Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve can be crippling, making every movement painful. Chiropractic care provides a noninvasive way to relieve nerve compression, ease pain, and restore mobility. At Lake Travis Chiropractic in Austin, Texas, experienced chiropractor Ryan Smith, DC, uses the Gonstead Method of chiropractic care to treat pinched nerves and prevent them from getting worse. Call Lake Travis Chiropractic today to schedule pinched nerve treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is compressed by surrounding bone, cartilage, muscles, and/or tendons. Without treatment, this compression causes pain, tingling, and numbness, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Pinched nerves can happen throughout the body but are most common in the neck, back, and wrists.

What symptoms are caused by a pinched nerve?

Pinched nerve symptoms include:

• Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling
• Muscle weakness in the affected area
• Sharp, aching, and/or burning pain
• Numbness in the area supplied by the nerve

For some people, these symptoms come and go; for others, they continue throughout the day.

When should I see a chiropractor about a pinched nerve?

Make an appointment at Lake Travis Chiropractic if you experience any of these symptoms, and they continue for more than a few days. That’s particularly true if they don’t improve with at-home treatments and affect your mobility and routine.

How does a chiropractor diagnose a pinched nerve?

Dr. Smith reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during specific activities, like when you lie down or exercise.

He completes a physical exam. Dr. Smith gently presses the affected area to identify sensitive spots and assesses your muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion. He also orders lab work and diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound. Diagnostic imaging lets Dr. Smith determine where your pinched nerve is and guides treatment.

How does a chiropractor treat a pinched nerve?

At Lake Travis Chiropractic, Dr. Smith takes an integrative, noninvasive approach to treating pinched nerves. He could suggest:

• Chiropractic adjustments to realign your vertebrae and promote blood flow
• Exercises and stretches to build muscle and reduce inflammation
• Ice and heat therapy
• Topical pain relievers (for example, ointments and lotions)
• Improved nutrition to promote nerve health
• Stress management practices, like yoga or meditation, to relieve tension
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Most people with pinched nerves benefit from several of the above treatments. Dr. Smith monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan when needed. For the best results, follow his instructions closely and attend each appointment.

Call Lake Travis Chiropractic today to schedule pinched nerve treatment, or book your appointment online.