Can a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve?

By
Dr. Alex Vidan

Did you know chiropractic care might offer a solution to your pinched nerve? Let's delve into the question, "Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve?" 

Understanding Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. This can result in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis. A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body, but it's especially common in the neck and lower back. The nerves in these areas control critical bodily functions and even minor inflammation or compression can have major effects.

Some common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

  • Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the affected area
  • Numbness or tingling sensations 
  • Muscle weakness making it difficult to grip objects
  • Difficulty moving the affected area
  • Muscle spasms or cramping

If left untreated, the inflammation and pressure on the nerve can lead to chronic neuropathic pain. In rare cases, loss of bladder control and paralysis may occur from a severely pinched spinal nerve. That's why it's so important to see a specialist promptly if you are experiencing any symptoms of nerve compression. 

Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment approach that can potentially alleviate the symptoms of a pinched nerve. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the spine, relieving pressure on the affected nerve. This can reduce inflammation, improve nerve function, restore range of motion, and promote natural healing. So, to answer the question "Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve?"—the answer is a resounding yes.

Chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulation techniques can take pressure off compressed nerves by:

  • Aligning spinal structures
  • Reducing bulging or herniated discs
  • Loosing muscle tension surrounding nerves 
  • Increasing space between vertebrae

Some studies have shown chiropractic treatments to be as effective as conventional medical care but with fewer side effects and less dependency on medication.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment 

Aside from relieving pain, chiropractic care can also prevent further nerve damage and promote overall health. Regular chiropractic adjustments can improve posture, increase flexibility and mobility, enhance immune function, and support injury recovery. 

It's a holistic approach to health that addresses the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. Adjusting misaligned spinal segments allows nerves to heal while preventing the issue from recurring or getting worse. The goal is full restoration of nerve communication to aid the body's own regenerative abilities.

Ongoing chiropractic treatment also reduces the need for medications and risky surgeries like spine fusion down the road. While drugs might numb the pain temporarily, they don't target the source of nerve compression itself. 

What to Expect During Your Visit

During your first visit to Vidan Family Chiropractic, your St. Louis chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your pain. This may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly X-rays. Based on the findings, he will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and health goals.

A typical initial evaluation often includes:

  • Observation of posture and range of motion
  • Palpation - manually feeling for areas of tension or tightness
  • Detailed neurological exam of reflexes and strength 
  • Special tests like thermography scans

After assessing any areas of nerve interference or impingement, Dr. Vidan will design a customized recovery protocol. This can involve multiple spinal adjustments each week, complementary therapies like massage or electric stimulation, lifestyle advice, rehabilitation exercises and more.  

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Don't let a pinched nerve limit your life. At Vidan Family Chiropractic, we're committed to helping our patients in St. Louis achieve optimal health through effective chiropractic care. If you're wondering, "Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve?"—we're here to answer that question with expert care and support. Call us today at (314) 210-6556 to schedule your appointment. Let's work together to get you back to living a pain-free life.

Can a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve