Provo Chiropractor: Treating a Pinched Nerve

The term “pinched nerve” is somewhat of a catch-all phrase that is commonly used to describe the pain associated with a variety of conditions from subluxations, to tunnel syndromes, to the referred pain from trigger points. 

To treat a pinched nerve, it is very important that the cause of any form of pain be properly diagnosed. This is especially important when nerves are affected as severe or long term irritation, or compression, of a nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage.

If you have been told that you have a “pinched nerve” it is very important that you seek professional care from a doctor of chiropractic to treat a pinched nerve as soon as possible. Contact us today!

Pinched Nerve or Subluxation?

Most of the time, what is called a pinched nerve is actually an irritated or inflamed nerve and the nerve itself is not actually pinched.

In most cases, nerves become irritated and inflamed when the bones, joints or muscles of the spine are not in their proper position or not moving properly.

This condition is called a “subluxation” and the treatment is a chiropractor's specialty.

Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves

There are instances when nerves do become ‘pinched’, such as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

In each of these cases, injury, spasm or inflammation of the surrounding muscles and connective tissue causes the nerve to become compressed and results in pain. These conditions are referred to as “tunnel syndromes.”

Treating tunnel syndromes is more complex than treating a simple spinal subluxation, but even still these syndromes typically respond very well to chiropractic care; especially when combined with other physical therapies such as exercises and stretches. 

Pinched Nerves and Trigger Points

Trigger points are very tight “knots” of muscle that form when muscles are either chronically overworked or injured. They often described as a pinching or burning pain.

Trigger points will commonly cause pain that radiates or refers to other parts of the body.The successful treatment of trigger points usually requires a combination of chiropractic care, stretching, and a form of deep tissue massage called ‘trigger point therapy'.