Can A Chiropractor Help With A Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve, also known as a trapped nerve, can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. This fairly common condition occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.

While it can be alarming, there are effective ways to manage and treat a pinched nerve. One question many people have is: Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve? Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.

They are trained in a range of techniques, including spinal adjustment techniques, soft tissue therapies, and personalised stretching exercises, that can be used to treat most cases of pinched nerves.

In this article, we describe the causes and symptoms of a trapped nerve and outline how chiropractic care can help treat this condition.

What Causes A Trapped Nerve?

A trapped nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, or tendon. This pressure can disrupt nerve function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. The most common causes of a trapped nerve are listed below.

• Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting in the same position for extended periods can lead to misalignment and increased pressure on nerves, particularly in the spine.

• Injury: A sudden impact or trauma can also compress a nerve.

• Herniated Discs: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft material inside the intervertebral disc pushes out, compressing nearby nerves.

• Arthritis: Inflammation and bone spurs associated with arthritis can narrow the spaces through which nerves travel, leading to compression.

• Repetitive Motions: Continuous repetitive activities, such as typing or using certain tools, can cause swelling and compression of nerves, particularly in the wrists or elbows.

If pressure is placed on nerves in the cervical spine area, a condition known as Cervical Radiculitis can occur (Cervical Radiculitis).

Symptoms Of A Trapped Nerve

The symptoms of a trapped nerve vary depending on the location and severity of the compression. The most common symptoms are outlined here.

• Pain: This can be sharp, aching, or burning, and it usually radiates from the site of the nerve compression.

• Numbness: A reduction or loss of sensation in the area served by the nerve.

• Tingling: Often associated with a “pins and needles” sensation.

• Weakness: The affected muscles may feel weaker than usual, impacting your ability to perform certain movements.

• Loss of reflexes: In some cases, the reflexes in the affected area may be diminished.

Self-Help For A Trapped Nerve

If you suspect you have a trapped nerve, there are several self-help strategies you can try to alleviate your symptoms (11 Remedies For A Pinched Nerve).

• Maintain Normal Activity Levels: While it’s important to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms, staying active and maintaining normal daily activities is crucial. Prolonged rest can actually make the condition worse.
• Apply Cold Packs: Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb pain. Use it for 15–20 minutes every few hours during the first couple of days.
• Use Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Perform Gentle Stretches: Gentle stretches can help reduce pressure on the nerve and improve symptoms. However, it’s important to avoid overdoing these exercises. Indeed, excessive stretching can actually worsen the condition.
• Posture Correction: Make sure to maintain good posture, especially when sitting for long periods. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace can make a significant difference.

When To See The Chiropractor

While the symptoms of trapped nerves can improve with self-care, it is essential to know when to seek professional help. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or are severe, or if you experience significant weakness or loss of function, it may be time to consult a chiropractor.

It is important to realise that early treatment may prevent the condition from worsening.

Chiropractic Treatments For Trapped Nerves

Chiropractors are well-trained in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine and musculoskeletal system, making them an excellent choice for treating most cases of trapped nerves. A chiropractor may use one or several of a range of specialised treatment techniques.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments, or manipulations, are the most common chiropractic treatment for a trapped nerve. The chiropractor uses their hands to apply controlled force to the affected joint, helping to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerve. This adjustment can reduce nerve irritation and improve mobility.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for trapped nerves. By improving blood flow and relaxing tight muscles, this soft tissue therapy can help alleviate pressure on the nerve and provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Chiropractors may use other soft tissue therapies, such as deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy, depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation involves the use of low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and nerves. This technique can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected area. It is often used in conjunction with other chiropractic treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.

Stretching Exercises

Chiropractors will often recommend specific stretching exercises to help relieve pressure on the nerve and improve flexibility (10 Exercises For A Pinched Nerve In The Neck). These exercises are designed to target the affected area and can help alleviate nerve compression caused by muscle tension.

Benefits Of Chiropractic Treatment For Trapped Nerves

Chiropractic care offers several notable advantages for those suffering from trapped nerves. 

• Non-Invasive Method: Chiropractic treatments do not involve surgery or medication, making them a safer and more natural option for pain relief.

• Effective Treatment: Many patients experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few chiropractic sessions.

• Holistic Approach: Chiropractors treat the whole person, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of the condition to prevent recurrence.

• Personalised Care: Chiropractic treatments are tailored to each individual’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion: Can A Chiropractor Help With A Trapped Nerve?

Chiropractic care is an effective and non-invasive treatment option for many people suffering from trapped nerves.

By addressing the root cause of the problem through spinal adjustments, stretching exercises, massage therapy, and other techniques, chiropractors can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a trapped nerve, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of a chiropractor. Early intervention can make all the difference in your recovery, helping you get back to living a pain-free life.