A pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression or entrapment, occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. A pinched nerve can occur in various locations throughout the body, but is most frequently seen in the spine, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and ankle. Some common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, sciatica in the low back and legs, and ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. So can a chiropractor check for and help treat a pinched nerve? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are health care professionals who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, especially involving the spine. They use nonsurgical, drug-free approaches to treat patients. Some of the main techniques used by chiropractors include:
- Spinal manipulation: The chiropractor uses their hands or a device to apply controlled force and move joints in the spine. This aims to restore mobility and relieve pain.
- Soft tissue therapies: These include techniques like massage, trigger point therapy, and graston technique that target muscle tightness, adhesions, and scar tissue.
- Joint mobilization: The chiropractor manually applies force to stretch and mobilize joints that have restricted movement.
- Postural correction and exercise: Stretches, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle advice help promote proper posture and a strong, stable spine.
In addition to hands-on adjustments and techniques, chiropractors may provide advice about ergonomics, diet, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction. They also collaborate with other health professionals for a multidisciplinary approach when needed.
Pinched nerve symptoms
How do you know if you have a pinched nerve? There are some characteristic symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Radiating pain: Compression of a nerve can cause pain that radiates along the path of the nerve. For example, a pinched nerve in the low back can cause sciatica pain that goes down the leg.
- Numbness or tingling: Pressure on a nerve can result in sensations of pins and needles or numbness in the area it supplies.
- Weakness: Nerve compression reduces signals to muscles, leading to weakness. Foot drop or difficulty grasping objects are examples.
- Burning or shooting pain: Some pinched nerves cause a severe, stabbing or burning pain.
- Sensitive skin: The skin may become hypersensitive in the region affected by the pinched nerve.
In some cases, you may only experience symptoms in one location, while in others it may radiate out from the site of nerve compression. The timing of symptoms can also vary – some come on suddenly, while others worsen gradually over time.
How a chiropractor checks for a pinched nerve
So how exactly does a chiropractor go about evaluating you for potential pinched nerves? The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Medical history: The chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse. They’ll want to know if there was any injury that could have led to nerve compression.
- Physical exam: They will check your posture, spine, and extremities for issues like swelling, decreased range of motion, and areas of tenderness. Reflexes and muscle strength will be tested too.
- Orthopedic tests: Special tests like the Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT) and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) check for nerve root irritation in the neck/shoulder and low back respectively.
- Neurological tests: These assess nerve function and include sensory tests, muscle tests, and reflex checks. Abnormal results can indicate compressed nerves.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may sometimes be used to visualize the spine and locate nerve compression caused by conditions like disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
Based on the findings from this comprehensive evaluation, the chiropractor can determine if pinched nerves are present and develop a customized treatment plan.
Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve
If a compressed or irritated nerve is identified, chiropractors have a variety of nonsurgical treatment options that can help:
- Spinal manipulation: Gentle, targeted manual adjustments restore mobility to vertebrae that may be restricting nerve function.
- Soft tissue work: Massage, trigger point therapy, or instrument-assisted techniques like graston loosen muscles, reduce adhesions and inflammation around nerves.
- Exercise: Stretches and strengthening exercises address muscle imbalances, tightness, weakness, and postural habits contributing to nerve compression.
- Bracing or taping: These can provide external support and take pressure off nerves.
- Nutritional advice: Anti-inflammatory diet changes may be recommended.
- Ice/heat: Alternating ice and heat therapy reduces pain and swelling.
- Referral for therapy: Additional modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy could provide benefit.
The chiropractor will tailor their approach based on exam findings and the individual patient’s situation. With several sessions of treatment, most patients see significant improvement in their pinched nerve symptoms.
Risks of leaving a pinched nerve untreated
While a pinched nerve often resolves on its own with time, there are some risks to leaving nerve compression untreated:
- The pain, numbness, and weakness may persist or worsen.
- It can lead to impaired mobility and function.
- Muscle atrophy can occur from lack of proper nerve signals.
- The compressed nerve can become permanently damaged.
- Surgery may ultimately be required if conservative treatment fails.
That’s why it’s recommended to seek prompt care from a doctor of chiropractic if you suspect a pinched nerve. Getting assessed and starting natural nerve therapy can help minimize these risks.
When to see a doctor
You should make an appointment with your chiropractor right away if you experience:
- Severe, sudden pain along the path of a nerve
- Loss of muscle strength or function in an extremity
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your arms or legs
- Back pain along with bowel or bladder changes
Prompt evaluation and treatment are key to resolving acute nerve compression before extensive damage can occur. Your chiropractor will also refer you to another specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon if your condition requires collaborative care.
Takeaway
Chiropractors are well-qualified to evaluate and treat pinched nerves through nonsurgical manual therapies, modalities, and exercise. Their detailed history, physical examination, and specialized tests help detect nerve compression related to conditions like disc herniation, bone spurs, arthritis, and vertebral misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments together with other treatments can successfully ease pinched nerve pain and minimize complications. So don’t delay – see your chiropractor right away if a pinched nerve is suspected.