Pinched Nerve Relief in Lexington KY | Elswick Chiropractic & Associates

Pinched nerves in Lexington KY are a common complaint among many individuals who suffer from muscle spasms and muscle pain. We all experience pinched nerves at some point in our lives. For example, a common pinched nerve can occur when we place our foot into a narrow shoe that squeezes the toes. The results of such compression can be immediate and intense. The pain can radiate up through the ankle and knee, even causing discomfort in the hip area.

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What exactly is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve is irritated due to entrapment or impingement. Applying too much pressure on any nerve or its surrounding areas creates a pinching effect that causes discomfort or pain.

The nervous system is made up of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The peripheral nervous system makes up nerves that stretch from the central nervous system to other body tissues. A “pinched nerve” occurs when a peripheral nerve is traumatized, stretched too far, or pinched. Sharp pain radiating from around the neck, numbness, or muscle weakness are some of the many indicators of nerve compression.

Other notable pinched nerve symptoms include:

• Pain radiating from the area of the pinched nerve
• Numbness
• Tingling on the arms and legs
• Pain in an unrelated location
• Pins and needles
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Inflammation
• The weakness of muscles in the affected area
• A burning sensation

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What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve can be caused by an injury to the tissue, ligament, or tendon surrounding the affected nerve. This injury can cause swelling and compression on the nerve itself.

Here are the most common causes of a pinched nerve:

1. Injury

A physical injury to the soft tissue surrounding nerves can cause a pinched nerve. This injury can be caused by an accident, sports-related injuries, or even strenuous activities. Nerves compressed due to a physical injury cause irritation for a considerably short time and then recover. However, a permanent nerve injury is possible and should be treated immediately with massage therapy or physical therapy.

2. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of pinched nerves. It occurs when a jelly-like substance in your spinal discs leaks out due to stress, trauma, or age-related wear and tear. Your spinal discs can press on a nerve, causing pain and numbness.

3. Weight Gain

Obesity and weight gain cause a lot of stress on the back. The added pounds put pressure on your spinal discs and tissues, leading to compression and injury or irritation around the nerves. This added pressure around the nerves may also cause discs to protrude, which in turn can lead to pinched nerves.

4. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It occurs due to deterioration of the cartilage present in the joints. It reduces space for fluid circulation around the joint, causing irritation or compression to the surrounding nerves. Pinched nerves caused by osteoarthritis are extremely painful and require immediate attention.

5. Repetitive Activities

Repetitive activities such as typing, playing video games, or working out with bad form can lead to pinched nerves. This is common among athletes and sportspersons as well as those who do strenuous activities for a long time without taking adequate rest.

6. Subluxation

Subluxation occurs when one or more of the bones in the neck move out of position. It happens due to bad posture, neck strain, and poor spine alignment, among others. Subluxation causes pinched nerves exactly at the area where the nerve leaves the spine, which feels extremely painful.

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How to Help a pinched nerve?

Chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and physical therapy are the common methods to treat a pinched nerve.

The treatment plan can be slightly different for each patient depending on their health conditions, age, and the location of the nerve compression. It is always best to consult with experienced Lexington, KY chiropractors like the ones at Elswick Chiropractic & Associates for proper diagnosis and treatment.

When it comes to preventing a pinched nerve, there are simple ways to avoid compression or irritation to the nerves. Some of them include:

• Stretching
• Fixing your posture
• Using a standing workstation
• Splinting
• Regular exercise

Getting chiropractic treatment is a sure way to treat pinched nerves. Chiropractic care is the most natural way to deal with these pesky injuries and even prevent them from occurring in the future.

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Safe and Effective Pinched Nerve Relief in Lexington KY

If you are suffering from a pinched nerve in Lexington, KY, Elswick Chiropractic & Associates can help. Our team of licensed chiropractors is highly skilled and experienced in treating pinched nerves as well as other issues that affect the spine, such as back pain or neck pain.

To get started with your pinched nerve treatment or to learn more about how Elswick Chiropractic & Associates can help you, call our office at (859) 273-8111 today.