Pinched nerve

Pinched nerve, compressed nerve, trapped nerve: whatever you call it, it can cause a lot of pain. People are often told they need surgery. Fortunately, that is usually not the case. Here Dr. Abtahi explains what a pinched nerve is, how it happens, and how it can be treated naturally.

What does a pinched nerve really mean?

Something is putting pressure on a nerve. That pressure restricts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness and more, and it can interfere with the messages traveling between the brain and the body.

What causes it?

One of the most common causes is a herniated disc: pressure on a spinal disc makes its tough outer layer tear, and the soft inner filling pushes out onto the nerve.

Many things can lead to a herniated disc: daily wear and tear, spinal misalignment, sitting for long periods, sports or other injuries, disc degeneration and lifting the wrong way.

Treating a pinched nerve without surgery

The natural approach is to remove what is causing the compression, and that is where chiropractic care shines: finding the root cause and correcting it. How it is done depends on the cause. Adjustments correct misalignment, and decompression therapy gently stretches the spine, taking pressure off the discs and helping them heal and rehydrate.

Corrective exercises stretch and strengthen the spine to keep it healthy and aligned, and lifestyle advice helps you break unhealthy habits and build good ones, such as better posture and lifting technique.

Don’t just live with the pain of a pinched nerve. Call (201) 995-9900 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abtahi.