How Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

 If you’re living with a pinched nerve, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can get to the root of your pain and help you achieve lasting relief.

6 Ways Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are pretty much what the name suggests: nerves that have become pinched or compressed by something. Often, it’s a herniated disc, but muscles and other musculoskeletal components can be to blame.

Chiropractic care is effective, as it seeks to locate the pinched nerve, provide relief, and address the cause of the compression. To do so, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV utilizes the following techniques.

1. Adjustments

Nerve compression is often caused by a misalignment somewhere in the spine. That misalignment puts undue pressure on the various soft tissues and nerves in the vicinity. Adjustments restore proper alignment, relieving that pressure.

2. Spinal Decompression

Herniated discs are a top cause of pinched nerves, as the inner filling spills out onto the nerve. Bulging discs are another cause, which are those that have “slipped” but haven’t torn. In either case, spinal decompression pulls the discs and their inner filling back in by gently stretching the spine.

3. Chiropractic Massage

When muscle tension is to blame for your pinched nerve or is the result of an injury that caused the pinched nerve, chiropractic massage can help. It helps relieve tension while drawing healing nutrients to the injured nerve and releasing endorphins.

4. Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy provides similar benefits. It reduces inflammation, increases blood flow to the injured area, and promotes regeneration of nerve tissue.

5. Therapeutic Exercise

Targeted movements and stretches can also enhance recovery. Dr. McClanahan will recommend exercises that will target the damaged area to relieve tension and strengthen weakened tissues.

6. Recommendations for Daily Life

A pinched nerve is often due to or aggravated by lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, practicing poor posture or improper lifting techniques, prolonged sitting, and more. Chiropractic care provides specific recommendations and support to address these factors, enhancing your recovery and helping prevent pinched nerves in the future.

Learn more about how chiropractic care can help your pinched nerve in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV by scheduling an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520.