Dealing with numbness, a sharp aching pain that radiates outward? Do you feel tingling, muscle weakness or frequently feel your hands or feet fall asleep? You may be dealing with a pinched nerve! Often times when dealing with a pinched nerve, it is recommended to just rest the affected area with a brace or splint but in more severe cases they may have you do
- Physical Therapy
- Utilizing exercises to strengthen the muscles and remove pressure from the nerve
- Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help relieve pain temporarily
- Surgery
- If all else fails, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery varies but may entail removing bone spurs, removing a part of a herniated disc in the spine or severing the carpal ligament in your wrist.
Pinched Nerve Causes
A pinched nerve occurs when the nerve becomes compressed by surrounding tissues. This could be from cartilage, bone, or swollen soft tissues.
Additional reasons include:
- Weight gain or Obesity
- Stress
- Hobbies or Sport Injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
- Repetitive Motion from tasks like typing on a keyboard daily
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
Although surgery may be an option, many are opting out for something non-invasive with no risks or side effects in the hopes that their pinched nerve may improve. That potential alternative option is Chiropractor care. Can Chiropractors help alleviate pinched nerves? First we need to understand what Chiropractors do.
Chiropractor
A chiropractor is a trained professional, who works to ensure your body is functioning optimally using spinal manipulation. This technique relieves pain associated with joints and muscles. Spinal adjustments increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the joints and muscles that experience pain.
Chirporactors must earn a doctor of chiropractic degree and receive a state license. The degree typically takes 4 years to complete and requires a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate college education for admission.
Chiropractors at Atlanta Medical Institute specialize in:
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica / Pain in the Legs
- Sports Injuries
- Personal Injury Cases
- Worker’s Compensation Cases
And pinched nerves! In many cases, a pinched nerve is caused by spinal alignment issues. A chiropractor utilizes manual therapy to adjust the alignment of these body tissues and alleviate the compressed nerve.
Surgery should be the last option as surgery has a greater chance of side effects and downtime versus a fast and painless adjustment in office. A typical chiropractic appointment will last about an hour at Atlanta Medical Institute. The length of your visit depends on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. During your first visit, we’ll ask for a detailed history and perform a simple exam. This allows us to determine the source of your issue and make recommendations about treatment.
If you are suffering from chronic pain or pain due to a pinched nerve, chiropractic care at Atlanta Medical Institute may be ideal for you. Our skilled team of physicians can curate a customized treatment plan that is right for you and your needs. Learn more by contacting our facility to schedule your initial consultation.
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