A pinched nerve occurs when the surrounding soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments, or spinal discs) cause pressure on the nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in a particular area. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body, but are most common in the neck (cervical spine), lower back (lumbar spine), and wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome) or elbows (pronator teres syndrome). If left untreated, this can lead to chronic pain, muscle weakness, and reduced mobility.
A pinched (aka compressed) nerve results from pressure by the surrounding structures. This includes tight or tense muscles caused by repetitive movements (for example, rotation at the elbow when using a screwdriver all day), disc protrusion in the spine, or degenerative changes in joints, such as those along the spine. Left untreated, pinched nerves can cause persistent discomfort, weakness, or even long-term nerve damage.
Common causes include:
Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica involve nerve compression in confined spaces.
The symptoms of a pinched nerve depend on its location but generally include sharp or burning pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or radiating discomfort. The pain often worsens with movement or specific joint positions, particularly in the neck, lower back, or limbs. If left untreated, a pinched nerve can result in chronic pain, muscle atrophy, and long-term weakness.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating pinched nerves by focusing on releasing tight structures around the nerve to relieve nerve compression & irritation and enhancing overall movement. Techniques such as joint manipulation and mobilisation, as well as soft tissue therapy (particularly active release techniques and IASTM **links) can help reduce pain and other symptoms of nerve compression. Chiropractors also provide ergonomic advice, corrective exercises, and movement pattern optimisation specific to your sport or work to minimise the risk of re-injury.
In more severe cases, decompression therapy or nerve gliding exercises might be used.
You might have pain, weakness with specific movements, numbness & tingling, or electric shock-like pain. There may also be pain when sleeping in certain positions or as the day progresses with repeated movements.
Yes, chiropractors can help alleviate nerve compression through joint adjustment, mobilisation, soft tissue work, and other therapies aimed at reducing symptoms and restoring movement.
This depends on the severity and location of the problem, as well as how long you have been experiencing the pain. Some people respond quickly to conservative treatment, whilst others take longer, and in some cases, conservative management fails.
Soft tissue therapy typically works well and is a good starting point. Releasing the soft tissues around the compressed nerve usually significantly improves pain, and strengthening exercises will help prevent future flare-ups.
This depends on your symptoms and any other health conditions you may have that could also be contributing factors. If you live and breathe the sport or activity that is impacted by the pain, or it is limiting your ability to enjoy life, then of course you will be worried. Left untreated, there is a risk that a persistently compressed nerve will take significantly longer to recover. The good news is that most people find relief with treatment.
Specific strengthening exercises that target the involved muscle and take it through its full range of motion can be helpful. Nerve flossing can also help alleviate nerve compression caused of nerves exiting the spinal canal.
Ice is helpful in the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation of surrounding tissues, while heat can relax tight muscles and improve healing in the later stages.
It is always a good idea to try non-invasive treatment first. If no progress is made, your chiropractor may feel it is necessary to refer you on for another opinion and consideration of invasive treatment for persistent pain.
Inadequate neck support (a flat pillow) may exacerbate pain from existing nerve compression in the neck or shoulder.
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