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 correctly 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 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 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 why the nerve is compressed and irritated. Some pinched nerves are brought on by 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 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 in healing and stress relief. Some cases of pinched nerves come from tight muscles and muscle spasms. Massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments are perfect for releasing and stretching 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 goes through stress and needs repair, more sleep gives it 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 ensure that the pillows provide plenty of support.

Warm/Hot Soothing Bath

Ice can help lower swelling and inflammation, but if icing the area has not relieved the pain after 72 hours, 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 body’s muscles, relieving 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, and 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, place 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 and 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 experiencing any type of pain to call us immediately.

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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 glucose levels in the blood to drop, and insulin release stops. Alpha cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called glucagon that helps the liver 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, 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.

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.