What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to that nerve by surrounding tissues - such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the affected area. Pinched nerves are one of the most common things that Brunswick Health's chiropractors help.

A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body. For example, sciatica (pain down the leg) can be caused by a bulging spinal disk or misaligned joint in the lower back. Another common problem that our chiropractors treat is carpal tunnel syndrome (pain and numbness in the hand). This is caused by a pinching of the median nerve in the wrist.

Many other nerves can be pinched - including those in your neck, shoulder, elbow and other areas. A thorough chiropractic spinal examination can help to identify the cause of any pinched nerves in your body.

How do you know if you have a pinched nerve?

There are many signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve. These may include:

• Tingling, "pins and needles" sensations- feeling that your hand or foot is "asleep"
• Muscle weakness or twitching in the affected area
• Sharp or burning pain
• Coughing or sneezing may aggravate the pain
• Change in organ function, like a loss or change of bladder control

The pressure on the nerve disrupts the way the nerve works. Some time you can feel this and other times the problem can only be detected by doing certain nerve tests.

The chiropractors at Brunswick Health will be able to provide a conclusive test if you suspect that you may be suffering from a pinched nerve.

What causes pinched nerves?

Slips and falls, poor posture, arthritis, stress from repetitive action, hobby or sports activities, and also being over weight are common causes of nerve pressure. In rare cases, nerve pressure can be due to tumors, disc prolapse or fractures

Tips on what to do if you have a pinched nerve

Using special neurological tests, Brunswick Health's chiropractors can determine the site of nerve pressure and the extent of any damage. If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there is usually no permanent damage.

Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur. The secret then is to have it checked quickly by your chiropractor.

In the meantime, using an ice pack on the affected area for five minutes intervals can help decrease the inflammation around the nerve within the first 48 hours. If the problem has been going on longer than that, try a combination of ice and heat (a heat wheat bag) can help. Magnesium supplements can also help it to heal faster.

It is best to avoid any movement or action that may aggravate the pain. If for example bending your spine backwards aggravates a shooting pain down your leg, avoid this movement.

The chiropractors at Brunswick Health are experienced and trained to detect the site of the nerve pressure and to treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.