Nerves are integral to the central nervous system (CNS), transmitting signals between the brain and other parts of the body via signals carried along nerve fibers. The CNS comprises brain and spinal cord structures; nerves function as messengers carrying sensory data from various body areas back to the brain and motor commands from the brain back down through these same nerve fibers to muscles or organs in response to instructions received.
The spine protects the central nervous system, specifically the spinal cord. The latter consists of bundles of nerves running along its entire length through the vertebral canal. Vertebrae (bones that make up the spine) provide the physical shield that protects this vital area. Meninges and cerebrospinal fluid also offer additional safeguards to protect against potential injury to this critical structure.
Pinching, compressing, or otherwise irritating nerves may result in what is known as pinched nerve syndrome or nerve compression, with symptoms including pain, numbness or tingling sensation, weakness in the affected area, and radiating pain along its path. Depending on its source and intensity, these may range in location and severity from pinched nerve syndrome or compression.
Risk factors associated with pinched nerves include:
- Repeated Activities: Engaging in repetitive motions or maintaining postures over extended periods can increase spinal misalignments, damage, and nerve compression. Such activities could include typing for hours on end on a keyboard or using tools that require repetitive movements on an ongoing basis.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or maintaining improper positioning may place additional pressure on the spine and nerves, increasing the risk for compression syndrome.
- Obesity: Excess weight can unduly strain the spine and nerves in weight-bearing areas such as the mid and lower back. This pressure also puts stress on joints, potentially contributing to pain in these parts of your body.
- Accidents and Traumas: Accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause spine and nerve damage that may lead to nerve compression, irritation, and associated symptoms.
- Arthritis and Spinal Abnormalities: Conditions such as degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as spinal damage such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, can all result in nerve compression/irritation that leads to pain and symptoms for those affected.
Complimentary Pinched Nerve Consultation
We’d love to meet you for a 15-20 minute session with a doctor to get your story, conduct any preliminary tests, and see if we can help you. If so, great, if not, we’ll help you find the place that can.
We specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic care at Mount Dora Family Chiropractic – the upper spinal region where the head and neck join. The top two bones in the neck are scientifically and very precisely analyzed (known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae). Doctors of Upper Cervical Chiropractic understand that misalignments or subluxations in this part of the spine can interfere with normal nerve pathways, thus affecting various body systems, which may cause or contribute to various health conditions, including pinched nerves.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic care, however, aims at realigning the upper cervical vertebrae to restore proper nerve function and promote overall health. This form of care, along with lifestyle modifications and support, can make a significant difference for those with pinched nerves.
How Our Pinched Nerve Care Plan Works
1. Real Answers
You have a story and we want to hear it. We want to understand you. If we feel we can help, we’ll complete a very detailed exam–unlike anything you’ve done anywhere else to get to the root of the problem.
2. Real Solutions
Once we’ve gotten to the bottom of things–the root cause–we’ll tailor-make a program of care first to stop the damage and turn things around, then continue to move your health and function in a constructive direction.
3. Real Life
At the end of the day, you want your quality of life back. Better. Stronger. Healthier. We desire to help you achieve the life that God has called you to–getting you back to your sense of purpose and joy.
How We Treat Pinched Nerves in Mount Dora, FL
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
The doctor and team will first do a consultation and preliminary pinched nerve evaluation (complimentary) to ensure you’re in the right place and that we believe we can help you. If we can, we’ll dive much deeper into your pinched nerve condition and how it’s affecting your life. Once we understand you clearly, we’ll thoroughly examine your spine and nervous system utilizing chiropractic, functional, and neurologic testing to find the root cause of the problem(s).
CBCT (3D Panoramic X-ray) and Motion Study X-rays
Once we’ve determined that you are a good candidate for care and can help you, we will likely need to take very specific forms of imaging to pinpoint the problem (unless you are pregnant). We want to get a good look at the curve of the spine, the alignment (or lack thereof), any degenerative changes, and contraindications to care, and ultimately find out EXACTLY what we need to do for you to get better.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Our family-oriented practice in Mount Dora provides a unique form of Chiropractic care that is precise, extremely effective, and very gentle. In fact, there is no twisting or “cracking” of your neck. We utilize a form of care known as Blair Upper Cervical, which focuses on the top two bones in the neck, where your head and neck come together, and tends to yield uncommon results due to the neurological influence of this critical area of your spine. We add a supportive type of adjusting for the rest of your spine known as TRT (Torque Release Technique). TRT is a precise, effective, gentle instrument-based technique that produces fantastic results.
