A pinched nerve occurs when pressure is placed on a nerve by the surrounding bone, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This can occur nearly anywhere in the body and can cause a host of problems. If you live in the Temple area and need more information on pinched nerves and the available treatment, contact Armstrong Chiropractic.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves?
One of the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve is pain, especially when it occurs in your neck or back. It can also result in tingling, burning, numbness and muscle weakness. In some cases, a pinched nerve may cause stinging pain, such as pins and needles, or it may feel like the affected area has fallen asleep. People often complain about the symptoms worsen when they are lying down or just after waking up.
Risks of Pinched Nerves
Unfortunately, when left untreated, a pinched nerve can put you at risk for various other issues, Pinched nerves can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. In the back, a pinched nerve can cause sciatica, which can often make it difficult to walk.
Treatment for Pinched Nerves
The good news is most pinched nerves respond well to treatment. One of the best things to do to encourage healing at home is sleep. The body repairs itself while you are asleep, so the more rest you get, the better chances the nerve will heal on its own. If the pinched nerve is in your back or your arm, you may consider changing your posture. Switch to a different chair or add lumbar support to your back. Also, additional ergonomic furniture or computer equipment may help ease your symptoms. Stretching, yoga, medical splints are all also excellent methods for home treatment.
When to See a Chiropractor
To avoid permanent nerve damage, it’s important to see a physician if your symptoms don’t respond to home treatment after a few days.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic therapy is very helpful when treating a pinched nerve. Because they are usually caused by a bony section pressing on the nerve, chiropractic treatments can correct any misalignment problems to help relieve that pressure.