Are You Getting on Your Own Nerves?
By Sara Butler
The word "pinch" doesn't exactly conjure good thoughts. In fact, you probably go through life trying to avoid any type of pinching you can. But when it comes to your spinal nerves, a pinch can be more than annoying -- it can be incredibly painful.
The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic often see patients with pinched nerves somewhere along their spine. Here's what you need to know about pinched nerves, how to avoid them, and how the chiropractors at The Joint can help.
The Symptoms
Pinched nerves can occur at any point along the spine -- from your neck down to your lower back. They can also occur in any other joint in your body since the places where bones meet are also places where nerves pass through.
The most common symptoms of pinched nerves include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Numbness in the extremities
- Tingling in the extremities
- A burning sensation in the extremities
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
Pinched nerves can impact your range of motion and your ability to get around, they may also cause intense pain when you sit or stand for too long, muscles spasms, and difficulty sleeping.
How Pinched Nerves Happen
So, how did this happen? How did you manage to get on your own nerves? There are several causes of pinched nerves, but the most common are:
- Joint restriction or dysfunctions - If a joint is suffering from a restriction or dysfunction, then a nerve isn't able to communicate effectively with the rest of the body, leading to symptoms.
- Disc degeneration - Each of the bones in your back has a small disc between them that acts as a cushion. Sometimes those discs degenerate, narrowing the space between the bones and pressing on the nerve.
- Disc herniation - Those same discs that cushion your spinal bones can crack, causing the soft centers to protrude out and press on your nerve roots, causing pain, tingling, numbness, and burning sensations.
- Osteoarthritis - This is also called degenerative joint disease and it results in a condition called bone spurs. These spurs can cover the hole the nerve travels through, pinching the nerve.
How the Chiropractors Can Help
When you see a chiropractor for help with what you suspect to be a pinched nerve, they'll work with you to discover the underlying cause of your pain and discomfort, then treat that with a variety of natural, hands-on methods to help reduce the pressure and stressed placed on the nerve and prevent future problems too.
If you're concerned you may have a pinched nerve, come into The Joint Chiropractic today for a consultation!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.