After 25 years of clinical practice as a chiropractic physician, one of the most common phrases to hear from a new patient is their claim that they have a “pinched nerve or something” in their neck or back. Sometimes they have already visited their family physician and been given a prescription for pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication and/or muscle relaxers. Although medications have benefits, more and more patients are turning to alternative treatment methods to address their complaints of muscle soreness, discomfort and pain caused by a pinched nerve. Let’s first take a look at what are the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve before considering treatments. Some of the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve are headaches, neck pain, spinal pain, mid and lower back pain, shoulder pain, radiating pain down the arm or leg, numbness, tingling and/or burning sensation in the arms, legs, feet and hands. Some other noticeable reasons associated with a patient’s complaints of a pinched nerve can be a patient’s limited range of motion in the neck, mid or lower back, difficulty standing from a seated position, trouble sitting for a long period of time, pain and discomfort with increased exercise and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. An irritated or pinched nerve can also effect the overall health of an individual since each organ and function of the human body is supplied by an assortment of various nerves.
In general, there are 4 main causes of pinched nerves that are commonly identified by a well-skilled and well-trained chiropractic physician. These are as follows: (1) subluxations or misalignments of the spinal bones (2) disc degeneration (3) osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease (4) disc protrusions or disc herniations. Pinched nerves can result from any combination of these including all of them simultaneously. Due to irritation or inflammation, pinched nerves may also cause a chemical neuritis meaning that nerves can be irritated chemically from the inflammatory process as well causing more pain and discomfort than was initially determined. New patients are accepted in our office via a scheduled appointment or by walking in for an initial consultation and evaluation. A physical examination is then conducted to determine the underlying causes of possible nerve irritation or inflammation as it relates to any biomechanical abnormalities in the spine. In addition to a thorough examination, Dr. Stimmel usually orders x-rays or an MRI to further evaluate the patient’s chief complaints in order to design an appropriate chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation program. Dr. Stimmel’s knowledge and expertise over 25 years has enabled him to utilize a variety of safe, gentle, pain-free and non-invasive techniques that quickly and gently alleviates pain and discomfort and addresses the structural biomechanical abnormalities of the spine. Chiropractic care of pinched nerves is designed to find and correct the underlying problem rather than just treat the symptoms. Neglecting the warning signs of a pinched nerve may lead to future surgery as the only option.
Dr. Stimmel of Harrison Spine and Rehabilitation Center is a board-certified chiropractic physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. Dr Stimmel has been board certified as a chiropractic sports physician and is certified in hospital protocols and privileges. He has frequently lectured to orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and medical physicians on the benefits of chiropractic care. Dr Stimmel offers his patients a unique perspective in treating conditions caused by a pinched nerve using a variety of safe, gentle and pain-free techniques including a revolutionary technique called cold laser. Contact our office today at 973-483-3380 for a free consult and evaluation.
