If you’re anything like me, you’re often curious and like to search the internet for random information. This morning, I was curious about what a pinched nerve is. After doing some reading, I discovered that a pinched nerve is a generic term for a compressed peripheral nerve. Peripheral means the part of your nervous system that isn’t part of your central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord). Some symptoms of a pinched nerve can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the area where the pinched nerve is located. Some common examples that you might have heard of include: sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and a WHOLE list of more! These symptoms can be temporary or long-lasting, and in many cases, they can be treated with rest, over-the-counter medication, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care.
Okay, thanks Google. So that explains what it is. But how exactly does it happen? During my deep dive into pinched nerves, I learned that it occurs when your bones, ligaments, and muscles press against your nerves! Ouch! Does it make anyone else feel strange when you start to become aware of all your insides? Excess swelling and inflammation can also squeeze nerves. There are specific conditions that can lead to abnormal pressure on your nerves such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and injuries that affect your bones! So if you’re affected by any of these conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re more susceptible to pinched nerves! In addition to these conditions, age, obesity, pregnancy, and participating in repetitive motion tasks also increase your risk of developing these pesky pinched nerves.
Pinched nerves are common, and especially mild cases are easily fixed and not so scary! But how does one get diagnosed with this condition? Normally, you’ll want to visit your primary healthcare provider, chiropractors included, who are well-equipped to diagnose and treat pinched nerves. They will look for muscle weaknesses, check for changes in reflexes, and ask about the different sensations you’re feeling. If they’re feeling unsure, you may also need to get an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or even an EMG. These tests may sound scary, but there’s no need to worry because they can also help in treating other complaints you may have. Once the chiropractor is 100% confident about the diagnosis, they will prepare a detailed treatment plan, and the fun begins!
In most cases, a chiropractor will use spinal and joint adjustments to reduce the compression on the trapped nerve. This involves adjusting misaligned joints and relaxing the surrounding soft tissues. Along with loosening the muscles, these adjustments can also increase blood flow to the areas that need attention. In most cases, chiropractic adjustments can provide instant relief with no risk of side effects or need for recovery time. This method can be beneficial for someone who prefers to avoid invasive procedures or medications that could lead to unwanted side effects.
If you are currently experiencing or have suffered from pinched nerves, we invite you to visit us at the Chiropractic Health Centre. Dr. Jamila would be happy to assist you, and we also have qualified massage therapists who can help you feel better and get back to your best self in no time.