Pinched nerves can cause debilitating sharp pain in the neck or back and in some cases causes severe nerve pain that most commonly goes down one leg and as known as sciatica.
As a registered chiropractor, I’ve helped many patients safely manage neck pain, back pain and sciatica using natural, hands-on techniques that target the muscles, bones, and joints.
If you’re struggling with a pinched nerve, here’s how chiropractic care may help—and why it’s a safe and effective choice.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—like muscles, bones, or cartilage—compress or irritate the nerve, disrupting its function. This pressure can result in pain, reduced mobility, and even numbness or tingling in the affected area.
Common causes include:
- Spinal problems, like a herniated or bulging disc, where the spinal tissues irritate nearby nerves.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, which compresses nerves in the wrist.
- Repetitive movements or poor posture, which strain the muscles and joints over time.
- Hard lifting of heavy objects or sudden injury.
Recognising the Symptoms
Pinched nerve symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity, but these are the most common:
- Nerve pain: Sharp, burning, or shooting pain, often radiating down the arm or leg.
- Tingling or numbness: A “pins and needles” sensation in areas like the fingers, toes, or neck.
- Muscle weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or standing for extended periods.
- Worsening pain: Symptoms may intensify during sleep or specific movements.
If you experience severe pain or symptoms like loss of bowel or bladder control, can’t feel a full bladder, pain or unusual sensations around your bottom or groin this may indicate a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome. Seek urgent medical attention in such cases.
Common Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Nerve pain | Sharp, burning, or shooting pain, often radiating to the arms, legs, or other affected areas. |
| Numbness or tingling | “Pins and needles” sensation caused by nerve compression. |
| Muscle weakness | Reduced strength in the affected area, such as difficulty gripping or lifting objects. |
| Severe symptoms | Loss of bladder control (pee, lose feeling) or bowel control, pain or unusual sensations around your bottom or groin. These may indicate a serious issue which require immediate medical attention. |
How Chiropractic Care Helps Pinched Nerves
Our Approach to Treatment
As registered chiropractors, our focus is on identifying the underlying cause of the neck pain, back pain or sciatica which may be caused by nerve compression or irritation. Then we use evidence-based techniques aimed at correcting the underlying cause to alleviate symptoms. Here’s how:
- Chiropractic adjustments or manipulation : These hands-on techniques aim to restore normal movement patterns and help realign the spine and reduce pressure on the nerve. By restoring proper joint function, we can often significantly relieve pain.
- Soft tissue therapy: Releasing tension in the muscles helps reduce compression and improves blood flow to the affected area.
These methods are natural, drug-free, and designed to work with your body’s own ability to heal.
Chiropractic Techniques for Pinched Nerves
| Technique | What It Does | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal adjustment /manipulation | Adjusts vertebrae with a small controlled force to restore normal movement relieve nerve compression. | Reduces pain and improves mobility. |
| Soft tissue therapy | Addresses tight muscles in different directions to ease pressure on nerves. | Relieves tension and promotes healing. |
| Joint mobilisation | Gently moves joints into different positions to restore function. | Increases flexibility and range of motion. |
| Posture correction advice | Teaches proper alignment during daily activities to reduce strain. | Prevents recurrence of pinched nerves. |
What Happens During Chiropractic Treatment?
1. First Appointment and Assessment
During your first visit, we will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to pinpoint the source of the compression. Techniques like the straight leg raise test may help identify nerve involvement in the lower back.
If needed, we may recommend further investigations, such as an MRI, to rule out serious complications and risks.
2. Chiropractic Techniques
Each treatment is tailored to your specific needs, but these are the most common techniques we use for pinched nerves:
- Spinal adjustments/manipulation: This involves a short, low force thrusting movements aiming to restore normal spinal movement and release pressure on the nerve.
- Joint mobilisation: Gradually moving your joints into different positions improves flexibility and reduces stiffness.
- Soft tissue therapy: Addressing tight muscles in different directions to ease compression.
Chiropractic Care vs. Conventional Treatments
| Aspect | Chiropractic Care | Conventional Medical Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Hands-on adjustments targeting the underlying cause. | Often focuses on symptom management (e.g., painkillers). |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive. | May involve medications, injections, or surgery. |
| Pain Management | Relieves pain by addressing muscles, bones, and joints. | Relieves pain with medication. |
| Prevention Focus | Improve posture and spinal health to prevent recurrence. | Prevention not typically prioritised. |
3. Ongoing Care and Prevention
We work with patients to develop personalised plans for recovery and prevention, which often include:
- Gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles and joints.
- Advice on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes.
- Education on avoiding risk factors, like repetitive movements or lifting heavy objects.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe when performed correctly by a qualified professional. Side effects, such as mild soreness, are temporary and usually subside within a day or two. Serious side effects are rare compared to medication and surgery. Rest assured, we follow strict guidelines set by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to ensure patient safety.
If you experience unusual symptoms, I encourage you to tell your chiropractor immediately so we can adjust your care plan.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Here’s why I recommend chiropractic treatment:
- Non-invasive relief: No surgery or medication required.
- Improved mobility: Free up restricted joints and ease nerve compression.
- Long-term results: Address the root cause of symptoms, not just the pain.
- Holistic approach: Chiropractic care considers how your muscles, bones, and joints work together, promoting overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves
1. How can a chiropractor help with pinched nerves?
A practitioner called a chiropractor is trained to address issues involving the bones, muscles, and joints, most specifically those in the spine. Using techniques like spinal adjustment (aka spinal manipulation), they apply a small, fast and controlled force aiming to restore normal movement to the spine and relieve pressure on pinched nerves, improve mobility, and ease pain. To do this they mostly use there hands but can use mechanical devices if it suites the patients condition or preferences. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for neck pain, back pain and sciatica which are common symptoms of pinched nerves.
2. What techniques do chiropractors use to treat pinched nerves?
Chiropractors use different techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. These include:
- Spinal manipulation: Often referred to as “adjustments,” this involves short, low force thrusting movements to realign the spine. Mechanical devices may also be used if appropriate.
- Soft tissue therapy: A chiropractor may use their hands to help relieve tension in the surrounding muscles.
- Joint mobilisation: Gradually moving muscles and joints, including the spine, to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Chiropractic treatment is a treatment where a practitioner focuses on restoring motion and balance to the muscles, bones, and joints without invasive procedures.
3. How much does private chiropractic treatment cost?
The cost of private chiropractic treatment in the UK varies depending on the clinic and region. Unfortunately you may only rarely find chiropractic on the NHS. Many patients opt for paying for private chiropractic care for quicker access to specialised treatments.
4. Are there risks or side effects of chiropractic care?
While chiropractic is a treatment considered safe, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of, particularly for individuals with certain conditions or a higher risk of complications. During your first session, the chiropractor will assess whether the treatment is suitable for you.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with neck pain, back pain or sciaticachiropractic care offers a safe and effective treatment. By addressing the underlying causes and focusing on natural, non-invasive techniques, We can help you get back to feeling your best.
About Us
I’m Charles Sawyer, a registered chiropractor with 30 years of experience helping patients manage some of the conditions caused by pinched nerves. Through personalised care plans and evidence-based techniques our fully qualified team of chiropractors aim to relieve pain, restore function, and improve overall well-being.
Related Reads
- How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Neck Pain
- Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
- Understanding Spinal Health
