When the word pinch is used in conversation, most responses are followed with a cringe as a pinch can be extremely painful. A nerve being pinched however brings on a whole other level of pain which is caused from too much pressure from the surrounding tissues.
How Pinched Nerves Occur
The compression in the nerve becomes irritated and disrupts the nerves ability to function properly. The most common areas for pinched nerves to occur are the neck or back (sciatica) as well as in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The most vulnerable nerves are those located in areas of the body where they must mass through narrow spaces and there is little protection from soft tissue.
Symptoms of a ‘pinched nerve’ may include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- ‘Pins and Needles’ sensation
- Weakness
How A Pinched Nerve Impacts Personal Health
A pinched nerve can result in limited range of motion and cause muscle spasms. If one encounters a pinched nerve in the neck, the pain can become so debilitating that movement seems like an impossible task. Also referred to as a ‘stiff neck,’ activities like walking, sitting, and literally just breathing can be extremely painful.
How To Treat A Pinched Nerve
Stay diligent with proper posture as this can help minimize the risk of a pinched nerve.Being mindful of your posture when standing and sitting; when resting and sleeping, ensure you are supporting the neck and hips properly; avoid leaning on the elbows; reduce the frequency of crossing your legs at the knee; and decrease repetitive activities.
Use the appropriate postures while at work and at home to decrease the risk of nerve injuries. If your work or home life require you to perform regular repetitive functions, allow yourself breaks and time to allow your body to stretch out.
Pinched nerves can leave you with permanent damage, so start by reaching out to us today at AICA Atlanta so we can help you alleviate that pain. With a chiropractic adjustment, our Atlanta chiropractors can relieve the pressure on a pinched nerve by removing any subluxations.
Call AICA Atlanta For Treatment and Pain Relief
Call us today at (404) 889-8828, so we can discuss further how regular chiropractic care can keep your spine stay healthy and help you to avoid getting a pinched nerve in the first place!