PINCHED NERVES
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to
a nerve by surrounding tissues — such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons.
This pressure (compression) disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain,
tingling, numbness or weakness in the affected area.
A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body. For
example, a herniated disk in your lower spine may put pressure on a nerve root,
causing pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica). Another common
type of pinched nerve is the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in your wrist;
compression of that nerve can lead to pain and numbness in your hand and
fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). These are just two common examples of pinched
nerves; many other nerves can be pinched — including those in your neck,
shoulder, elbow and other areas.
Pinched nerve symptoms include:
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the
nerve.
- Sharp or burning pain, which may radiate outward. When the
pinched nerve comes from the spinal cord, coughing or sneezing may aggravate
the pain.
- Tingling, "pins and needles" sensations
(paresthesia).
- Muscle weakness or twitching in the affected area.
- Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has "fallen
asleep."
Pinched nerves are an extremely common problem. They occur when the spinal bones (the
vertebrae) get twisted out of alignment and pinch or choke the delicate spinal
nerves as they leave the spine. A
pinched nerve can cause local pain or radiating pain which travels up into the
head (causing headaches). The pain can
radiate down your arms, or down your legs.
The most common causes for pinched nerves include:
- spinal misalignment (most common cause)
- abnormal posture
- herniated disc
- trauma
At Advanced Chiropractic, we offer a comprehensive array of
safe, conservative treatments for pinched nerves. We are experts at spinal alignment and
feature pain-free adjustments which give immediate and long lasting relief from
pinched nerves. Give us a call today for
an appointment. We’ll help you enjoy a
life free from back pain!
