Pinched Nerve Treatment

What is a pinched nerve?

Nerves are like highways that deliver information from the brain to the rest of the body and vice-versa. In order to transmit information effectively, the nerves must be free from compression. The nerves branch out from the spinal cord between narrow spaces in the vertebrae, and when one of these exit spaces becomes to narrow it can squeeze the nerve root (radicular nerve) and cause a pnched nerve. The nerves can be very long, which sometimes makes them vulnerable to compression by the surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This compression also causes a pinched nerve. This pressure can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Degenerative changes in the spine: As we age, the discs in our spine can start to degenerate, which can put pressure on the nerves. 70% to 90% of all cases of pinched nerves are caused by age-related degenerative wear.
• Injury: A sudden injury, such as a car accident injury, a sports injury, a work injury, or a fall, can also cause a pinched nerve.
• Posture: Poor posture can put extra stress on the spine and nerves, which can cause tension and a pinched nerve.
• Repetitive movements: Repetitive movements, such as typing or playing sports, can also cause pinched nerves.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

The symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary depending on the location of the nerve and where the nerve is compressed. Sometimes, pinched nerve symptoms radiate to other areas of the body. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain in the shoulder and/or arm.

Some common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling (pins and needles)
• Weakness
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Burning or shooting pain

What are the conditions associated with a pinched nerve?

There are a number of conditions that can be associated with a pinched nerve, including:

• Sciatica: Sciatica is caused by a pinched sciatic nerve in the lower back. This causes pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: A pinched nerve in the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and fingers.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in the ankle. This leads to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot.
• Cervical radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. It often causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand.

How is a pinched nerve holistically treated?

The treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the severity of the condition. However, some common treatments include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Heat
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic Care

What are the complications of a pinched nerve?

If a pinched nerve is not treated in a timely manner this can lead to complications.

Some possible complications of a pinched nerve include:

• Chronic pain
• Loss of function
• Nerve damage

What specific chiropractic adjustments are used to treat a pinched nerve?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic we know that misalignments of the spine, or vertebral subluxations, can contribute to pinched nerves. Manipulations of the spine during chiropractic adjustments can restore movement to the joints or parts of the spine that have an alignment issue. We use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve alignment including:

Chiropractic adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to pinched nerve symptoms and pain.

Flexion-distraction adjustments

A special segmented table is used so that spinal manipulations, combined with the movements of the table, stretch and decompress your spine.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is accomplished through high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments. This is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Activator techniques

These adjustments use a small, handheld instrument to deliver low-force impulses at specific points.

What are some other chiropractic treatments used to treat a pinched nerve?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Myofascial release

This technique uses gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and fascia, relieving pain and improving range of motion.

Massage Therapy

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic, your neck pain treatment involves massage therapy, a holistic, drug-free pain relief method that releases muscle spasms and remedies alignment issues that put undue pressure on the nerves.

Class IV Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Begin with chiropractic care today

For complete pinched nerve relief call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office or schedule an appointment online today.
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