What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve, also referred to as nerve compression, happens when the surrounding tissue, such as bones, muscles, discs, cartilage or ligaments press on a nerve. This can happen in many places in the body, anywhere a nerve can encounter intrusions. Common sites include the neck, lower back, wrists and elbows, but these hardly represent everywhere a body can suffer from a pinched nerve.
Many cases of nerve compression clear up on their own by resting the affected area, treating inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, heat/ice packs and by losing excess weight. However, if the condition persists, more assertive treatments should come into play.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
Several conditions can compress a nerve. These include:
- Arthritis
- Injury
- Overuse (repetitive motion)
- Obesity
- Bone spurs
- Compressed or herniated discs
- Prolonged bed rest
- Sitting or standing in one place too long
- Poor posture
- Water and weight gain during pregnancy
What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?
When a nerve is compressed, it’s common to feel:
- Sharp, electrical-like shooting pains
- Constant dull aches
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling sensation
- Radiating burning sensations
- Coldness in the arm, leg, hand or foot
- The feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
- A “pins and needles” feeling
How Can Chiropractic Treatments Relieve a Pinched Nerve?
Chiropractic treatments and physical therapy often bring about relief to the nerve. When NSAIDs and cold or heat packs fail, often muscle strengthening exercises, spinal alignments and lifestyle changes will work. Learning techniques to reform habitual motions and maintain better posture can often prevent future relapses.
Can Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic Help?
The experienced and knowledgeable doctors at Rittenhouse Square Chiropractic have helped many patients find relief from a pinched nerve. We’ll start with a thorough examination and flexibility evaluation, then select the appropriate combination of treatments. With extensive training in massage therapy, posture improvement, strength and mobility exercises, the staff at Rittenhouse can offer effective remedies for your pinched nerve.