Pinched spinal nerves can be a literal pain in the neck, back, or any other part of your body. They occur when excessive pressure applied by surrounding tissue structures squeezes or compresses the nerve.
The truth is, depending on the underlying cause, pinched nerves sometimes resolve on their own. But do you really want to endure weeks or months of pain, numbness, and muscle weakness as you wait for healing?
Pamela V. Ford, DC, and her team at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center in Carrollton, Texas, specialize in nonsurgical treatments for pinched nerves that can relieve your symptoms and help prevent future problems.
Our Serenity team shares their wisdom about pinched nerves and how chiropractic care can help relieve your pain and restore your mobility.
A pinched spinal nerve occurs when nearby bones, ligaments, discs, or other spinal tissue structures narrow the space through which a nerve exits the spine.
This compression irritates and inflames the nerve, disrupting the nerve's normal function and resulting in a range of symptoms depending on the affected area.
This compression can be caused by:
The nerve irritation and inflammation can cause significant discomfort at the site of compression. However, you may also develop pain in your legs, arms, head, and other areas (dermatomes) served by the pinched nerve.
The healing process of a pinched nerve depends on various factors, including the severity, duration, and underlying cause.
The severity of the pinched nerve plays a significant role in its potential to resolve on its own. Mild cases are more likely to improve spontaneously.
The length of time a pinched nerve persists also affects its likelihood of resolving. Dr. Ford generally recommends that you seek care if your symptoms don’t improve within a few days or any time they worsen, affect your mobility, or make it challenging to rest.
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a pinched nerve is crucial for successful resolution. Chronic issues such as spinal misalignment typically require medical intervention to alleviate pressure on the nerve.
As a chiropractor and physical therapy specialist, Dr. Ford adopts a holistic approach to address the root causes of pinched nerves.
Your experience at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center starts with a comprehensive evaluation that may include a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests.
Once Dr. Ford identifies the specific location of the pinched nerve and understands the factors contributing to it, she may recommend the following:
Opting for chiropractic care for a pinched nerve offers several advantages, including a noninvasive approach that enhances your body’s natural healing processes.
For instance, massage therapy and other soft tissue techniques help improve circulation and blood flow to the damaged structures, reducing the swelling and inflammation that are compromising the nerve space.
Dr. Ford also develops personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs, considering your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits before creating an approach tailored to your condition.
Additionally, the holistic practices that are standard with chiropractic care address your symptoms and the underlying causes of pinched nerves.
For instance, chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and physical therapy provide significant pain relief and enhance the overall function of your nervous system. This promotes long-term healing, increases your mobility, and helps prevent future occurrences.
You can schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ford at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