When the joints of your spine are misaligned, it puts undue pressure on your joints and, more importantly, on your nervous system—known as a subluxation—which may cause pain and affect your global health. The goal of your specific adjustments is to reduce the subluxations, taking pressure off your spine and nervous system so that your body can self-heal the way it was created.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
Depending on your particular case, we will design a custom rehab/exercise plan (Vestibular Rehab) to help you recover quicker and attain lasting results. Your unique exercise plan aims to help restore global spinal and vestibular imbalances, address muscle weakness, increase range of motion, improve your posture and reduce your pinched nerve symptoms. We also aim to keep it simple—so you can do it at home in very little time. If you are a severe case, we may refer you for physical therapy aimed at a more tailored and monitored exercise rehab to complement your upper cervical chiropractic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should see an Upper Cervical Chiropractor for a pinched nerve?
If you have unresolved symptoms of a pinched nerve that haven’t responded to other forms of care or home remedies, it would be prudent to get a proper upper cervical chiropractic spinal evaluation. If you have accompanying headaches, neck pain, upper back or shoulder pain, low back/hip pain, or muscle tension, these are red flags for spinal/structural issues best addressed by a great chiropractor.
Is a massage or chiropractic better for a pinched nerve?
Both are great but serve different purposes. Massage primarily focuses on the soft tissues (muscles, fascia), improving circulation and reducing stress, whereas chiropractic focuses on the neuro-structural system (the spinal joints and adjacent nerves). Because a chiropractic adjustment affects the nervous system, it will also directly affect muscle tension. Massage is a wonderful compliment to chiropractic care, but not a replacement for it.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
Home remedies may temporarily relieve symptoms from pinched nerves but will likely not address the root cause. In this case, it would be advisable to seek a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options before trying home remedies on your own; here are a few to try that may help to alleviate pinched nerve discomfort:
- Relaxation: Allow for enough rest time for the spine and nerve to recover and reduce further irritation.
- Cold and Hot Packs: Start by applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin dish towel for 15-20 minutes several times each day to the affected area for 48 hours before switching to either a heating pad or warm compress to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. You can also alternate hot and cold, but always end with cold, as it knocks down the inflammation causing the pain.
- OTC Pain Relievers: While Over-The-Counter pain relievers should typically be used only as a last resort, sometimes their use may be necessary in certain instances. As with any drug, follow dosage instructions and seek advice from your treating practitioner.
- Stretching and Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises may relieve pressure on nerves. Consult your Chiropractor or other healthcare provider for exercises that target this specific area without creating additional damage to it.
- Good Posture and Ergonomics: Maintain proper posture when sitting or standing for extended periods, and make sure to have an ergonomically designed workplace to reduce strain on your neck, back, and other vulnerable parts.
- Massage: Gentle massage can provide temporary relief by relaxing surrounding muscles. However, avoid placing direct pressure on any pinched nerve.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils such as lavender or peppermint may have pain-relieving properties, so diluting some drops with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut) before applying them topically may relieve affected areas. Be sure to conduct a patch test first, as any adverse reactions should stop use immediately.
Always consult a healthcare professional when experiencing worsening or persisting symptoms; home remedies cannot replace seeking professional advice and guidance in caring for them effectively.
What’s the best way to sleep with a pinched nerve?
If you’re symptomatic, the best sleeping position is semi-recumbent (as in a recliner chair) with support under your neck. Some contoured pillows are good (some are terrible)—we recommend the Killapilla—or simply put a small, rolled-up towel under your neck. If you can lie flat in bed, put a pillow under your knees to help achieve a more neutral spinal posture. If on your side, it’s important to have just the right amount of pillow height so that your head is not tilted up or down, which will only irritate your neck joints and receptor nerves, possibly aggravating your pinched nerve symptoms. In the end, however, when dealing with a pinched nerve, you may just have to find the most comfortable position to reduce irritation to the area—which may vary.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
No, a chiropractic adjustment should not hurt. Some technique models use more force to move the vertebrae where there may be an audible “cracking or popping sound”. This is nothing to fear; it’s just gas escaping the joint. That being said, in our office, we utilize a very specialized form of care that does not involve twisting or “cracking” of your spine—it is very gentle, precise, and extremely effective at producing good results for pinched nerve conditions. You can learn more on our website’s “Upper Cervical” page. You may also find more information at www.blairchiropractic.com
Check Out Our Location Near You
2255 Crescent St Mt Dora, FL 32757
