Pinched Nerve Care, Symptoms and Treatments for a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Pinched Nerve Symptoms and Care

Thursday, 25 March 2010 10:35

Often, pain in an arm or hand can be the result of a pinched nerve in the neck.  Treatment for pinched nerves includes routine chiropractic appointments to ensure pain free movement and remove pressure on the pinched nerve.  This article explores pinched nerve symptoms, pinched nerve care, and chiropractic treatment of pinched nerves.  

Many times people with compressed nerves in the neck do not realize that the resulting shoulder, arm or hand pain and weakness is actually from a pinched nerve.  Neck pain may be absent with pinched nerves, even when the pinched nerve is a result of a herniated or damaged disc.

Pinched nerves are the result of pressure on the nerve – from a physical deformity, a bulging, degenerated or herniated disc, a muscle tear, inflammation, injury or disease.  Any vertebra in the spine is susceptible to injury, so taking care of the spinal column is extremely important.  Proper posture is a  very effective and simple way to reduce pressure on spinal nerves.

Pinched Nerve Care – Symptoms

Symptoms of pinched nerves include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness the the arm or hand.  Nerves in the neck exit the spine between the vertebra, continue through the shoulder, then down the arms and into the hands.  If pressure is applied to the nerve roots (where the nerve passes out the spine), pain, tingling and weakness may result in the shoulder, arm and hand.  The best way to remove the pain is to remove the pressure on the nerve.

Pinched Nerve Care - Care 

Chiropractic adjustments can help to realign the vertebra, restore function, relax the "guarded" muscles around bulging or herniated discs and even ease the pain associated with spinal degeneration.  Stretching, Yoga, physical therapy and other exercises can help to improve posture, loosen tight muscles, and strengthen or stabilize the spine.  Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture and laser therapy can be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.  As a last resort surgery is prescribed.

For many people, chiropractic therapy helps to relieve pinched nerve symptoms.  The first time someone visits a chiropractor for pinched nerve care, he or she will perform a physical examination, concentrating on the spine, and may request x-rays of the spine.

Visiting your chiropractor for adjustments and spinal manipulation helps to increase the range of motion in the area being treated and to help alleviate pain.  Chiropractic pinched nerve care can also include alternating heat and ice, electronic stimulation, dietary supplements and consultation about diet, and rest.  At Paoli Chiropractic Group, pinched nerve care is comprehensive and includes chiropractic, physical therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, laser treatments, postural training and at-home care such as nutrition and work ergonomics.  They work closely with several medial specialists and refer for prescriptions when necessary.

In order to practice chiropractic care in the United States, the chiropractor must have earned a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).  Admission to a chiropractic college can only be accepted after a minimum of 90 credit hours of undergraduate study have been preformed.  The D.C. is earned after completing a 4-year academic program that includes both classroom work and direct experience caring for patients.

Bio: Sue M. is a marketing consultant working with Paoli Chiropractic to educate people about pinched nerve care and chiropractic treatments.  Read more about the doctors who treat this condition at www.paolichiro.com .