Are You Experiencing a Pinched Nerve?
Unfortunately, none of us are strangers to back, neck, and shoulder pain. The older we get, the more likely we are to experience this kind of pain.
But is it normal?
You’ve likely heard the term “pinched nerve” before, and it might sound a little worrying. What is a pinched nerve? How do you know if you have a pinched nerve?
More importantly, how can you treat it?
Let’s find out.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
Neck pain, back pain, or any number of strange sensations could be caused by a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue puts too much pressure on a nerve, “pinching” it.
As you can imagine, this pressure causes problems for the nerve’s function, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or other unusual sensations in your body. You might experience a pinched nerve in the upper back, or a pinched nerve in the shoulder.
These are the most common areas for pinched nerves, but they can form anywhere.
Top Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can be caused by repetitive stress, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, hobbies, or an injury. Since the symptoms can differ, you may not initially realize that you have a pinched nerve.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- Numbness in the area covered by the nerve
- Unusual sensations, like tingling, burning, or pins and needles
- Muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the affected area
- A sharp pain, or an aching or burning pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor and confirm that you have a pinched nerve, especially if home remedies, self care, and painkillers aren’t working.
Treatment Options for a Pinched Nerve
Prevention is always the best cure. Avoiding repetitive tasks, keeping to a healthy weight, and exercising frequently as good ways to stay healthy and avoid pinched nerves.
As we mentioned earlier, certain health conditions like obesity and diabetes as well as repetitive tasks can increase your likelihood of getting a pinched nerve.
While you may need to visit a doctor if your symptoms don’t ease, you can visit a chiropractor for treatment and pain relief. Early chiropractic care can help prevent nerve damage and uses natural methods to ease the pain.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Pinched Nerves
An experienced chiropractor can find the location of the pinched nerve. This is important, as where you feel pain may not be where the pinched nerve is located.
Massages, manipulation of the body and muscles, and other chiropractic treatments can help relax the muscles around the pinched nerve (muscle spasms may follow a pinched nerve).
Finding the location of the pinched nerve can help the chiropractor establish what exactly is pinching the nerve, and how to deal with it. Spinal manipulations can help to release a nerve and relieve your symptoms.
One benefit of chiropractic care is its reliance on natural, non-invasive procedures. No invasive surgeries are needed!
Where to Find a Good Chiropractor
Whether you’re looking for a pinched nerve chiropractor or have other pain issues, a good chiropractor can help you avoid injuries and pain in the first place.
On the hunt for a Noblesville chiropractor? Anchor Chiropractic has got you covered. And remember, chiropractic treatments aren’t just to deal with injuries and pain – they can work as preventative measures.
If you think you could benefit from a good chiropractor, don’t waste time. Pinched nerves, if left untreated, can cause nerve damage. Book an appointment today.
