“Pinched Nerve Treatments Explained”
The
most common cause of neck and back pain is a pinched nerve, which means
that a nerve bundle has been compressed, stretched or constricted in
some fashion. The nerves in the neck and back often become pinched or
compressed through injury or repetitive trauma and will cause pain and
numbness in the shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot. At other times,
bone spurs that grow along the spine or discs that have degenerated
will press on nerves that pass through the canal spaces in the spine or
an injury will cause the vertebral joints and muscles along the spine to become inflamed. All of these instances can be the cause of pinched nerve pain.
If
you are exhibiting symptoms of a pinched nerve the first treatment
offered is usually chiropractic in nature. Whether you have shoulder
pain, neck pain or even lower back pain most health care professionals
will recommend that be evaluated by a chiropractor for treatment.
Sometimes, a simple or even an intense massage treatment in the injured
area can release the nerve from being compressed. Another
treatment for pinched nerves that typically works extremely well is
non-surgical spinal decompression.
A
gentle chiropractic spinal adjustment realigns and resets the spinal
column, and will often alleviate pinched nerve symptoms. In a
non-surgical spinal decompression session, chiropractors will use a
specialized piece of equipment to alleviate the pain associated with a
pinched nerve or herniated disc. It works by slowly lessening the
compression on the neck or lower body structures. The machine has a
feedback system that will compensate for the patient’s weight as it
slowly uses traction to decompress the spine, forming a vacuum around
the injured area, relieving both pressure and pain at the same time.
Another
possible cause of a pinched nerve is a condition known as a
“Subluxation”. This occurs when a bone is misaligned from its
proper position, and has compressed the nerve because of it. This
condition can occur after a fall or other injury and the bone would have
to be gently pushed back into place through chiropractic manipulation
to alleviate the pain.
Any
of the above treatments would also be an effective treatment in most
cases for bulging or herniated discs. Short of surgery, undergoing
decompression is the one of the most effective treatments for this
condition. We often couple spinal decompression with Laser
Therapy, which shortens the recovery time while decreasing pain and
inflammation.
Advanced
arthritis, while often painful, can also cause spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that creates bone spurs along the spinal
column, especially around the base of the spine where the nerve roots
exist. Spinal stenosis thickens the bones creating pressure that
can affect the nerves and muscle control in the back and legs. We
have found Laser therapy to be a valuable tool in alleviating the
discomfort associated with this condition as well.
If
you are experiencing pain in your neck, arms, hands, lower back, legs,
or feet, you should have an evaluation as soon as possible. There are
several treatment options available to you so that you don’t have to
suffer any longer.
Light
and Life Chiropractic Center has compassionate professionals
experienced in dealing with pinched nerves and other causes of chronic
pain. Schedule an appointment today so that you do not have live another
day in pain. |