Solutions For a Pinched Nerve

spinal stenosis

One of the most common causes behind complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain; a pinched nerve can cause excruciating pain until it is properly treated. After enduring intense massages, the next place that most patients turn to is a chiropractor.

The term pinched nerve means that a nerve has been compressed or forcibly stretched in some fashion. If the nerve originates in the neck or back, the condition can have symptoms of tingling, burning or numbness in either the back of the neck or behind the shoulder. This will also cause the muscles of the back to tighten in response, putting even more pressure on the nerves.

Realignment and Decompression

When you visit the chiropractor for a pinched nerve, you have two options available for you right away. The first, realignment, involves the manipulation of the bones surrounding the spinal column and those found within the affected area. The chiropractor will pop and stretch out those bones and muscles slowly and carefully, so that the pressure on the nerve will be eased.

Decompression is a non-surgical solution offered in some chiropractic offices as pinched nerve treatments. This involves a sophisticated multileveled table with proprietary biofeedback that manipulates the spine to form its own natural vacuum within it. This vacuum will ease the pressure from a pinched nerve, lower back pain and even a herniated disc.

Subluxation

A pinched nerve can also be the result of subluxation, a condition that occurs when a bone is partially pushed or pulled out of its usual position within a joint, like kneecaps, hips, fingers, elbows and shoulders. This is almost always caused by some trauma, like a direct blow to the joint affected, a fall, or by making a sudden twisting movement. This can happen to everyone, even during everyday activities.

The chiropractic treatment for a subluxation usually involves adjusting the joints and bones by twisting, pulling or pushing movements. Heat, electrical stimulation and ultrasound treatments are often used in conjunction with the manipulations to ease the threat to the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage that surround the joint. Care must also be taken so that no nerves or blood vessels are permanently injured during the treatment.

Herniated Disc

Pain that is thought to be the result of a pinched nerve might also be from a herniated disc. The bones that form the spine in a person's back are actually cushioned by small discs that literally act as shock absorbers. As we age, these spongy discs get drier and more brittle. Sudden trauma to the spine causes these discs to bulge or break open. When this happens it is herniated, and the bulging can cause nerves in the spine to become compressed.

A sure sign of a possible herniated disc is weakness or numbness in both legs or loss of bladder control in severe cases. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, heat and rest, depending upon the severity. A decompression table can also help restore the disc to its proper position.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spaces along the spine. When the space is reduced, the spine becomes compressed in a very painful way. The spaces are narrowed through arthritis or through the growth of bone spurs within the spinal column.

Spinal stenosis causes chronic lower back pain and can sometimes pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. This is best treated through medication, manipulation or flexing of the spinal column and rest can restore some comfort. In extreme cases, surgery may be used to remove the spurs from the spinal column.

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Don't let a pinched nerve hamper your movements any more. If you suffer from severe neck, back or shoulder pain brought on by a pinched nerve, a visit to a qualified chiropractor is set you right in no time at all. Visit Chiropractic Center of Lakeland today to stay pain free!