Pinched Nerve Pain Relief in Fort Myers
Pinched Nerve Pain Relief in Fort Myers
Our nerves play a very critical part of our body. They extend from the brain to the spinal cord to different body parts. They give life to every part of our body.
When a nerve is compressed, chiropractic care reinstates the pinched nerve’s ability to communicate from and to the brain. If you suffer from a pinched nerve, Fort Myers Chiropractor, Kaster Chiropractic and Associates, have the knowledge and experience to help correct your problem.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Nerves deliver signals from the brain to different areas of the body and vice versa. Our nerves are like communication wires inside our bodies. The usual cause of a pinched nerve is having too much pressure or compression applied on a nerve by degenerative changes, bone spurs, disc herniations, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. The pressure causes:
- Inflammation and disrupts the normal function of the affected nerves.
- Pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness are the results of this disruption in function.
- Injury may happen to a single nerve or to a set of nerves, and in more than one location.
- Oftentimes, no permanent damage is seen if a nerve is compressed for a short period of time, however, constant pressure will result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.
Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves
With chiropractic care, treatment doesn’t only focus on the symptoms, but it looks for the real cause of the problem. Through the use of spinal adjustments, the vertebrae will be properly aligned. This results in reduced pressure or compression on the affected nerve, which will then improve pain and help the nerves to function properly again. Muscle relaxation, increased range of motion, and decreased nerve constriction were also noted as a result of the pressure applied during spinal adjustment.
Why should you choose Chiropractic for Pinched Nerves?
- Chiropractic treats the underlying cause/problem causing your symptoms. During the initial evaluation, all problems and impairments must be identified because the treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Removing the pressure on the compressed nerve is the main goal of chiropractic care. Most of the time, patients experience improved pain after their session but, one session is not enough. To be able to realign the spine completely and to promote healing, additional treatment sessions are necessary.
Pinched Nerve Causes
- Pinched nerves may occur at any time, in any area, or any position your body is in. Injuries can happen while we sleep or carry our bags. They may also be acquired due to poor posture or obesity.
- Lastly, the cause of a pinched nerve also depends on its location. For example, a herniated disc, arthritis (presence of bone spurs), and spinal stenosis may pinch a nerve in the neck or lower back and cause pain that may radiate to the arms or legs. Another example is a pinched nerve in the wrist, which can be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, swelling around a nerve may be caused by other conditions cause swelling in the extremities, such as pregnancy.
Pinched Nerve Symptoms To Be Aware Of
The signs and symptoms of pinched nerve are the following:
- Pain described as sharp, aching or burning in the area of compression such as the neck or low back
- Radicular pain or radiating pain like sciatica
- Decreased sensation or numbness on the area supplied by the nerve
- Decreased muscle strength
- The sensation that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
- Tingling or “Pins and needles”
Pinched Nerve Treatments
A. Conservative Treatment
Exercise (stretches and strengthening)
Improved flexibility and range of motion in the spine can be achieved through stretching, and a stabilized spine is gained by doing strengthening and resistance exercise.
Chiropractic/Spinal Manipulations
Also known as ‘spinal adjustments’; used to realign the spine to its proper position.
Decompression/Traction
Creates a negative pressure on discs that may be causing nerve root impingement, opens up facet joints (vertebral joint) and their associated ligamentous capsules, and relieves compression/pressure from arthritis and bone spurs.
Intersegmental Traction
An induced passive motion is applied into the spine to stretch and increase mobility.
B. Medical Treatments
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a treatment option for pinched nerves that offers hope to individuals experiencing pain and limited functionality. One approach is through cell therapy, where cells are injected near the affected nerve. These cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including nerve cells, which can help regenerate damaged nerve tissue and promote healing. Another regenerative medicine technique is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves injecting concentrated platelets into the affected area. The growth factors present in PRP can stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, potentially relieving pressure on the pinched nerve. These innovative treatments offer long-lasting relief and improved nerve function.
Medications (NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, narcotics)
Commonly prescribed medications are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medications reduce pain and swelling. Stomach bleeding, high blood pressure, and kidney or heart problems are some of the common side effects of these medications.
Steroid Injections
Steroids are used to decrease swelling and will allow the injured nerve to heal. Localized pain, anxiety, and fever the night of the injection are some of the known side effects of this treatment.
Surgery
Only to be considered when all conservative managements have failed. It is indicated for more severe cases. The type of surgery depends on the location of the injured nerve. Complications like infection, blood clot, and permanent nerve damage may be seen post surgery.
Fort Myers Pinched Nerve Pain Relief
A pinched nerve shouldn’t be taken for granted. It must be addressed immediately because it may lead to permanent damage and debilitating pain. Medications only mask the issue and don’t target the real problem. If you think you have a pinched nerve, Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. Kaster can help.