Pinched Nerve Diagnosis & Treatment in Chicago
Living with pain can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. Pain or discomfort can make it difficult to fulfill work obligations and enjoy hobbies.
A “pinched nerve” occurs when there is compression or pressure on the nerve root. This can be caused by a bulging disc or a herniated disc. Disc impingement is a common problem that can affect people of all ages, especially those over 50, and can be intensely painful. Getting fast, long-term relief is essential. Our Expert Chiropractors in Chicago have the knowledge and training to help diagnose and treat pinched nerves. It helps to understand what this condition is and what a chiropractor can do.
Explanation of a pinched nerve in Chicago
A pinched nerve occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle, exerts excessive pressure. This affects the nerve’s ability to function properly, causing pain and irritation. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body. A common cause of a pinched nerve can be trauma associated with a car accident. People may experience this sensation commonly in the neck, back, or wrist. When a nerve is “pinched,” pain can radiate throughout the body. For example, a pinched nerve in the back can cause numbness in the legs and feet. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause weakness in the shoulders and arms.
Other effects on the body
Symptoms of pinched nerves can range from mild to moderate to severe. In addition to numbness and weakness, you may experience tingling at the site or a feeling of pins and needles in your body. The pain can be sharp or burning, and radiate from the site. When these symptoms affect the feet and legs, they can affect mobility, making walking difficult. If the symptoms affect the hands and legs, it may be difficult to carry or push objects.
How to get help
Feeling these symptoms occasionally or moderately may not be a sign of concern. However, when the effects last for days and do not improve, you should see a chiropractor to check for a pinched nerve. If pain and discomfort keep you from performing routine tasks, seek relief. Also, if pain relievers don’t seem to relieve symptoms, visit a chiropractor. Chiropractic treatment in Chicago typically produces positive results within 12 weeks.
Diagnosis of a pinched nerve
Your chiropractor is a good resource for treatment and pain relief when you think you have a pinched nerve in your back, neck, or shoulders. The chiropractor will evaluate your condition through an exam and tests. The chiropractor may perform an MRI or measure nerve impulses in the muscles to check for damage.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Perhaps the most popular way to treat a pinched nerve is through a chiropractic adjustment. This procedure allows the chiropractor to manipulate the spine, aligning it properly. This can reduce pressure on joints and nerves. To do this, the chiropractor will place his hands on the back of the patient, who will be lying face down on a table. Next, the chiropractor uses sudden, controlled force to move the spine into its correct position. If necessary, an instrument can be used to produce more force. This may be the method in the most severe cases.
Massage Therapy
In the chiropractor’s office, massage therapy can also be an effective technique to combat a pinched nerve. Doing so is often the preferred option when muscles are pinching a nerve in the back or neck. A massage can minimize the appearance of muscle spasms that can result from this condition.
Apply cold to the affected joint
When immediate pain relief from a pinched nerve is needed, the chiropractor may use cold temperatures. This process is called cryotherapy. Doing this can dull the pain of a pinched nerve, but it may not eliminate the cause of the condition.
Other exercises
Your chiropractor may also recommend physical therapy as a way to combat a pinched nerve. Going to the office several times a week for a few weeks or even months and doing strength and mobility exercises can help. The chiropractor will take you through various stretching and flexibility routines to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the affected nerves.
If a pinched nerve is troubling you, get the relief you need today. A chiropractor can take you through these treatment methods and restore function to your body. You can be free from this pain now.
If you have questions or would like to meet with one of our doctors, please contact our chiropractors in Chicago to get the appropriate treatment for you. Call or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
