The sharp, sudden, and often radiating pain of a pinched nerve can be downright excruciating. In fact, many people are so overwhelmed by this pain that they can hardly imagine there being a fast-acting and entirely natural solution. The good news is that a pinched or compressed nerve is usually a correctable condition. More often than not, this type of injury simply means that the spine is no longer properly aligned. With their targeted, hands-on approach, chiropractors are often the best professionals for supporting natural healing and promoting relief in those dealing with nerve compression. These professionals regularly treat patients with intense sciatic pain, moderate to severe whiplash, joint dysfunction, and more. Their in-depth understanding of the musculoskeletal system allows them to take a whole-health approach to ensuring wellness.
While many conventional medical doctors address nerve compression by prescribing both rest and pain medications, chiropractors tackle this issue head on by targeting it at its source. Their work starts with comprehensive examinations to learn more about the state, alignment, and general functioning of the spine. Once a patient has been assessed during his or her consultation appointment, an individualized and integrated treatment plan can be implemented. This plan can include therapies for:
- Reducing spinal tension and stress
- Alleviating strain in the muscles, tendons, and other structures that surround the injury
- Gently finessing displaced structures back into their rightful positions
- Improving joint function
- Restoring balance, flexibility, and overall mobility
If you currently suffer from a pinched or compressed nerve, choosing to seek chiropractic care can be beneficial in many ways. To start, the hands-on therapies provided in this environment rarely entail any unpleasant side effects. This is an extraordinary benefit for those who are seeking to limit or avoid reliance on prescription pain medications that may be addictive. Moreover, many patients are able to achieve marked improvements in comfort, mobility, and general functioning with each and every chiropractic session. That’s because chiropractic care is designed to both facilitate relief and support the body in its natural efforts to heal.
Understanding Pinched Nerves And The Natural Therapies For Addressing Them
Pinched nerves occur when excess pressure is placed on the structures that surround a nerve such as nearby cartilage, tissues, tendons, muscles or bones. Nerve compression can also develop as the result of a displaced disc. This is a common injury among recent car accident victims, those who have been in slip and fall accidents, and people who have experienced other jarring, impact events. Nerve pressure and nerve pain can also be the result of the considerable physical changes that occur in the later stages of pregnancy, or they may be caused by significant and rapid weight gain. Understanding the underlying cause of the problem is often key for implementing a truly needs-specific treatment plan that produces long-lasting improvements.
This issue is frequently characterized by sharp, shooting, or radiating pains, tingling or numbness in the extremities, changes in mobility, and general joint dysfunction. It is important to note that a pinched nerve will often self-resolve over time. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding jarring, high-impact, or otherwise strenuous activities can be helpful to this end. To expedite the healing process and attain fast and lasting relief, however, chiropractic therapies can be employed to lengthen the spine, realign the spine, alleviate pressure on structures that are overcompensating for the injury, and improve blood flow among other things. Some of the most common chiropractic therapies used to address pinched nerves are:
- Manual adjustments of the spine
- Computer-assisted spinal adjustments
- Therapeutic massage
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Inversion
In addition to helping patients expedite the natural healing process and experience relief, chiropractic doctors can also make recommendations for lifestyle changes that help patients avoid similar injuries in the future. For instance, a chiropractor may recommend losing weight, performing repetitive motion activities in a safer and more sustainable way, implementing a targeted strength-building plan, or implementing a more nutrient-dense diet. If you’re in the greater Birmingham, AL area and are looking for a safe, natural, and effective way to address your pinched nerve, we can help. Call us today at 205-637-1363.
