St. Louis Pinched Nerve Chiropractor

Pinched Nerve

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when pressure or chemical irritation causes reduced circulation and swelling within a nerve. The result is numbing, tingling, or burning pain that usually travels into other body areas. 

The most common causes of pinched nerves in the spine include herniated discs and spinal stenosis. When pain results from a pinched nerve in the spine, it is called a radiculopathy. Sciatica is a common example of a radiculopathy from the low back. 

Peripheral nerve entrapments are another type of pinched nerve; however, they occur in the extremities. Carpal tunnel is an excellent example of nerve entrapment. Pinched nerve entrapments can also happen in the shoulder, hip, elbow, and ankle.

Do pinched nerves require surgery?

The majority of pinched nerves will heal with appropriate therapies and time. Surgery is sometimes necessary in severe cases that don't respond to conservative treatments. A consultation with a neurosurgeon is recommended in patients who continue to get worse, especially if muscle strength starts to deteriorate.

What does a pinched nerve feel like? Can a pinched nerve cause headaches or swelling?

A pinched nerve occurs when it becomes irritated by surrounding tissues or disc bulges, leading to symptoms like pain, which can be sharp, aching, burning, or radiating along the nerve's path. Other common sensations include tingling or "pins and needles," similar to when a limb "falls asleep." Muscle weakness may be present, and symptoms can worsen with specific movements. For some, pain might radiate down an arm or leg. These symptoms may be mild, severe, intermittent, or constant. A pinched nerve in the neck can also lead to headaches.

Pinched Nerve Chiropractic Treatment in Kirkwood, MO

Pinched nerve treatment

There are several options for treating pinched nerves. The best treatment will depend on the location and severity of the pinched nerve. Although treatments can overlap, therapies for pinched nerves in the back are usually different than therapies for nerve entrapments.

Other considerations are personal factors such as alignment, muscle imbalances, and fascial and joint restrictions. Also, some people respond more or less favorably to different therapies. For example, decompression therapy has incredible results for many people with disc bulges. However, not everyone with a disc bulge responds as well to decompression. 

Standard treatments for pinched nerves include nerve flossing, spinal adjustments, myofascial release, decompression, and rehabilitation. If the pain is recent with acute inflammation, anti-inflammatory medication and ice may provide relief. 

Can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve?

Chiropractors are doctors highly trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of spine conditions, including pinched nerves. Some, but not all, chiropractors specialize in treating disc bulges and peripheral nerve entrapments. When choosing a chiropractor for a pinched nerve treatment, make sure they offer a comprehensive approach. Integrating spinal decompression, nerve flossing (neurodynamics), myofascial release, and physical therapy stretches are far superior to chiropractic adjustments alone.

Can acupuncture help a pinched nerve?

Acupuncture is an incredible non-invasive option for pain management and to promote healing for a wide variety of injuries, including pinched nerves. Evidence supports the use of acupuncture for disc bulges and pinched nerves, especially when combined with other therapies such as spinal decompression, neurodynamic techniques, and strengthening.

Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve in neck or back

Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve in the neck or lower back?

There are three considerations when treating a pinched nerve in the neck or low back. First is controlling the inflammation and attempting to reduce nerve swelling. Some people choose a medical approach, utilizing anti-inflammatory drugs. Other options are anti-inflammatory diets, stress management, and getting adequate rest and recovery. 

The second consideration is addressing the mechanical component and promoting a healing response. Decompression therapy creates more space between the spine, taking pressure off the nerve. Nerve flossing is a technique that gently mobilizes the nerve precisely in the injured area, promoting circulation. Other therapies, such as spinal manipulation and myofascial release, relax tight muscles and joints to help align the spine. 

Finally, physical therapy is necessary to strengthen around the injury. If joints and discs are not protected, healing could take longer than necessary. The other benefit of rehabilitation is to minimize the risk of injuring the nerve again.

Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve in the shoulder

Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade?

Pinched nerves in the neck commonly refer pain into the shoulder blade. In some instances, the shoulder blade pain is more noticeable and bothersome than the neck pain. Chiropractors who specialize in disc bulges and pinched nerves can help relieve shoulder blade pain. Effective treatments include spinal decompression in the neck to relieve the pressure at the source. In addition, addressing the area of pain with spinal manipulation, myofascial release, or acupuncture is incredibly effective.

Pinched nerve in arm, leg, hip, or ankle

Small nerve branches can become irritated or restricted between soft tissues of the extremities. These nerve restrictions in the arm, leg, hip, or ankle are often called peripheral nerve entrapments. Effective therapies for this type of pinched nerve are myofascial release, stretching, and neurodynamics.

Nerve entrapment

Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome will cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the pinched nerve that radiates pain up the arm or leg. These peripheral pinched nerves become compressed near sites where the nerve passes through muscle or fibrous tissue. If left untreated, nerve damage may result in weakness of the limb. 

Treatment for carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated using a combination of nerve mobilizations, stretches, and myofascial release. Nerve mobilizations isolate the involved nerve, gently stretching and relaxing as a way to increase circulation deep within the nerve. Traditional myofascial release and stretches help relax surrounding muscles and connective tissue. Acupuncture is another therapy that has been successful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. It is thought that acupuncture works by stimulating a healing response near the nerve while also reflexively relieving pain.

Top-rated chiropractor for pinched nerve in St. Louis

Our highly skilled chiropractors combine proven therapies that facilitate a healing response within nerves. The best treatment for pinched nerves involves a personalized approach utilizing various therapies described above. Addressing body alignment, muscle imbalances, and joint restrictions throughout the entire body additionally helps with recovery.