Pinched Nerves in Madison, OH

The pain associated with a pinched nerve is often a sign of an underlying condition that requires expert diagnosis and treatment. The chiropractors of French Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Madison offer treatments for pinched nerves to the residents of Painesville, Mentor and surrounding communities in Ohio.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves are the result of surrounding tissues placing excessive pressure on a nerve. These tissues can involve tendons, bone, muscle or cartilage. The pressure interferes with proper functioning of the nerve, leading to tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. This set of symptoms is known as neuropathy.

Nerves can become pinched in nearly any part of your body. For instance, if you have a herniated disc in the lower spine, it could press against nerve roots, resulting shooting pain down one or both legs. Similarly, pinched nerves in the wrist might cause numbness and pain in your fingers, hands and wrists, a condition that is more commonly known as “carpal tunnel syndrome.”

Most people are able to overcome a pinched nerve through sufficient rest, conservative care, and other simple home treatments within a short time. However, in some cases, patients may require surgery to relieve the pinched nerve.

Causes of Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves happen when they become compressed. This could happen from repetitive activities, such as typing. Maintaining the same position for extended periods, such as standing all day for work, can also cause nerve compression.

The nerves in your body are most at risk of compression where they pass through small spaces with little or no soft tissue for cushioning. The problem most commonly occurs when a nerve becomes crushed between

• Bones and joints
• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Cartilage

For instance, if pressure is exerted on nerve roots leading from the spine, or if local tissues become inflamed, you might experience lower back or neck pain. It can also travel from the neck to your arm or shoulder, which is known as cervical radiculopathy. The same thing can occur where pain travels to your foot or leg, known as lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica.

Changes to the discs and vertebrae of the spine may cause these conditions. For instance, if a disc becomes weakened or torn, a herniation, it can put pressure on nearby nerves.

Compression of the nerves in your arms or neck can also trigger symptoms in other areas, such as

• Fingers
• Toes
• Hand
• Elbow
• Wrist

These can cause painful conditions such as

• Tennis elbow
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica

When nerves are compressed chronically, its protective covering begins to deteriorate and allow fluid to accumulate. This can lead to

• Adhesions (scar tissue buildup), which can disturb proper nerve function
• Swelling
• Increased pressure and discomfort

Symptoms of Pinched Nerves

In many cases of nerve compression, pain might be the sole symptom. However, it’s also possible for other symptoms to exist without pain. Here are some of the most common:

• Weakness, especially during a particular motion
• Tingling and numbness
• Radiating pains, such as radicular or sciatic pain
• Burning or pricking sensations
• Pain at the site of the compressed nerve, such as the neck or lumbar region

Symptoms may worsen as a result of certain movements, such as bending over or swinging your arm.

What is the Treatment for Pinched Nerves?

French Chiropractic and Wellness Center uses two forms of spinal decompression including flexion/distraction chiropractic tables, and a spinal decompression table delivering FDA-approved spinal decompression therapy. Manual adjustments by hand or assisted by an instrument are also employed for conservative treatment of pinched nerves.

Chiropractic care focuses restoring proper segmental motion to dysfunctional vertebral regions. This ultimately improves function and flexibility and reduces pain, as pressure is removed from the nerve endings that line the joint’s surface. Madison, Ohio’s French Chiropractic and Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides quality and reliable care to patients suffering from pinched nerves.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of pinched nerves, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.