A pinched nerve, also known as a compressed nerve, is the result of too much pressure being applied to the nerve by muscles, tendons, cartilage, or bones. The sensation of pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling is caused by the pressure disrupting nerve function.

Though most often associated with the back, a pinched nerve can be found anywhere in the body. Pressure may be put on a nerve in your lower back by a herniated disk causing pain to radiate down the back and into the legs. A pinched nerve in the wrist, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, leads to numbness in the fingers and hand.

 

Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include:

• A “falling asleep” sensation
• Muscle twitching and/or weakness
• A “pins and needles” feeling
• Burning or even sharp pain
• Decreased sensation on numbness

A pinched nerve may be caused by a number of conditions but all involve too much pressure applied to the nerve. Common causes of pressure are poor posture, stress, sports, obesity, and osteoarthritis.

 

Many people go through their normal everyday lives an have no idea that the very activities that they are involved in put them at risk of a pinched nerve. Some of the coming risk factors are:

1. Overuse – Repetitive hand, wrist, shoulder, or back movements increase the chance of a pinched nerve.

2. Obesity – In our society people are much larger than they used to be. Recent studies revealed that 31% of Americans and 22% of Australians suffer from obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 35. Of those, 3% – 5% were classified as morbidly obese with a BMI of 40 or higher. Excess weight can add severe pressure to nerves.

• 3. Heredity – The predisposition to conditions that lead to pinched nerves
• 4. Osteoarthritis – This conditions causes bone spurs and many times nerves can become compressed

5. Posture – A pinched nerve can be caused by the added pressure to your spine that is caused by poor posture.

 

Prepare for your first appointment by writing down a list of symptoms in specific and high detail. The more that the doctor knows the faster you will recover. Anticipate the questions that will be asked. Use this list and write down your answers.

 

Symptoms

1. What symptoms are you experiencing?
2. How long have you been experiencing them?
3. Are the symptoms occasional or continuous?
4. Is there an activity or body position that triggers them?
5. Is there an activity or body position that relieves them?
6. Does your job require repetitive motions?

This is just a short list and will help you be prepared to answer the doctor’s questions. Be sure to write down anything that you think is important no matter how trivial it might seem.

Chiropractors will treat your pinched nerve with safe, non-invasive, natural, and drug free methods that are designed to relieve pain and discomfort as well as promote a feeling of overall health and well being.

 

If you live in Sydney Australia, check out the Best Sydney Chiropractor – A Family Chiropractor. It is a state of the art chiropractic care facility located in Sydney. They have been successfully treating pinched nerves as well as many other conditions for more than 5 years.