Nerves can become pinched or pressured by the surrounding tissues and bones, causing pain, tingling, and numbness, not only at the site of the pinched nerve but other areas of the body connected to the nerve. Many of our patients find relief from pinched nerves after receiving treatment at Innovative Chiropractic Clinic in Swansea, IL.
What Causes Pinched Nerves?
You may already be familiar with two common types of pinched nerves; herniated discs and carpal tunnel. In the former, the disc can cause pain when it puts pressure on a nerve root. The latter manifests in pain in the hand and wrist when a nerve in the wrist becomes pinched. Other types of pinched nerves can result from an injury, repetitious movements, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity. Women and people with thyroid disease are more likely to develop pinched nerves. Weight gain due to pregnancy can also result in pinched nerves.
No matter where the pinched nerve occurs, the pain can be quite severe. It starts at the nerve and may radiate down the arms, legs, or other areas of the body. Some patients frequently report feelings of "pins and needles" due to pinched nerves.
Treating Pinched Nerves
Depending on the severity of the pinched nerve, you may be able to find relief after just a few days of rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, this may not be enough to provide relief for more acute cases of pinched nerves. Often, some doctors recommend surgery. Although that may be your last resort after other options have been exhausted. Many patients do not need surgery to relieve pinched nerves. Surgery may not be the best option for some patients, especially those who are pregnant.
Another option that patients should consider is seeing a chiropractor. By manipulating your body into proper alignment, the chiropractor can adjust your spine and skeleton, reducing the pressure on the nerve to provide relief from the pain. Some patients find pain relief in just one visit; although, others may need to return a few times to heal fully. These manipulations are not invasive like surgery, nor do they require a recovery period, making them preferable for patients who cannot take time off for surgery or recovery.
Physical therapy and massage therapy can be used to stretch the impacted area. We can also recommend a few at-home exercises that the patient can do between visits to help the healing process. Furthermore, we can provide advice about living a healthy lifestyle, which can reduce the discomfort that is associated with pinched nerves and reduce the chances that you will experience pinched nerves in the future.
Find Relief for Your Pinched Nerves in Swansea, IL
There is no need to live with pain. Call our team at Innovative Chiropractic Clinic today at 618-234-1455 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hunter.