Pinched Nerve!

Written By Aimee Brown

A pinched nerve is when there is too much pressure applied to the nerve causing inflammation. The pressure can be in the form of the nerve being compressed, stretched or constricted. Surrounding structures such as bones, tendons, cartilage and muscles are the main cause of irritating the nerve. When you have a pinched nerve, it impacts the normal nerve function which is when symptoms develop. A common pinched nerve is Sciatica, where pain, numbness, tingling or pins/ needles may travel down the leg potentially all the way to your toes. Sciatica may be due to a muscle (piriformis) impinging the nerve, degeneration of the disc (decrease in disc height), disc bulge, degeneration of the joints (arthritis).

 Common causes of a pinched nerve?

  • Arthritis

  • Poor posture

  • Poor diet

  • Obesity

  • Sports injuries

  • Falls/ motor vehicle accidents

  • Stress from repetitive work (eg. sitting at office desk prolonged periods, brick layer)

 

 Common symptoms of a pinched nerve?

  • Numbness, tingling, pins and needles where the particular nerve supplies (often the leg or arm).

  • Muscle weakness in the affected area and where the nerve supplies

  • Constant severe pain

  • Aching/ burning sensation

 

How chiropractic helps a pinched nerve?

Doctor of chiropractic finds the displacements in the spine, that will reveal the cause of the pinched nerve and what is irritating it. Your chiropractor may provide pain relief by taking pressure off the affected nerve through chiropractic manipulation/ adjustment, mobilisations, pelvic blocking, drop piece and the activator. Prescribed stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles can also help to decrease the pressure on the nerves. Dietary changes can also decrease the inflammation in our body which in turn reduces the pain and symptoms of the nerve irritation.

 

How you can reduce your symptoms of a pinched nerve?

  • Improved posture

  • Stretching, keeping the body mobile and active

  • Heat or Ice depending on the cause of your pinched nerve

  • Use of splint or brace to take the pressure off by resting muscles and joints

  • Improved diet

If you have any of the above concerns please give us a call and book in an appointment.

Aimee Brown
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The Importance Of The Pelvis