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What
Can Be Done for Pinched Nerve?
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Many
people turn to chiropractic care for safe, effective treatment
of "pinched nerves." While a "pinched nerve"
usually responds very well to chiropractic care, it is actually
a relatively rare condition. In true cases of pinched nerve, you
will feel tingling, numbness, and possibly even weakness due to
pressure and inflammation on a nerve from bulging discs or bone
spurs along the spine. Pressure on these "pinched nerves"
can cause your symptoms to travel away from the spine, along the
course of the nerve. The nerves of the neck travel down the shoulder
and extend into the arm, hand, and fingers. This is why so many
neck problems cause symptoms to radiate into the arm and hand.
The nerves of the low back join to form the sciatic nerve, which
travels down the leg into the foot. This is why a "pinched
nerve" of the low back with symptoms radiating down the leg
is often called "sciatica." More common than nerves
being "pinched" by bone spurs or discs, nerves can very
often become irritated by stiff and restricted joints and muscles.
These nerve irritations can cause pain, and even numbness and
tingling as well.
A
thorough examination will help to determine your exact diagnosis
and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation (adjustment) of
the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring
normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles
and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster
recovery. Part of your treatment may also include some of the
following: acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, electrical muscle
stimulation, ultrasound, and ice or heat therapy. Massage therapy
may also be used in conjunction with these other therapies in
order to get the best results. If you are experiencing the symptoms
of "pinched nerve" described above, we recommend that
you schedule an appointment as quickly as possible. In the event
that your condition requires medical attention, an appropriate
referral would be made promptly. However, surgery is rarely needed
and should only be considered if conservative therapy fails.