Chiropractors are able to help with the management and treatment of pinched nerves. In this article, we address how pinched nerves happen, their symptoms, and when chiropractic care might be the right solution.
We also discuss ways to manage a pinched nerve at home, and provide preventative tips to avoid them in the future.
What is a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when the surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, cartilage, or tendons, put excessive pressure on a nerve.
This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, often causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Although pinched nerves are a common source of discomfort, most cases can be effectively managed through chiropractic care.
What causes a pinched nerve?
Several factors can contribute to a pinched nerve:
- Repetitive motions Frequent, repetitive movements can strain the tissues surrounding a nerve, especially in joints that are regularly used, like the wrists or spine.
- Injury Trauma, sudden impact, or a sports injury can all directly damage a nerve or trigger inflammation, potentially causing a pinched nerve.
- Herniated Disc In the spine, a herniated disc occurs when the gel-like centre pushes out against the outer ring and compresses nearby nerves.
- Arthritis As joints deteriorate with age, the spaces through which nerves travel may narrow as a result of bone spurs or joint inflammation, causing compression.
- Excess weight By placing additional stress on your joints, excess weight may increase the risk of pinched nerves.
Where can you get a pinched nerve?
While pinched nerves can happen almost anywhere in the body, some common locations include:
- The shoulder Pinched nerves in the shoulder can cause discomfort, tingling, and muscle weakness in the shoulder and upper arm.
- The neck Pinched nerves in the neck can cause pain, numbness, or a burning sensation that extends down the arm and into the hand.
- The lower back Pinched nerves in the lower back can cause lower back pain, and this pain may radiate down a leg, an infliction known as sciatica.
- Other areas Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), Elbow (tennis elbow), and Feet (tarsal tunnel syndrome).
What are the common symptoms of a pinched nerve?
Pinched nerve symptoms can vary depending on their location and severity, but generally they include:
- Pain Described as sharp, aching, burning, or throbbing.
- Tingling or Numbness A “pins and needles” sensation or decreased feeling in the affected area.
- Weakness Muscle weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
- Increased discomfort during the night Certain sleep positions can aggravate a pinched nerve.
Should you go to a chiropractor if you have a pinched nerve?
Chiropractors specialise in assessing and managing musculoskeletal conditions like pinched nerves. Chiropractors will evaluate your condition during an initial consultation to determine if chiropractic care is an ideal fit for you.
Can a chiropractor release a pinched nerve?
Chiropractic adjustments can help re-align the spine and other joints, taking pressure off pinched nerves. Typically, realignment offers significant pain relief, improved mobility, and improved natural healing.
When to see a chiropractor
A visit to a chiropractor should be considered if you experience ongoing symptoms. After identifying the root cause of the pinched nerve, the chiropractor will then develop a personalised plan.
When not to see a chiropractor
Certain medical conditions may require medical intervention instead of, or in combination with, chiropractic care. Always disclose existing health issues to your chiropractor.
Can a chiropractor diagnose a pinched nerve?
A chiropractor should be able to diagnose a pinched nerve after a thorough physical examination, a check of your medical history, and (where necessary) neurological tests. If in-depth diagnostic imaging is required (such as MRI scans), your chiropractor can then arrange a referral.
Can a chiropractor treat a pinched nerve?
Chiropractic care aims to treat pinched nerves by reducing inflammation, restoring the range of motion, and decompressing the affected area.
Treatment includes a combination of:
- Spinal adjustments
- Therapeutic Exercise
Please note: Chiropractors can provide treatment for the underlying conditions causing a pinched nerve (for example, a herniated disc), but they might not be able to cure the condition in more severe cases. During your first consultation, your chiropractor will diagnose your issue and provide an appropriate plan of care, and this may involve solely chiropractic care, or a blend of chiropractic care and other necessary treatments.
Managing a pinched nerve
Here are strategies to manage the discomfort of a pinched nerve at home and potentially accelerate your recovery.
At-home pain management
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help temporarily reduce the pain and inflammation associated with a pinched nerve. However, anti-inflammatory medicines are a short-term solution and not a long-term fix to the underlying issue.
7 ways to support recovery from a pinched nerve
- Take a break Rest the affected area, avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms.
- Fix your posture Poor posture places extra strain on your spine and joints and can make nerve problems worse.
- Stretch Gentle stretches and exercises prescribed by a healthcare professional can improve flexibility and increase blood flow.
- Apply ice and heat Ice within the first few days can reduce swelling. Later, a heat pack or warm bath can offer comfort and alleviate stiffness.
- Use a standing workstation Extended periods of sitting can worsen problems, especially in the lower back. A standing desk promotes a better ergonomic position.
- Get a splint or a brace Braces and splints immobilise the area, and may prevent further aggravation of the pinched nerve.
- Chiropractic care As discussed earlier, seeking a chiropractor’s expertise can often provide tailored treatment for lasting relief.
Prevention through ergonomics
Ergonomics focuses on your posture and your workstation setup, helping to reduce strain on your body. Here are some simple changes:
- Chair adjustment Support your feet on the floor or a footrest with your thighs parallel to the ground. Ensure adequate lumbar (lower back) support.
- Monitor height To avoid neck strain, position your monitor so the top third is at eye level.
- Regular breaks Take brief breaks to stretch and walk around every 20–30 minutes.
Complementary therapies
In addition to chiropractic care, some people find complementary therapies beneficial:
- Massage therapy By alleviating muscle tension and improving circulation, massage therapy can assist in healing. We recommend that you seek out a massage therapist familiar with the treatment of pinched nerves.
- Physical therapy Guided exercises with a physical therapist can help strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility.
- Acupuncture By activating the body’s natural healing response, acupuncture may provide pain reduction in some individuals.
Conclusion: Can a chiropractor help with pinched nerves?
Yes, chiropractors are trained to help you successfully manage pinched nerves. They can diagnose the underlying cause, provide personalised treatment plans, and educate patients on how to prevent future flare-ups.
If you experience symptoms of a pinched nerve, a chiropractor can be a valuable ally on the path to recovery.
