Can A Chiropractor Help With A Pinched Nerve?

If you notice a sharp and shooting pain traveling down your arms and legs, you may be suffering from a pinched nerve. Fortunately, this is a common issue and one that can be fixed by a chiropractor!

Pinched Nerve Definition

Nerves are used to send signals throughout your body. Motor commands will leave the brain, travel all the way down the spinal cord, then follow the nerves’ path until their final destination is reached. Next, sensory commands travel from outside the body, up the spinal cord, eventually reaching the brain for processing. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way these nerves can get pinched, compressed or even trapped.

If there is any pressure on the nerve or nerves, this is simply the definition of a pinched nerve. The ability of the nerve to function is compromised whenever the nerve is pinched. Here are the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve:

• Sharp, burning pains.
• Shock-like sensations.
• Parts of the body feel like they are asleep.
• Decreased sensation in parts of the body.
• Numbness, tingling, pins and needles.
• Asymmetric muscle weakness.

What Causes A Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve will occur whenever the nerve itself has been compressed by surrounding tissues. In some cases, bone, cartilage and swollen soft tissue are responsible for causing a pinched nerve.

Here are some of the most common causes of pinched nerves:

• Obesity.
• Traumatic sports injury or major vehicle accident.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Hobbies, typically athletics, which can lead to pinched nerves.

Where Can You Get A Pinched Nerve?

It is possible to experience a pinched nerve anywhere in the body. Back pain is the most consistent symptom of a pinched nerve. There are two main categories used to classify pinched nerves, including peripheral and the central nervous system. Peripheral means that nerves have branched off the main spinal cord, free to travel throughout the body. If the nerve is part of the central nervous system, it can feel like a herniated disc putting pressure on a nerve root.

The most common areas where a pinched nerve can occur:

• Lower back.
• Neck.
• Shoulder.

How Can A Chiropractor Help With A Pinched Nerve?

Typically, a pinched nerve is caused by spinal misalignment, which relates to the tissues of the body. This could include anything from tendons, bones, ligaments, muscle tissue or cartilage. The tissues should not compress or pinch the nerves. If this is the case, though, the tissues will need to be realigned.

This is exactly where a chiropractor can help! A chiropractor will use manual therapy to adjust the alignment of the tissues within the body. While adjusting, the trapped nerve is set free. Of course, surgery can help when it comes to a pinched nerve, but going this route could lead to more side effects and complications than manual therapy. Needless to say, enlisting the services of a chiropractor is the safest way to go.

How To Find A Chiropractor For A Pinched Nerve

Located in Glendale, AZ, We Care Chiropractic has been providing the valley with the best chiropractic services for years. We Care Chiropractic emphasizes its focus on improving overall health, which can prevent further illness and pain. Let We Care Chiropractic help your body function at an all-time high. Chiropractors are a great alternative to traditional medicine, and much less costly than any surgical repairs.

Feel free to contact the team at We Care Chiropractic today! Read more about all the chiropractic services one can find in Glendale.