Many people experience odd aches and pains from time to time, but if you experience strange shooting pains in an extremity and/or balance problems, muscle weakness, tingling or loss of sensation, you may be struggling with a pinched nerve. Nerve impingement is a common condition, but that doesn't make it any less unpleasant -- and a severely pinched nerve can prove downright debilitating.
Fortunately, you can make use of Mount Pleasant Neck & Back Center's nonsurgical treatment methods to relieve this painful problem naturally.
Understanding Nerve Impingement
Nerves are said to be compressed or "pinched" when nearby structures press against them, interfering with their ability to relay normal neural signals while triggering abnormal sensations. The nerve roots of the spinal column are particularly vulnerable due to their close proximity to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. In fact, bulging or herniated discs due to a spinal misalignment or injury are a major cause of nerve impingement.
An untreated spinal misalignment can also lead to a lifetime of poor posture, which can allow spinal structures to pinch nerves and nerve roots. In other cases, soft tissue inflammation can pinch nerves, as is the case with carpal tunnel syndrome and other types of repetitive strain disorders.
Patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve. These may include:
- Sharp, severe or "electric" pain sensations
- A "funny bone" or "asleep" feeling in a hand or foot
- Poor muscle control and (in later stages) loss of muscle strength
Where you experience your symptoms depends on which nerve roots or branches are involved. If a cervical nerve root is pinched, for instance, you may experience pain in your shoulder, arm, hand or neck, a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. Sciatica is another classic example that occurs when the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body, stemming from the lumbar/sacral nerve roots) is pinched, producing leg and foot symptoms.
Pinched Nerve Treatment at Mount Pleasant Neck & Back Center
If these symptoms ring a bell with you, come to Mount Pleasant Neck & Back Center for an evaluation by Dr. Randy. If your pinched nerve is caused by a spinal misalignment or some other type of bony pressure, a series of chiropractic adjustments can take pressure away from the injured nerve and give it time to heal itself, relieving your symptoms. If the impingement comes from a herniated disc, nonsurgical spinal decompression can apply distraction force to create negative pressure within the spinal column, pulling the disc back into line. We can then prescribe physical therapy, NMR (Neural Muscular Reeducation) to rebuild atrophied muscles, or other natural solutions as needed.
Contact our office today at (843) 881-7797 for an initial consultation and treatment recommendations!