A pinched nerve can cause much more than localized pain. Depending on where the nerve is irritated or compressed, you may experience numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, or pain that travels into another part of the body. So, can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve? In many cases, chiropractic care may help by addressing joint dysfunction and other musculoskeletal issues contributing to nerve irritation.
At Cornerstone Chiropractic in Greeley, Dr. Darin Busse takes a thorough approach to identifying what may be causing your symptoms and developing a personalized treatment plan designed to restore proper function and reduce discomfort.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues place excessive pressure or irritation on a nerve. Depending on the location, those tissues may include bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or other structures.
Pinched nerves commonly occur around the neck and lower back, but symptoms can extend into the shoulders, arms, hands, hips, legs, or feet.
Common symptoms may include:
- Sharp, aching, or burning pain
- Numbness or decreased sensation
- Tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling
- Pain that travels down an arm or leg
- Muscle weakness
Because these symptoms can have several possible causes, a proper evaluation is important before determining the appropriate treatment.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
Nerve irritation or compression can develop for several reasons. Spinal or joint dysfunction, injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, and age-related changes can all potentially contribute.
For example, a problem in the neck may cause symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Similarly, irritation involving the lower spine may produce symptoms extending into the hip or leg.
That is why treating only the location where you feel the symptoms doesn’t always address the underlying problem.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help a Pinched Nerve?
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement and function to the spine and joints. Dr. Busse begins by evaluating your symptoms, health history, spinal function, and other areas that may be contributing to the problem.
Depending on his findings, care may include chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce mechanical stress around irritated nerves. Dr. Busse may also incorporate soft tissue techniques and rehabilitative exercises to support recovery and improve function.
As a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP), Dr. Busse also has additional training in evaluating and treating joints outside the spine. This can be especially valuable when symptoms involve areas such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, or ankles.
When Should You Seek Care for Nerve Symptoms?
Occasional numbness from sleeping in an awkward position may resolve quickly. However, recurring pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness deserves attention, particularly when symptoms are becoming more frequent or interfering with everyday activities.
Severe or rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or symptoms following a serious injury require prompt medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?
Whether chiropractic care can help depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. When joint dysfunction or other musculoskeletal problems are contributing, chiropractic treatment may help improve function and reduce symptoms.
How do I know if I have a pinched nerve?
Common symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness. Because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, an evaluation is important.
Where can pinched nerves occur?
Pinched nerves can occur in several areas, but the neck and lower back are common locations. Symptoms may then travel into the arms, hands, hips, legs, or feet.
Find Chiropractic Care for a Pinched Nerve in Greeley
If you are experiencing recurring nerve pain, numbness, or tingling, identifying the source of the problem is an important first step. At Cornerstone Chiropractic, Dr. Busse provides personalized care designed to address the underlying musculoskeletal factors contributing to your symptoms.
Contact Cornerstone Chiropractic in Greeley today to schedule an appointment and learn whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your condition.