Pinched Nerve: Top Causes & How Chiropractic Can Help
By Dr. Drew Voelsch
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It may be a major sign of a pinched nerve if you’re experiencing shooting pain traveling down your arms and legs. In case you don’t know, a pinched nerve is a condition in which the nerve is compressed or pinched between two bones, commonly in the spine. The result is a sharp, often burning pain traveling down the nerve’s pathway.
Most people experience pinched nerves, especially when they’re older and their bones are more likely to stiffen up, but it can also happen to people of all ages due to physical activities or an injury. So, what are the most common causes of a pinched nerve, and how can chiropractic care services help?
How to Define a Pinched Nerve
To further understand what a pinched nerve is, you must first understand what a nerve is. Nerves are bundles of fibers that act as communication pathways between the brain and other body parts. They are responsible for carrying sensations such as pain, pressure, temperature, and motor signals that cause muscles to move.
If there is pressure on the nerve, it will most likely result in a pinched nerve. This pressure can be caused by various things, such as a herniated disc, bone spurs, or a muscle that has become tight due to physical activities or an injury.
When a nerve is pinched, it can generate various symptoms, including pain in the affected area, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation. It can also provoke weakness in the muscles near the pinched nerve, as well as a decrease in coordination and balance. In some cases, it can even cause difficulty breathing.
Nonetheless, you should watch out for these symptoms:
- Decreased sensation in certain areas of the body
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Tingling or burning sensation in the affected area
- Weakness or numbness in the affected area
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Inability to control certain muscles in the affected area
How Can a Chiropractor Help
One way to solve your pinched nerve issues is to hire chiropractic care and have them perform manual adjustments on the affected area. This can help reduce the nerve’s compression and improve its functioning.
A chiropractor can use a variety of treatments, such as manual adjustments, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and even massage therapy, to help alleviate your pinched nerve. In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as changing your posture or sleeping habits, to help reduce the pressure on the pinched nerve and reduce your symptoms.
However, there are a few points to deal with before hiring chiropractic care services, such as:
- Experience: Of course, you should always research and ensure that the chiropractor you are considering has experience treating pinched nerves and other neuromuscular conditions.
- Insurance Coverage: Depending on your insurance plan, it may cover some chiropractic services. You should check with your insurance provider to ensure your particular plan covers the treatment you are interested in.
- Cost: You should also examine the cost of the treatments and any additional fees or services they may require. This way, you are getting the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
While taking preventive measures to avoid pinched nerves is important, these measures may not always be successful. Fortunately, chiropractic care is an excellent option for treating and preventing pinched nerves. If you may suffer from a pinched nerve, contact a chiropractor to learn more about how they can help.
Hawkeye Chiropractic provides exceptional care services for people who experience pinched nerves. Our reliable chiropractors in Arlington ensure that you receive the best care possible and the best outcome for your health. Contact us today to learn more about our pinched nerve treatment options.
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