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Pinched Nerve Treatments Explained
Common Causes for Pinched Nerves
The most common cause of neck and back pain is a pinched nerve, which means that a nerve bundle has been compressed, stretched or constricted in some fashion. The nerves in the neck and back often become pinched or compressed through injury or repetitive trauma and will cause pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot. At other times, bone spurs that grow along the spine or discs that have degenerated will press on nerves that pass through the canal spaces in the spine or an injury will cause the vertebral joints and muscles along the spine to become inflamed. All of these instances can be the cause of pinched nerve pain.
Chiropractic Evaluation
If you are exhibiting symptoms of a pinched nerve the first treatment offered is usually chiropractic in nature. Whether you have shoulder pain, neck pain or even lower back pain most health care professionals will recommend that be evaluated by a chiropractor for treatment. Sometimes, a simple or even an intense massage treatment in the injured area can release the nerve from being compressed. Another treatment for pinched nerves that typically works extremely well is non-surgical spinal decompression.
Gentle Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment
A gentle chiropractic spinal adjustment realigns and resets the spinal column, and will often alleviate pinched nerve symptoms. In a non-surgical spinal decompression session, chiropractors will use a specialized piece of equipment to alleviate the pain associated with a pinched nerve or herniated disc. It works by slowly lessening the compression on the neck or lower body structures. The machine has a feedback system that will compensate for the patient’s weight as it slowly uses traction to decompress the spine, forming a vacuum around the injured area, relieving both pressure and pain at the same time.
Subluxation
Another possible cause of a pinched nerve is a condition known as a “Subluxation”. This occurs when a bone is misaligned from its proper position, and has compressed the nerve because of it. This condition can occur after a fall or other injury and the bone would have to be gently pushed back into place through chiropractic manipulation to alleviate the pain.
Bulging or Herniated Disc Treatment Options
Any of the above treatments would also be an effective treatment in most cases for bulging or herniated discs. Short of surgery, undergoing decompression is the one of the most effective treatments for this condition. We often couple spinal decompression with Laser Therapy, which shortens the recovery time while decreasing pain and inflammation.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options
Advanced arthritis, while often painful, can also cause spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition that creates bone spurs along the spinal column, especially around the base of the spine where the nerve roots exist. Spinal stenosis thickens the bones creating pressure that can affect the nerves and muscle control in the back and legs. We have found Laser therapy to be a valuable tool in alleviating the discomfort associated with this condition as well.
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, arms, hands, lower back, legs, or feet, you should have an evaluation as soon as possible. There are several treatment options available to you so that you don’t have to suffer any longer.
Light and Life Chiropractic Center has compassionate professionals experienced in dealing with pinched nerves and other causes of chronic pain. Call 813-409-3888 to schedule an appointment today so that you do not have live another day in pain.
