If you have been told that you have nerve pain and numbness aka “pinched nerve” it is very important that you seek professional care from a doctor of chiropractic as soon as possible.
What is Nerve Pain aka “Pinched Nerve”?
When nerves become ‘pinched‘, injury, spasm, and inflammation of the surrounding muscles causes the nerve to become compressed and irritated, resulting in nerve pain and numbness.
The term “pinched nerve” is somewhat of a general phrase that is commonly used to describe the pain or numbness associated with a variety of conditions from spinal joint restrictions, to tunnel syndromes to the referred pain from trigger points.
Most of the time, what is called a pinched nerve is actually an irritated, or inflamed nerve where the nerve itself is not actually pinched. In most cases, nerves become irritated and inflamed when the bones, joints or muscles of the spine are not functioning properly, or are not moving properly. This condition is called a “spinal joint restriction”, the treatment of which is the specialty of a doctor of chiropractic.
There are instances when nerves do become ‘pinched’, such as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. In each of these cases, injury, spasm or inflammation of the surrounding muscles and connective tissue causes the nerve to become compressed, resulting in pain. These conditions are referred to as “tunnel syndromes.” Treating tunnel syndromes is more complex than treating a simple spinal subluxation, but they usually respond very well to chiropractic care; especially when combined with other physical therapies, such as exercises and stretches.
Trigger points are very tight “knots” of muscle that form when muscles are either chronically overworked or injured, and are often experienced as a pinching or burning pain. Trigger points will commonly cause pain that radiates to other parts of the body, which is also known as referred pain which can be mistaken for nerve pain and numbness. The successful treatment of trigger points usually requires a combination of chiropractic care, stretching and a form of deep tissue massage called ‘trigger point therapy.’
It is very important that the cause of any form of nerve pain and numbness be properly diagnosed. This is especially important when nerves are affected because severe or long term irritation, or compression, of a nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage. If you have been told that you have a “pinched nerve” it is very important that you seek professional care from a doctor of chiropractic as soon as possible.
What can I do at home for a “Pinched Nerve”?
Stretch Daily
Stretching daily will help your body improve and maintain flexibility and function. By doing this daily you will help to decrease pain and prevent future aggravation. Click Her For Nerve Stretching Options
Ice As Often As possible
Icing often will help decrease the inflammation to the area and in turn will decrease the nerve pain and numbness and will also help the body continue to heal the tissue.
Exercise Daily
It is important to exercise daily. This improves strength and helps the body maintain its flexibility and prevents pain and injury. It is important to start an exercise routine after the acute pain from the nerve irritation has subsided. An exercise routine of as little as 10 minutes a day at home can make all the difference in the world.
Stayed tuned for more tips and information about chronic pain, sports medicine, and other musculoskelatal conditions. My goal as your Bend Chiropractor is to educate the community on how through some simple lifestyle changes you can find pain relief and improve your quality of life for good.
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