Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve may result from stretching, compression injuries and constriction. When a person experiences a pinched nerve it may include symptoms such as pins and needles pain, numbness or a burning sensation coming from the affected area. Many people experience an “asleep” feeling in their extremities. Pinched nerves are incredibly common. They most often occur when the bones that make up the spinal structure get twisted about and put pressure on nerves along the spinal column. The radiating pain feeling or the sensation of burning is also fairly common from this condition. The nerves senses are confused and sending distress signals.
A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body. For example, a herniated disk in your lower spine may put pressure on a nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica). Another common type of is compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in your wrist that can lead to pain and numbness in your hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). These are just two common; many other nerves can be pinched, including those in your neck, shoulder, elbow and other areas.
The extent of injury can be fairly minor or could potentially lead to significant long-term ailment. It’s important to receive early diagnosis to limit the long-term complications or damage. Your chiropractic physician will identify the cause of nerve compression and remedy the pinched nerve based on a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment may include physical manioulation, other therapy modalities and complete rehabilitation exercises.
The most common causes for pinched nerves include:
- trauma
- misalignment of the spinal cord (The most common cause of a pinched nerve)
- poor posture
- herniated/slipped disc
