As you grow older, you’ll feel pain and discomfort as you move more often.
If you’ve been feeling shooting pains in your arms or legs, you might have pinched nerves. They happen for many reasons: old age, a sedentary lifestyle, or injury.
Not changing your position for hours on end may misalign your spine, which can press nerves at the wrong angle. Chiropractors can adjust your spine as a drug-free and non-invasive treatment option.
Advanced Chiropractors Group is here to help you decide whether a chiropractor for pinched nerves is the way to go.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
Your nerves send signals for your body to function. They may get pinched when bones, cartilages, muscles, or tendons press them in the wrong way. This compression of nerves can cause pain, numbness, headaches, or tingling in your body.
You may experience pinched nerves in your lower back, upper-middle back, and neck. They can also happen in your hands, elbow, and wrist.
In most cases, compressed nerves happen because of a herniated disk, which can compromise the function of your body.
They can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and medication. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers; they may treat the symptoms, but they don’t address the root cause of the problem.
Most people who experience pinched nerves recover fully. They are common in most adults, especially those over the age of 50, because of arthritis and degeneration in the spine and other body parts.
What Causes Compressed Nerves?
There are several circumstances where an individual may develop a compressed nerve.
Some of them are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
- Sports injury
- Vehicular accident
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Poor lifting form
- Repetitive tasks
What Are the Symptoms of Compressed Nerves?
“What does a pinched nerve feel like?” you may be thinking.
When some parts of your body are compressing your nerves, you’ll likely experience:
- Sharp, shooting pain in your arms and legs
- Burning pains
- Needles, pins, and tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Weakness
The symptoms come and go and may happen when you least expect them. Ignoring these symptoms will make the problem worse over time.
Aside from chronic pain, compressed nerves can lead to permanent nerve damage. Some of your worries will be fluid buildup and swelling. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll lose function in the specific area.
If the symptoms get worse, consult a medical professional immediately.
Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve?
There are different treatment options for compressed nerves. Among them are surgery, physiotherapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Now, you may be thinking, “can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve?”
The answer is yes.
If you want a non-surgical and drug-free treatment option, going to a chiropractor is your best bet. The quicker you reach out to a chiropractor, the faster you’ll have a better quality of life.
With a chiropractor, the most important thing is to address the root cause and not just relieve the pain. Once your chiropractor has a diagnosis, there will be a specific chiropractic treatment plan to relieve the pressure on the affected nerves.
One of the main treatments is spinal manipulation. The chiropractor will apply controlled force with their hands. This treatment’s duration will depend on your condition. Over time, you’ll experience better mobility, lesser pain, and the symptoms will slowly fade.
Aside from spinal manipulation, your chiropractor may also include any of the following:
- Physical Therapy: This involves light exercises to move the affected area. Your chiropractor will show you movements and stretching patterns, strengthening joints and muscles affected by the compressed nerves.
- Cryotherapy: Pain is relieved, and pressure and inflammation are minimized in this treatment by exposing the affected areas to cold temperatures.
- Massage Therapy: This therapy helps minimize muscle spasms from compressed nerves.
What Can You Do To Prevent Nerve Compression?
Compressed nerves have different causes. Some are preventable, while others are not.
Some things you can do to prevent compressing your nerves include:
- Maintaining good posture
- Performing stretching exercises from time to time
- Achieving a healthy weight
- Taking breaks between repetitive tasks
- Not lying or sitting down for hours
- Avoiding crossed legs for extended periods
Advanced Chiropractors Group Is Here for You
We care about your overall well-being.
Don’t let a pinched nerve in your neck affect your day-to-day activities. Advanced Chiropractors Group has a network of licensed chiropractors. We can connect you to one of them in no time.
Let experts provide the comfort you deserve. Give us a call today, and we’ll schedule you an appointment.
