Everyone has experienced a pinched nerve before. It’s that funny feeling when you’ve been sitting for too long and your foot “falls asleep.” That kind of pinched nerve can be easily taken care of by simply readjusting how you’re sitting or getting up and moving around for a bit. However, a more serious case of a pinched nerve can cause uncomfortable pain and tingling for a lot longer. If you think you have a pinched nerve and notice the symptoms won’t seem to go away, then a chiropractor in Snellville can help.
Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
“Pins and Needles”
That “pins and needles” feeling associated with your leg or foot “falling asleep” is one of the most obvious signs of a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve is also referred to as a compressed nerve because of how the nerve is affected which may later on lead to worse conditions such as sciatica. When a pinched nerve is under pressure it can send signals and misfires through your body, which can feel like tingling sensations. A more serious case of a pinched nerve may leave you with that “pins and needles” feeling on and off, or it might even feel like that all the time.
Pain
A pinched nerve can also be a very painful, uncomfortable experience. Many people describe this type of pain from a pinched nerve as a burning sensation. Too much pressure on a nerve can interfere with its ability to send signals from the brain to the rest of the body, or it may send the wrong signals. This can cause pain and discomfort as these lines of communication are impacted by the pinched nerve.
Weakness
When your foot falls asleep, you may notice that your foot feels weak and you might not be able to put your weight on it or move it. Similarly, when a pinched nerve affects any part of your body you might feel like you can’t move like you normally would. A pinched nerve can limit your normal range of motion, making certain movements that were once normal now seem impossible.
Muscle Spasms
A pinched nerve can also affect your muscles, which can lead to muscle spasms. Have you ever noticed what feels like a tiny “flutter”? Weakened muscles may spasm due to the mixed signals from the compressed nerve or due to stress on nearby supportive muscles and tissues. Another example of a muscle spasm due to a pinched nerve might be twitching in your arm or leg.
Causes of a Pinched Nerve
Whenever too much pressure is put on a nerve it can cause a pinched, or compressed, nerve. A pinched nerve can happen from your daily posture to a car accident injury.
Whiplash
Did you know that whiplash is actually the most common car accident injury? Head and neck injuries are unfortunately common with car accidents because of how your body is shaken around with the force of impact. A car accident can cause the muscles in your neck to strain out of their usual range of motion, which can lead to tenderness and swelling. When inflammation occurs around your spine it can put pressure on nearby nerves and lead to a pinched nerve.
Back Injury
Both sudden and prolonged back injuries can lead to a pinched nerve. Poor posture for long periods of time can lead to wear and tear on the back, causing injury like a pinched nerve. A sudden injury to the back can cause damage to the spine and supportive muscles, which can put too much pressure on nearby nerves. Any type of injury to the back can cause the spine and soft tissues to shift out of place, compressing nearby nerves.
Herniated Disc
The vertebrae in your spine are separated by spongy tissues called spinal discs that help absorb shock and cushion the joints. Herniated discs are also known as slipped discs because of how a disc might slip out of place due to an accident or injury. When this happens, a disc that is out of place can put pressure on a nearby nerve and caused a compressed nerve.
Treatments for a Pinched Nerve
When a pinched nerve doesn’t go away on its own, a chiropractor in Snellville can provide you with natural, drug-free approaches to relieving the pressure. Chiropractic care for a pinched nerve may include gentle adjustments that help realign any discs or bones that are out of place. Other techniques such as therapeutic massage and approved stretches can help relieve tender, damaged muscles. Visit AICA Orthopedics in Snellville for a chiropractor who can help provide you with lasting relief from a pinched nerve!