On a yearly average, about 85 out 100,000 adults in the U.S suffer the agony of pinched nerves. Within that statistic, any age group can experience a pinched nerve, yet studies show that people over 50 years of age are more susceptible to enduring the ramifications of a pinched nerve.
Why? Because those individuals also suffer from arthritis or bone degeneration that can trigger pinched nerves. It is crucial to mention however, that if pinched nerves are not treated adequately, your quality of life may rapidly decline.
We can imagine that these facts and statistics may cause you a bit of worry, especially if you are currently suffering from a pinched nerve. Nonetheless, we are pleased to inform you that you have come to the right place for the proper guidance. Stick around to educate yourself on the causes and symptoms of pinched nerves, alongside with a detailed account of the benefits of chiropractic care!
Causes and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
By definition, a pinched nerve is caused by any excess pressure targeted on the root of a nerve caused by a tissue, tendon, or bone. Also known as a compressed nerve, it means that:
- The added weight causes a grave disruption to the nerve’s function, thus creating pain in the affected area.
- When you feel lower back pain, a herniated disc in the spinal cord could be the culprit. The disc becomes herniated due to a possible injury, or just simply because the disc becomes weakened. This would trigger inflammation in the area, resulting in nerve compression.
- Other causes leading to pinched nerves include:
- Forced injuries
- Obesity
- Increased stress from repetitive physical activity.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Bone spurs
Carpal tunnel syndrome is worth mentioning because many people who develop this condition suffer the side effects of a pinched nerve. Women are more at risk of dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, because of the size of their carpal tunnel. Many sets of tissues are thus at fault for the compression of the carpal tunnel\’s median nerve, including an inflamed tendon within the tunnel, as well as an enlarged bone that accommodates the tunnel.
The Symptoms
: Any of the mentioned extra weight or compression causes a grave disruption to the nerve’s function, thus creating pain in the affected area. The sensations may vary, ranging from –
- Utter discomfort
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Sharp aching pain
The issue of dealing with a pinched nerve however, is its tendency of surprise. Meaning, that the symptoms that coincide with a pinched nerve may occur when you least expect it. Many studies also show that when patients feel numbness and tingling in their extremities, the sensation at times becomes sharp and electrical. Generally, these episodes come and go but if not treated, they will become persistent over time.
When a person feels weakness in their leg, arm, foot, or hand due to a pinched nerve, this is because the affected nerve has been irritated because of the repetitive compression. This can be very uncomfortable, and if the proper care is not pursued, muscle function, size, and vitality may be lost in the specific area. This of course, occurs in the most severe cases, but must be avoided while possible.
In more specific cases associated with pinched nerves, the increased compression may result in wearing down the nerve’s protective outer layer. If that occurs, the buildup of fluid in the area will cause dangerous inflammation and potential scarring of tissue.
Solutions by chiropractic care
It is quite clear that we would not wish those symptoms upon anyone, even our worst enemy. However, if you are grieving the effects of a pinched nerve, it is detrimental that you reach out to a chiropractor as soon as possible
Treatment solely depends on the cause leading to a compressed nerve. For that reason, chiropractors aim to address the root cause of the ailment. You see, it is not about handling the pain by yourself, taking pain medication or just simply acting tough. When the source is found, chiropractic care corrects the problem by reducing the pressure that has been built up. Formally, it is labeled as a controlled application of force by the chiropractor\’s hands, placing force on the affected joint. After a couple of sessions applying this technique, the patient will begin to notice less pain, more mobility, and a dissipation of symptoms. Other techniques besides spinal manipulation include:
- Massage therapy – when the pinched nerve is caused by affected muscle tissue. This technique is also helpful in reducing the amount of muscle spasms associated with pain from a pinched nerve.
- Cryotherapy – an innovative practice, consists of subjecting the area to vastly cold temperatures, which in turn produce relief and hope to eliminate the inflammation or pressure involved.
- Physical therapy– the most common technique is prescribed to give some light exercise to the affected area. Utilization of stretching patterns and movement, prove to strengthen joints and muscles that had been weakened by pinched nerves.
These are solutions that are proven to give the best results. The faster you get the necessary care, the sooner you can return to your normal day to day activities. Pinched nerves become dangerous not because of its essence, but due to the lack of seriousness in which they are taken in the first place. If you notice the first signs and pursue medical attention quickly, there won’t be any consequences down the road. We hope that this article has provided you with the necessary knowledge on what chiropractic care for pinched nerves can do for you.
To resume, if you or any loved one are in the south Florida area and are in need of professional, efficient, and effective chiropractic care, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Abramson and his team. They are ready to take care of you, and we assure you that you will be in the best hands possible, no pun intended! With locations in Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Hollywood, and the Kendall area you have many options to book your appointment. Call us now, and get ready to feel like your old self again!