Spouse helping senior woman with shoulder to hand pain

At some point in life, you probably will deal with the pain caused by a pinched nerve. When searching for relief, people often wonder, “Can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve?It’s normal for those dealing with the shooting pain of a pinched nerve to fear they may need surgery to correct the issue. However, our chiropractors offer a variety of non-invasive treatments that can help you recover and find relief. 

What is a Pinched Nerve? 

We’ve all heard talk of pinched nerves. But many people don’t fully understand what it actually means. If that’s you, don’t worry. A pinched nerve has pressure on it from the surrounding tissue, compromising its ability to function properly. When this happens to nerves exiting your spine and other parts of your body, you may experience pain, stiffness, tingling, and numbness. Time and rest may be enough to help you heal. If you require more assistance, there are certain treatments that can help. 

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve 

Damage from a pinched nerve can range from minor to severe and may cause temporary or long-term health concerns. The sooner you can receive a proper diagnosis and start treatment, the quicker you’ll find relief. Below is a list of symptoms that may help you discover if your pain and discomfort stem from a pinched nerve. 

  • Shooting sensations 
  • Numbness, tingling, feeling of pins and needles 
  • Sharp pain
  • Decreased sensation/feeling in certain parts of your body 
  • Muscle weakness affecting only one side of the body 

What Causes a Pinched Nerve? 

A pinched nerve can be caused by a wide range of physical events or even emotional distress. Swollen tissues, cartilage, and even bone can contribute to your pinched nerve. Below are the factors that most commonly contribute to the development of a pinched nerve: 

  • Athletics or other hobbies where a muscle is overused 
  • Weight-related issues 
  • Traumatic Injury from sports 
  • Injury caused by a motor vehicle accident
  • The development of rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Repetitive motion 
  • Holding your body in one position for too long 

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve? 

Our chiropractors use a variety of manual therapy methods to adjust and align your spine. This promotes healing. Chiropractic adjustments have the ability to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of your pain. These adjustments can assist in recovery without requiring medications or costly invasive treatments. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a pinched nerve and hope to avoid surgery, an experienced chiropractor will have a variety of methods to help. 

Can a Chiropractor Help with a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck or Lower Back? 

If you’re like most people, you’ll suffer from back pain at some point. Chiropractic care involving spinal manipulation has been proven to improve function in people with acute low back pain, which is possibly the most common type of back pain. Our chiropractic methods are targeted to treat both upper and lower back pain as well as the neck or cervical spine. You may experience headaches, and leg or arm pain in addition to back and neck pain. Whether your pain stems from a recent injury or pain you’ve been managing for years, an experienced chiropractor can diagnose the problem and set you on the path to healing. 

Can a Chiropractor Help Nerve Pain? 

Many people suffering from a pinched nerve will experience what feels like their foot or arm is “falling asleep” and have a pins and needles feeling. This feeling is technically a pinched nerve and can be concerning and difficult to resolve. Where pinched nerves are concerned, chiropractic care is the best option to prevent future problems and relieve your pain. When adjustments are performed, the goal is to get rid of nerve interference that is causing health issues and is preventing the body from optimal performance. Chiropractors understand the nervous system extremely well. We’re equipped to make an accurate diagnosis with a discussion based on your symptoms and history accompanied by a current evaluation.

When you’re experiencing pain and symptoms, they understandably want to find relief as quickly as possible. You may be tempted to seek relief through pain medication. While medication can certainly help you cope with your symptoms in the short term, it’s merely a band-aid solution and doesn’t address the problem. Your nerve will continue to be pinched and your condition could get worse if left untreated. This could lead to more serious problems down the road, including paralysis. Our chiropractors can perform adjustments that will return your joints, bones, and muscles back into their proper placements, relieving the pressure on your nerve. 

Can a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve Conclusion

Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to correct and care for your pinched nerve. While chiropractic adjustments are the main method used to treat a pinched nerve, they are also able to use a wide range of treatment methods if deemed necessary. If you live in the greater San Diego area and are seeking out an experienced chiropractic clinic, click here to schedule an appointment. Our team has years of experience when it comes to finding the root of your pain and setting you on the path to healing. 


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