How Can A Chiropractor Help Relieve Pain From A Pinched Nerve?

HOW CAN A CHIROPRACTOR HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN FROM A PINCHED NERVE? 

Sounds like a disc issue and we have safe, non-invasive alternatives to surgery!

Are you experiencing shooting pains down your arms and legs? If this is the case, you may be suffering from a 'pinched nerve'. Unfortunately, many people will have a pinched nerve at some point in their lives.

Although many people feel that surgical operations are required to release this nerve, this is not always the case. In fact, it's almost ALWAYS not the case. Most of the time, an evidence-based chiropractor can help relieve the pain from a pinched nerve.

What exactly is a pinched nerve? Why do they occur, and how can a chiropractor assist someone in recovering?

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure or compression on a nerve, which can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. Lots of things can cause this such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve entrapments to name a few. This pain doesn’t quickly disappear; it can be painful and difficult to live with and sometimes lead to paralysis in the most extreme cases.

The most common areas where a pinched nerve can occur are the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and low back leading down into the leg or legs.

The first step in treating a pinched nerve is identifying the cause of the compression. A skilled orthopedic specialist, like our very own Dr. Williams, will perform a thorough examination, including an orthopedic and neurological examination, range of motion tests, and movement-related testing, to determine the source of the problem.

Once the issue is identified, the chiropractor can begin to develop a treatment plan. This may include non-surgical spinal decompression augmented by low-level laser therapy, low-force spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and very specific and targeted exercises proven to be effective.

Non-surgical spinal decompression augmented with low-level laser is a game changer for those with herniated disc pain. It's the gold standard in our clinic for these patients and can make an incredible difference for them. Learn more than you'll ever need to know about spinal decompression in Amarillo, TX right here at this link: https://amarillochiropractor.com/blog/chiropractor-in-amarillo-explains-spinal-decompression-for-disc-bulges-and-disc-herniations-in-amarillo-tx

In short, it is controlled axial traction to take pressure off of discs in an attempt to rehydrate them, reduce the herniation, reduce the inflammation and irritation of the compressed nerve, and encourage healing, blood flow, and pain regulation. It's outstanding for disc issues. 

Adjustments to the spine, also known as spinal manipulation, involve applying a controlled force to a vertebra. This helps to restore proper movement and movement is healing.

Soft tissue therapy, such as massage or myofascial release, can also be used to help alleviate pain and improve the range of motion. This therapy targets the muscles, tendons, and fascia surrounding the affected nerve, helping to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

In addition to these techniques, the chiropractor will also prescribe exercises to help strengthen and stretch the affected muscles. Stretching exercises can also be beneficial for a pinched nerve as they cause the nerve to move within its channel contracting and expanding repeatedly. This is a neurodynamic move also known as nerve flossing and it can make a huge difference for the pains disc patients feel out into the limbs. 

In addition to manual adjustments and exercises, a chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help relieve the pain from a pinched nerve. These changes may include the following:·     

• Improving static postures: Poor static posture can strain the neck, shoulders, and nerves of the back. ·     
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra strain on the joints, including the neck and back. Losing weight can help to reduce the pressure on these joints and the nerves that run through them. ·     
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can decrease blood flow to the discs, making it harder for them to stay healthy or heal from injury. Quitting smoking can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the affected area. ·     
• Reducing stress: Stress can cause tension in the muscles and can make it harder for the body to heal. Reducing stress can help to reduce tension in the affected area and improve overall healing. 
• Proper Back Use: Chiropractors should be able to give you recommendations on how to make the best use of your back while performing lifting or manual labor-type movement to help prevent future injury or at least lower the risk of future injury. 

It is important to note that while chiropractic care can be very effective in treating a pinched nerve, it is not a one-time solution. It typically requires a series of treatments over time to achieve optimal results.

A pinched nerve can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but it doesn’t have to be a chronic condition. If we can catch it prior to 3 months of its onset, we can usually do something quickly and prevent it from becoming a long-term issue. 

If you are experiencing pain from a pinched nerve, it is important to seek help quickly. The right provider can help diagnose the condition, prevent invasive and pharmacologic treatment, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs that can get you pain-free safely and at less cost. With the right treatment and care, a pinched nerve can be successfully treated, and the pain can be relieved.

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