How Do Chiropractors Treat A Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves are painful and affect daily life in many ways. They may interfere with sleep patterns, make it difficult to function at your workplace, and leave you more prone to other injuries because your body is thrown out of balance.

What causes pinched nerves?

Some people have bulging or herniated discs. Others have a bony impingement and one of their joints is pressing painfully on the nearby nerves. Finally, it can be caused by tight muscles, poor posture, or even having lifted something heavy with careless form. The symptoms of a pinched nerve include pain, tingling, and numbness. However, you may feel these symptoms radiate in different areas of the body, for instance from your neck down an arm.

What to Expect From Your Chiropractor

Your chiropractor will review your medical history and examine you. Once he understands what kind of vertebrae misalignment you have, he will discuss your diagnosis with you. He will recommend a treatment plan to work with your schedule and needs. This treatment plan may include manipulating the spine, therapies, and working to relax muscles and increase flexibility. The amount of treatments you'll need will depend on the evaluation.

Treatment Methods

Some chiropractors will perform adjustments with their hands, while others use devices to manipulate the spinal area and soothe inflammation. These may include specially designed tools that put gentle yet firm pinpoint pressure where it's needed, the use of capsaicin-laced creams, or therapy to stimulate the nerves with a light electrical signal. You may receive several different kinds of treatments in a session. Afterwards, you will likely be given some exercises to do at home to speed your recovery.