Is a Pinched Nerve Causing Your Pain?
By Sara Butler
The nerves in your body communicate messages from your brain to literally everywhere -- from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. When you experience pain caused by pinched nerve, it’s a message your body receives clearly because the pain can be very intense. Problems with your posture, overuse, trauma, or other injuries can cause a pinched nerve. They can happen anywhere at any time. Here’s what you need to know about pinched nerves and how the chiropractors at The Joint can help.
The Neck
Your neck is also known as the cervical spine. It’s comprised of the top seven vertebrae, or bones, in your spine. Its job is to protect the nerves that extend from your brain, down your neck, and into your arms, hands, upper back, and middle back. This part of the spine also helps to move and support your head, all the while aiding your brain in getting a constant blood supply.
A pinched nerve in this part of your spine can cause pain and discomfort in your head, neck, fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders. Aside from pain, you can also experience tingling in the hands and arms -- which is an indication that your nerves may be compromised.
The Middle Back
Your middle back is also referred to as the thoracic spine. It helps to support your ribs and protect your spine. If you experience a pinched nerve in this area, then you may feel pain in the upper stomach area, the chest, and the shoulder blades. The chiropractors at The Joint find that patients don’t often associate the pain or discomfort they feel with a pinched nerve in this area. In fact, they often worry that they may be having a heart or anxiety attack because the pain can be very similar. Of course, if you think you’re having a heart attack you should seek out medical attention immediately. If it turns out fine, then it could be a pinched nerve.
The Lower Back
Your lower back is also called the lumbar spine and is one of the most common areas to have a pinched nerve. Problems with nerves in this area can cause pain in the buttocks, legs, and feet. If you experience pain in any of these areas, then a pinched nerve may be to blame.
If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your body, then have it checked out by a chiropractor at The Joint. They can work to uncover the root cause of your pain and create a treatment plan to address in order to help you find relief.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.