Effective Pinched Nerve Relief in Lanham, MD
Chiropractic Treatment for Pinched Nerves
Whether you’re in Crofton, Millersville, or Lanham, MD, Effective Chiropractic PG County can provide you with state-of-the-art chiropractic care for pinched nerves. Chiropractic care can reduce inflammation, as well as pinpoint and address the underlying problem. Whether it’s realigning the spine or a combination of other therapies – which can include heat and cold therapy, stretching, and exercise – our experienced chiropractors can get you back to optimal health in no time. Our focus goes beyond pain management and focuses on overall health and wellness. If you’re suffering from a pinched nerve, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
Common Causes of Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves occur when too much pressure or compression is applied to a nerve. Nerves are vulnerable places within your anatomy that travel through narrow spaces and have minimal soft tissue protecting them. Nerve compression often occurs when one is pressed between surrounding bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure can easily disrupt the nerve’s function, which in turn can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. This pressure can occur at a wide range of locations and often results from repetitive motions. There are several common causes of pinched nerves. These include, but are not limited to:
- Injuries
- Obesity
- Herniated discs
- Rheumatoid or wrist arthritis
- Stress from repetitive work
- Prolonged poor posture
- Exercise or sports activities
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
Sometimes, the only symptom of a pinched nerve is pain. Other times, you might have a variety of other symptoms of which pain is not included. Occasionally, symptoms will worsen when you attempt specific movements, depending on the location of the pinched nerve. The symptoms of pinched nerves can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Sharp, aching pain
- Numbness or tingling or decreased sensation
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Radiating pain, such as sciatica or radicular pain
- “Pins and needles” or a burning sensation
When Do I Need to Call a Doctor for My Pinched Nerve?
For the most part, pinched nerves are common and not serious. Typically, they go away on their own after a short time. There are even a variety of self-care options for treating pinched nerves, including: heat or ice, massages, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. It is when the pressure of a pinched nerve continues over a prolonged period and doesn’t respond to self-care measures that one should call his or her doctor. Additionally, if your pinched nerve lasts for several days and is interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s probably time to check in with your doctor. Rarely do pinched nerves cause permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, your nerve returns to its normal function. If the pressure is not relieved, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can happen as a result. To avoid this happening, call your doctor today if you’ve had a pinched nerve for several days that hasn’t responded self-care methods.
How to Prevent Pinched Nerves
While pinched nerves are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to help prevent them. By maintaining good posture, such as not remaining in one position for a prolonged period, improving your strength and flexibility, limiting repetitive activities, and maintaining a healthy weight. These are just a few of the preventative measures one can take to help avoid pinched nerves. To learn more about pinched nerve prevention or to schedule an appointment for treatment, contact us today.