Pinched nerves occur when added pressure is applied to a nerve or set of nerves from surrounding tissues like bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. The pressure affects the nerve’s ability to function properly and usually causes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. A pinched nerve can occur at various sites in the body. Whether located in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, back, or knees, if left untreated they can lead to other debilitating conditions/injuries and permanent nerve damage.  

Pinched Nerves

The nerves are not actually being pinched, but are being compressed. The added pressure on or around the nerve causes painful sensations that can also include:

• Burning
• Delayed pain
• Electrical pain sensations
• Tingling
• Sharp pain
• Stabbing pain
• Numbness
• Pins and needles sensation
• Radiculopathy

Pinched nerves are nothing to dismiss. Individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms should get a proper diagnosis from a chiropractor.  

Compression Goes Away By Itself

A compressed nerve can go away on its own if the pain has recently started or is not severe. Home remedies like rest, heat, ice, and stretching can be utilized to help the compression subside on its own.  

Length of Time It Takes for a Pinched Nerve to Heal

The length of time depends on the reason why the nerve is compressed and irritated. Some pinched nerves are brought on from poor posture and tight muscles. These can usually heal within 4 weeks. However, if the pain has been going on for some time, like more than 3 months it will take longer, especially to identify the root cause/s and address them according to their severity.  

Treatment Options

 

Chiropractic Adjustments and Massage

These two types of treatment/therapy highly complement each other. A chiropractor understands the importance of massage when it comes to healing and stress relief. Some cases of pinched nerves come from tight muscles and muscle spasms. Massage therapy along with chiropractic adjustments are perfect for releasing and stretching out the nerves back to their natural form. Studies show that chiropractic massage therapy offers pain relief and also helps reduce any depression and anxiety that the pain symptoms can generate. Comprehensive chiropractic treatment has been proven to be the best and fastest way to deal with pinched nerves.  

Get More Sleep

Whenever the body is going through stress and needs repair more sleep gives the body the time it needs to heal itself. An extra hour of sleep also ensures that the injured area moves less. However, try to avoid sleeping on the stomach and make sure that the pillows being used provide plenty of support.  

Warm/Hot Soothing Bath

Ice can really help lower swelling and inflammation but if icing the area has not relieved the pain after 72 hours, then it is time for a warm/hot bath. Warm water increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to help heal and restore. Heat relaxes the muscles of the body, which relieves pressure on the affected area.  

Collagen Nerve Joint Repair

Collagen adds cushion to the spaces between the joints and bones while damaged tissues are being repaired. Collagen is the most plentiful natural protein in the human body. Supplements that have glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid can help, as well as consuming bone broth, which is a healthy source of collagen. An anti-inflammatory diet can also help. Inflammation contributes to pain symptoms. Lowering inflammation lowers pain as well.  

Proper Posture

Slouching and poor posture, whether sitting or standing, places added pressure/stress on the joints. When this goes on for long periods or when something traumatic occurs, a pinched nerve can be the result. A chiropractor will restore the body’s natural curvature. A chiropractor will discuss and show what proper posture should be, as well as, how to strengthen the core to maintain proper posture.  

Other Treatment Options

Conventional treatments usually include:

• Over the counter pain relievers
• Prescription pain relievers for severe cases
• Corticosteroids
• Microdiscectomy spinal surgery
• Regular surgery

Most individuals want to avoid any of the above treatment options. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself. Chiropractic will reduce the amount of time that is required to heal a pinched nerve. It’s about treating the entire body, not just the symptoms. A customized treatment/recovery diet plan will be developed according to each individual’s needs. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we encourage anyone who is experiencing any type of pain to call us right away.

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Composition of the Body

 

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What happens to the body when you stop eating

Not eating for a few hours causes the levels of glucose in the blood to drop and insulin release stops. There are Alpha cells in the pancreas that produce a hormone called glucagon that helps the liver to break down the body’s stored glycogen, converting it back into glucose. The liver can also produce glucose by utilizing fats, amino acids, and waste. If the body’s blood sugar levels drop too low a condition called hypoglycemia happens. It occurs a few hours after eating when there is too much insulin in the blood, or from certain medications. This is why an individual might feel dizzy, shaky, anxious, or irritable when they have not eaten for several hours. Eating at least 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates will reverse the symptoms.  

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

• Dubinsky RM, Miyasaki J.Assessment: Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in the treatment of pain in neurologic disorders (an evidence-based review). Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2010;74:173-176.
• Shrier I. Does stretching help prevent injuries? Evidence-based Sports Medicine. Williston, VT: BMJ Books; 2002.