If you feel pain or discomfort in your neck, arms or legs, a nerve may be blocked…
Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the body, and they can become blocked when pinched or damaged.
When this happens, you may feel pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected area.
In some cases, a blocked nerve can also cause coordination and balance problems.
Did you know that chiropractors can fix a pinched nerve in the neck?
If you suspect you have a pinched nerve, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Pinched nerves can be caused by many different things, such as poor posture, injury/trauma or even stress.
Fortunately, there are some techniques you can use to help unblock the nerve and reduce the pain.
Keep reading to learn more!
What causes a pinched nerve in the neck or back?
First, allow us to do a little anatomy refresher.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the nerves that run from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body and back again.
There are 31 pairs of nerves that originate in the spinal cord and pass through the spaces between the vertebrae to their function.
The PNS has two main pathways, the motor pathway and the sensory pathway. A nerve can become trapped along its pathway between the spine and its place of innervation.
What can compress or pinch the nerve? Several structures in the human body can cause this pinching such as: ligaments, muscles, bones or the intervertebral disc.
The main causes of a pinched nerve are:
- A herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis (central or lateral)
- Arthrosis
- A strained muscle
- Vertebral degeneration
- Bad posture
Warning, a fracture, a tumor or a foreign body could also compress a nerve!
With prompt treatment, the chances of recovery are much higher. So don’t ignore the signs of nerve compression – your health could depend on it.
That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare professional promptly for a proper examination.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
When a nerve gets stuck, it disrupts our nervous system. The body’s nervous system is a complex network of nerves that sends and receives signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Nerves are like electrical wires that carry information to and from the brain. If one of these wires gets stuck, it can cause a variety of problems.
As the function of the affected nerve is altered, several symptoms can result. Among the most common are:
- A sensation of pain;
- Numbness/tingling;
- Muscle weakness;
- Muscle spasm;
- Loss of skin sensitivity;
- Pain in the path of a nerve;
- Difficulty with certain movements.
How do you know if you have a pinched nerve?
If you have any of the above symptoms, it is likely that you have a pinched nerve. Sometimes, this pinch can go away spontaneously and does not require any particular treatment.
But, if the symptoms persist, it is strongly recommended to consult a chiropractor to determine the cause of the pinch.
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional with expertise in the neuro-musculo-skeletal system.
The physical examination in chiropractic
During your first visit at Clinique Chiropratique du Portage, our chiropractors will take a history and perform a detailed physical examination with you.
Here is what the examination includes:
- Postural evaluation
- Range of motion assessment
- Neurological testing
- Orthopedic testing
- Muscle and joint palpation
- X-rays (if necessary)
This examination allows the chiropractor to obtain a complete picture of your general health and to identify areas that may be causing you pain or dysfunction.
Armed with this information, he can develop an effective treatment plan to help you feel your best.
Did you know that…
Chiropractic is regulated by the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec, whose mission is to protect the public.
To be admitted to the Order, chiropractors must obtain a 5-year doctorate in chiropractic. In Canada, training is given in only two locations: Trois-Rivières and Toronto.
Chiropractic training covers many areas including anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, orthopedics and radiology.
Once established in the field, chiropractors can enjoy a rewarding career helping people improve their health and well-being.
In addition, because chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, it is an attractive option for many people seeking alternative or complementary therapies.
How can chiropractic help you release a pinched nerve in your neck or back?
When you hear the word “chiropractic” you may think of bone cracking and manual adjustment, but it’s much more than that. ????
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
At our clinic, when chiropractic care is indicated, we use two techniques.
1. Chiropractic adjustments
The chiropractor can perform safe and precise adjustments to correct the cause of your “pinched nerve”.
The primary goal of the adjustment is to restore mobility to the affected joint. The pressure, speed and amplitude of an adjustment are adapted to each person.
2. The SpineMed decompression table
The SpineMed Decompression Table is a gentle, non-invasive technique excellent for pinched nerves in the neck or lower back.
This table reduces the pressure of a disc between the vertebrae. The table gently stretches the vertebrae that need to be separated.
If you have a herniated disc, degenerative disease (osteoarthritis), persistent pain or numbness in your arms or legs, you are probably a good candidate for the decompression table.
Why choose Chiro du Portage in Gatineau?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck or lower back, don’t suffer any longer than necessary.
Our team of experts has years of experience helping people like you get relief from pinched nerve pain.
At Clinique Chiropratique du Portage, we offer a wide range of services to help you achieve optimal health.
We specialize in chiropractic care, which is a safe and effective treatment for many common neuromusculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Our goal is not only to relieve your pain, but to improve your overall health and well-being.
Come and meet us! We will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and help you regain a better quality of life.
Make an appointment now with one of our chiropractors!
Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, Chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, Chiropractor