6 Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, including muscles, bones, cartilage, or tendons, compress a nerve. According to the Mayo Clinic, "a herniated disk in the lower spine may put pressure on a nerve root," potentially causing pain radiating down the leg, while "a pinched nerve in the wrist can lead to pain and numbness in the hand and fingers, known as carpal tunnel syndrome."

When an area of the body experiences inflammation or injury, swelling can result, creating pressure on nerve pathways and causing a pinched nerve.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerve symptoms vary between patients. The most common include:

• Numbness or reduced feeling in the area supplied by the nerve—for example, numbness in one leg or foot from a pinched nerve in the lower spine.

• Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the affected area. Nerve pain is distinct and unlike typical pain, described as a sharp, shooting sensation that pulses or radiates through the body, sometimes resembling an electric shock.

• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation. Less severe pinched nerves may produce tingling, with sharp pain occurring only when shifting position or moving a limb in specific ways.

• Muscle weakness and loss of strength in the affected area, resulting from disrupted neural communication.

• Limbs feeling "fallen asleep". A pinched nerve sign is when body parts seem unresponsive, resulting from compromised nerve communication.

Simple Ways to Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain

Home remedies for pinched nerves involve releasing pressure on the affected nerve. If ineffective, consulting a chiropractor is recommended.

• Get plenty of sleep. The body heals during sleep, and pinched nerves typically heal slowly. Resting without overusing the affected area aids recovery.

• Change posture throughout the day. Unlike acute injuries, pinched nerves often result from slow, repetitive pressure. Correcting posture can help remedy this.

• Create an ergonomic workstation. For those working at desks, an ergonomic setup can alleviate pinched nerves from repetitive computer work.

• Stretch and practice yoga. Like back and neck pain, pinched nerves often result from insufficient activity. Daily stretching or yoga can significantly reduce symptoms.

• Elevate the legs. Changing leg position, particularly elevation, may relieve pinched nerves while increasing blood flow to affected areas.

• Apply ice and heat. Alternating ice and heat may reduce swelling and inflammation while increasing circulation and relieving pain.

• Make lifestyle changes. Adding low-impact exercise, losing weight, stretching, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and taking sufficient B vitamins may reduce pinched nerve risk.

What can a Chiropractor do to Relieve a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves typically involve moderate to severe, chronic pain. If home remedies prove ineffective, seeing a chiropractor promptly is advisable.

Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin and Middle Tennessee offers holistic pinched nerve relief. The practice emphasizes building trust-based doctor-patient relationships and developing personalized care plans. Beyond pain relief, Cool Springs Chiropractic addresses the underlying physiological condition causing the pain.

Dr. Hinz explains: "At Cool Springs Chiropractic, our expert team provides tailored chiropractic care to address our patients' unique health needs, including treatments for pinched nerves. No matter what the severity of the condition is, whether home remedies have been tried yet, or whether the patient has already been seen by a different chiropractor, we're here to effectively diagnose the problem and to do everything we can to help pinched nerve patients experience relief."

Pinched Nerve Relief in Nashville

Cool Springs Chiropractic's experienced chiropractors in Franklin deliver expert care recognized for treating pinched nerve pain. The team effectively diagnoses problems and helps patients achieve pain-free, healthier, happier, and more mobile outcomes.

Schedule an appointment by calling (615) 503-9900 or online to access the limited-time $49 New Patient Special. The office is located at 3252 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 13, in Franklin, Tennessee. For questions, email info@coolspringschiropractic.com.