florida’s doctors is dedicated to helping you return to your everyday life without nerve pain or neck pain with the right therapy and treatment options. Even if you require prolonged chiropractic care, the experienced and knowledgeable back doctors at ChiroCare of Florida are there to help you every step of the way. Contact us today by calling 1-877-DRRIGHT.