Ever wonder what a ‘pinched nerve’ is? It’s when something’s putting too much pressure on a nerve, leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Imagine the feeling when you hit your ‘funny bone’ or when a leg goes numb — that’s a nerve problem! When a nerve in your spine gets pinched, it’s called radiculopathy.
This pressure can come from bones, muscles, cartilage, or tendons, but it doesn’t just stay put. Pain often radiates out. For example, a slipped disc in your lower back might cause pain, tingling, or numbness down your leg — classic sciatica symptoms. Similarly, compression of the median nerve in the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome. But keep in mind, not all arm or leg pain is nerve-related; it could be ‘referred pain’ from a nearby muscle or joint (find out more in our blog).
What Causes a Pinched Nerve? Triggers and Treatments to Find Relief
How do nerves get pinched in the first place? Common culprits include ageing, repetitive movements or injuries that cause swelling in nearby tendons, ligaments, or muscles putting pressure on nerves. Fortunately most cases of short-term nerve compression don’t lead to permanent damage if you address the cause.
Chiropractic and physiotherapy can be game-changers for relieving nerve pressure. Some cases may take longer to resolve, especially if underlying issues like arthritis complicate recovery. But with the right approach, you can experience relief.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Nerve Pain
Chiropractors focus on finding exactly where a nerve is being compressed. By gently adjusting locked joints or decompressing discs, they can relieve this pressure. Adjustments are tailored to your needs, using either hands-on methods or gentle, controlled tools. They might even use a moving treatment bench for decompression if it’s suitable for your case. Most treatment plans include exercises, posture tips and lifestyle guidance to help you heal faster.
Easy At-Home Exercises to Relieve Nerve Pain
Nerve irritation can happen anywhere along a nerve pathway, so your chiropractor might recommend ‘nerve flossing’ exercises to help your nerves glide smoothly. Here’s an example if you’re dealing with sciatica:
- Sit in a relaxed position on a firm chair.
- Look up towards the ceiling whilst you lift and straighten the affected leg.
- Lower your leg and look down as you do so.
- Do this ten times, aiming for a continuous, smooth movement.
- Repeat the exercise three times a day.
Remember to stay active within your pain-free range — movement is key to staying loose and speeding up recovery!