Nerves are like electrical cords that carry information from the brain to the rest of the body and vice-versa. They are distributed throughout your body and can become pinched or compressed. It is important that if you are experiencing pain, to not ignore the symptom. The damage from a pinched nerve can be minor or severe and can cause long-lasting or temporary problems. It is important to see your Richmond Chiropractor as soon as you are experiencing pain in the neck or lower back.

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure or compression on the nerve. Nerves are very vulnerable at places in the body where they are pressed between tissues in ligaments, tendons and bones. This compression can be caused by repetitive movement or from holding your body in one position for a long period of time. A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis or bone spurs. A pinched nerve in the lower back can put pressure on the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body. This then causes Sciatica, which causes pain from the low back to behind the thigh and below the knee. Sciatica can even cause some patients to have pain all the way down to the foot. Pinched nerves can also be caused by an injury, bruise or the swelling of extremities that can occur during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary from patient to patient and can depend on where the nerve is compressed. There will generally be pain in the area of compression in the neck or low back. There can also be radiating pain as in sciatica or even numbness and tingling. Some patients feel "pins and needles" or a burning sensation. Another common symptom is weakness during certain activities. Some patients describe a pinched nerve as feeling like a part of their body has "fallen asleep." A pinched nerve in the neck can cause neck pain, stiffness and even pain or stiffness down the arm. A pinched nerve in the back will also not only cause pain in the back, but a portion of a patient's leg or arm. Depending on which arm or leg and which area of the extremity, your chiropractor can identify which nerve is pinched.

Treatment

Treatment for pinched nerves varies depending on the severity and cause of the compression. Sometimes it only takes ice and rest for a patient to stop feeling pain from a pinched nerve. For other cases, your chiropractor can relieve the pain by doing a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor will either do an overall spinal adjustment or an adjustment to a specific area, depending on the cause and location of the nerve. Some patients feel immediate relief after the adjustment but additional spinal adjustments may still be needed to completely correct the misalignment.

To learn more about pinched nerves or any other chiropractic service, contact your Richmond chiropractor today.