The human body is made up of a complex nervous system that is responsible for motor function coordination between the brain and the concerned muscle or joint. The nervous system is a key channel of communication for any kind of action or response from the body to the brain. When a nerve is compromised or under stress, it can cause impairment of the function, resulting in pain, reduced mobility, and numbness.

However, a disruption of the functioning of the nerve such as a pinched nerve can be effectively treated by chiropractic care. Read on to know more.

Understanding Pinched Nerve & Its Symptoms

Pinched nerve pain is a condition in which there is compression of the nerve by a bone in one of the joints, or any other form of external compression that applies stress to it. This results in a reduction in the ability of the nerve to function such as numbness, headache, pain in the region, reduction in movement, and other issues.

This “pinch” can be treated by chiropractors by effectively understanding the condition, and introducing practices such as adjustment of the spine and joints or soft tissue therapy. A pinched nerve can be effectively managed to reduce the compression through chiropractic care.

What Are the Causes of Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when there is a compression to the nerve from the joints or an external source that reduces its ability to function. While sudden stress on the nerves can result in a pinched nerve, a herniated disc is another common reason for the same. A herniated disc adds pressure on the nerve near the spinal cord, which results in the pinched nerve.

Osteoarthritis is another common reason for pinched nerves as it results in wear and tear of the joint or the growth of bone spurs that compress and restrict the nerve and its functioning.

Some other causes of blunt force trauma, are injuries from physical activities, and repeated motions that add stress to the nerves. 

Affected Body Parts in Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve can occur in any part of the body. It is high in the spinal cords as the spine is under a lot of stress in general. This can have far-reaching implications on the functioning of the body.

Depending on the nerve that is pinched, motor functions may be impaired in the body. In some cases, the person may feel pain in the legs, lower back, and toes. If the nerves are pinched in the hands, it can reduce movement in the hand, wrist, and fingers.

An injury to the nerve or a pinched nerve can worsen with time and result in further complications.

Pinched Nerve in Shoulder

A pinched nerve in the shoulder can have an impact on the upper body. Shoulders, arms, and upper back may have numbness and pain, depending on the site of the pinched nerve and the intensity of the same.

One may experience numbness in the chest and shoulders and a droning ache as well. You can find it difficult to move your neck and head as it results in stress on the already compressed nerves

Pinched Nerve in Neck

A pinched nerve in the neck region can result in stiffness of the neck and head, difficulty in moving the neck, and difficulty in extension and flexion of the neck and shoulder as well. It can have a seating pain running down your arms, depending on the intensity of the compression.

Pinched Nerve in Lower Back

A pinched nerve in the lower back can be a result of a herniated disc in the lower back. This can have many complications. While a common sign of a pinched nerve in the lower back is intense pain in the lower back, near the pelvis, pulsing pain that travels through the legs, and even pain while sitting or standing.

It can also have an impact on the posture of the individual and reduce mobility in the lower back and legs.

How Chiropractic Care Can Treat a Pinched Nerve

In most cases, a pinched nerve originates near the spinal cord due to misalignment of the spinal cords or increased stress due to poor movement, or a disc injury. This restriction of the movement and pressure on the nerves causes the pinched nerve.

Chiropractors are well versed with the spinal cord and its functioning and can help reduce the tension and pressure on the nerves by readjusting the spinal cord alignment. This results in the freeing of the compression and can help heal the compressed nerve.

Through gentle pressure on the spines, the stressors can be removed, ensuring a surgery and medication-free treatment plan.

Addressing Pinched Nerve With Chiropractic Care

Pinched nerves can be reduced with the help of chiropractors for pinched nerve in neck as they specialize in understanding and caring for the spine. With the help of medical scans and tests, they will be able to ascertain the region that needs adjustment. This ensures that the root cause of the compression is addressed and ensures a faster, hassle-free treatment for the same.

It can also improve mobility and free joints and adjusts any misalignments in the spinal cord or joint structures.

Nerve chiropractors will prepare a detailed treatment plan, after performing required tests and scans to understand the condition, and only after consultation with the individual, will the treatment be carried out.

At Physio Tattva, we have a team of experienced chiropractors who are well versed in dealing with conditions related to pinched nerves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?

A pain relief chiropractor is knowledgeable in the functioning of the spine, the nerves, and the muscle of the human body. They are able to understand the causes of certain conditions and locate possible areas of treatment. In most cases, they use adjustment of spinal cords and joints to reduce the compression on the pinched nerve. They may also explore other forms of care and treatment based on the condition of the individual.

What's better for a pinched nerve physical therapy or chiropractor?

Both offer their own sets of benefits to pinched nerves. Physiotherapy deals with a long-term process of recovery with heat and cold therapy and exercises and combinations of these, while chiropractic care looks at working with the spinal cord and readjusting it to relieve pressure.

The medical practitioner will analyze the condition and suggest the best possible option after considering possibilities.

How long does a pinched nerve take to heal?

In most cases, a pinched nerve can be treated and healed in a month's time. This will vary on the medical condition of the individual and the treatment plan. In cases of chiropractic care, the healing process is slightly quicker as it allows a quick intervention and care process.