If you feel numbness or tingling in certain parts of your body, the reason can be something you never thought about. It can be a warning sign of a pinched nerve and seeking what a patient may call “a pinched nerve chiropractor” would help.

Pinched nerve, also called a “compressed nerve,” happens when tissues (bones, tendons, ligaments) put pressure on the nerve, interfering with its proper function. It can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in parts of the body, depending on the pinched nerve's location.

The following conditions can result from pinched nerves:

• Sciatica – pinched sciatic nerve causes pain in the low back, butt, and legs
• Trigeminal neuralgia – a condition caused by a compressed nerve in the face resulting in severe pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – pinched median nerve in the wrist can cause pain and weakness in the hand and fingers
• Radiculopathy – due to pinched nerves in the spine; known for radiating pain from the back or neck to other parts of the body, such as arms and legs
• Neuropathy – can stem from pinched peripheral nerves, the nerves outside of the spinal cord and the brain. This brings about numbness and tingling that often begins in the hands and feet. It can also afflict the rest of the body.

Symptoms of Pinched Nerve

Back or neck pain is the most common indicator of a pinched nerve. However, other warning signs of the condition include:

• Pins and needles sensation, numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness in the parts where the affected nerve runs
• Reduced sensation in the area of the nerve
• Radiating pain that can either be aching, burning, or sharp
• Feeling as if your leg, foot, arm, hand, etc. are “falling asleep”
• Pain that worsens with sneezing, coughing, or bearing down
• Symptoms that can get worse at night, disrupting your sleep

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and pinched nerve, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

5 Steps to Care for Pinched Nerves

Our nerves carry out two critical functions: they transmit signals about sensation (sensory nerves) or movement (motor nerves). Therefore, getting the right care for the pinched nerve is essential for the body. The good news is that very few patients need surgery for pinched nerves, so you may not need one.

If you have been complaining of a pinched nerve, you can visit a pinched nerve chiropractor or implement these five effective methods to get relief:

1. Rest

When your pinched nerve affects your neck or back, it will help to rest and stay away from pain-inducing actions to recover faster. In addition, having a good night’s sleep is vital for the repair of nerves.

2. Stretching and massage

Tight muscles can contribute to a pinched nerve. Therefore, massage therapy, gentle stretching, and yoga can help ease the pressure. If the pinched nerve occurs in your neck, you can perform some simple neck rolls. Be sure to go easy in the beginning to prevent causing more irritation to the nerve.

3. Ice or heat packs

Using ice and heat by turns can help reduce the swelling and return the normal blood flow into the area of the pinched nerve. Both ice and heat can accelerate the healing and give relief. Apply the two alternately every 20 minutes. Don’t forget to wrap the ice or heat packs in a towel to avoid getting your skin hurt.

4. Change in posture

Are you using good posture when sitting or standing? If you have a pinched nerve, you may need to adjust your body posture to enjoy relief. Some of the frequent postural issues that contribute to pinched nerve include bending the neck forward for long periods while texting or using gadgets, crossing the leg over when sitting, and using incorrect lifting techniques.

5. Upper cervical chiropractic

It is a must to see a pinched nerve chiropractor. Since nerves and the spine are linked, it’s important to maintain your spinal alignment to avoid problems related to pinched nerves. Upper cervical chiropractic is a gentler form of chiropractic that determines the exact location and degree of upper cervical misalignment.

The Underlying Cause of Pinched Nerves

An upper cervical misalignment can lead to pinched nerves. For example, when the atlas (the uppermost bone in the neck) moves out of position, the entire spine may suffer as they try to compensate. This is what the body does to keep the head balanced. Therefore, the misalignment of the bone can have far-reaching effects on the body. It can pinch the nerves in the back, shoulders, face, arms, among other parts.

Case studies provide some pieces of evidence on the resolution of trigeminal neuralgia and other conditions caused by compressed nerve, all thanks to upper cervical chiropractic.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Pinched Nerves

Upper cervical chiropractic can help you get to the bottom of your pinched nerve, whether it be in your low back, neck, or elsewhere in the spine. A misalignment often exists at the junction between the head and neck. From there, a series of compensations throughout the spine begins.

If the upper neck is misaligned, the body will go through great lengths to keep the head upright. This can lead to one shoulder being higher than the other side or one hip being elevated. Uneven strain and stress from side to side in your body can lead to the pinching of nerves.

If you display a pinched nerve’s symptoms, consulting with an upper cervical chiropractor can be the first step towards fixing your problem. Upper cervical chiropractic is gentle, effective, and long-lasting. As the upper spine restores its normal alignment, reduced swelling of the nerves follows soon after. Many patients experience improvements or even complete resolution of their pinched nerve symptoms.

Consult with us if you are interested in trying upper cervical care to help with your pinched nerve.

To schedule a consultation in our Calgary office call 403-475-0039, or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.