The nervous system is the human body’s main communication network. Our nervous system consists of more than 100 billion nerves that carry messages to and from different body parts such as the spinal cord and brain to enable a range of movements. Pinched or compressed nerves are unable to perform their functions. A pinched nerve occurs when excess pressure is applied to it by surrounding tissues.
Symptoms
Pinched nerves can occur at multiple sites. People with pinched nerves experience pain that radiates to other parts of the body, which leads to weakness, stiffness, and numbness in the affected area. Some other common symptoms of pinched nerves are:
- Burning and throbbing sensation
- Swelling and inflammation
- Reduced range of motion
Causes
Some common causes of pinched nerves include sudden, unnatural movements, injury due to an accident or fall, compression caused due to sleeping in an unnatural position, repetitive motions (typical examples include typing or using a mouse for hours at a time), and inflammation associated with certain health conditions such as a herniated disk, carpal tunnel, arthritis, and tendonitis.
People with certain health conditions including diabetes, thyroid disease, and osteoarthritis are at high risk of developing pinched nerves. Studies show that pinched nerves are one of the most common problems that women report during pregnancy. Additionally, genetic predisposition can cause some people to develop a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves usually occur in places where nerves travel through narrow or cramped spaces.
Diagnosis
Health care providers perform various tests to diagnose pinched nerves. In addition to performing a thorough physical examination, many experts recommend tests such as MRI, new conduction study, and electromyography to determine the nature and extent of the problem.
Prevention
A pinched nerve can be extremely painful and can bring life to a standstill. In many cases, patients are unable to reverse the damage from a pinched nerve. Here are some tips to steer clear of the problem:
- Maintain a good posture
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit repetitive activities. When working, take a 5 to 15-minute break after every hour
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
When it comes to treating pinched nerves, chiropractic care is highly effective since, instead of just treating the symptoms, it treats the root cause of the problem. Chiropractors in Santa Rosa use chiropractic manipulations and adjustments to decompress the affected disc. Many chiropractors use massage therapy to decompress nerves and reduce muscle spasms associated with pinched nerves. Chiropractors provide physical therapy that involves stretching the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. Many chiropractors also use cryotherapy to alleviate pain associated with pinched nerves.
Is a pinched nerve wreaking havoc on your body? Let Toth Chiropractic help you break the vicious cycle of pain. Over the years, our chiropractors in Santa Rosa have successfully treated many patients with pinched nerves. We use a combination of chiropractic methods to achieve the best outcome. To book a session, call us at (707) 526-1390.