Our Everett Chiropractor Offers Natural Relief for Pinched Nerves in the Neck

Dr. Cameron Lichfield has been an Everett chiropractor since 1991. Along with his staff, he's proud to offer natural, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment to help people suffering from pinched spinal nerves in the neck. 

How Pinched Nerves Get Pinched

Hundreds of spinal nerves exit your spinal cord and go on to innervate muscles and tissues in the arms and legs. These nerves must leave the spinal column through openings within the spinal bones which form as these bones (vertebrae) align on top of each other. These openings, called intervertebral foramen, are a crucial part of your spinal anatomy, especially within the neck. Without them, your spinal nerves would not have a safe way to exit the spinal column.

Sometimes, the normal pathway taken by a spinal nerve becomes disrupted. This can happen for several reasons:

• The bony space through which the nerve passes becomes narrowed, either due to a misalignment of the intervertebral bones, stenosis (joint space narrowing), or even bony growth or tumor

• A disc near the spinal nerve bulges out of place or herniates (tears and leaks fluid)

• A muscle near the spine becomes irritated and tense

When any one of these situations happen, or a combination thereof, a spinal nerve may be subjected to increase pressure and impingement. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that depend largely on which nerve is irritated.

In the cervical spine, signs of a pinched nerve include neck pain, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand. 

How a Chiropractor Heals Pinched Cervical Nerves

Fortunately, a chiropractor is an excellent person to turn to for help if you believe you are suffering from a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine). At Cornerstone Chiropractic, Dr. Lichfield uses several natural and non-invasive techniques specifically for this health problem:

• Chiropractic adjustments can reduce pressure on the spinal nerve by realigning the intervertebral bones and restoring normal joint space

• Manual spinal decompression also reduces pressure on the spinal nerve and creates a healing "negative pressure" that promotes tissue healing

• Massage therapy and soft tissue mobilization can soothe sore muscles, relax tense muscles, and promote healing and anti-inflammation through increased circulation 

• Lifestyle counseling, including ergonomic training and postural analysis and re-training, helps identify hidden factors that may contribute to the pinched nerve in the first place and help you avoid re-injury

To see the full list of services we provide here at Cornerstone Chiropractic, click here. Interested in scheduling your first appointment with our Everett chiropractor? Call today at  425-379-6301.