Our bodies are made up of complex systems of nerves that span from our head to our toes, designed to help the brain send and receive messages to and from limbs, organs, skin, and the rest of the body. These nerves can carry sensory information, control motor skills, and regulate involuntary body functions like breathing and blood flow. If any of these nerves are disturbed, compressed, or pinched, you may experience symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness at the site of the issue, as well as in other parts of the body that now lack communication. This is very common in the neck and back, as well as near joints like the wrist or ankle. Some of these pinched nerves are temporary and go away with a new position, but in other cases, it may be necessary to see a chiropractor in Lithia Springs for relief.
What Causes Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves may sound scary, but most people have the experience often and don’t realize that is the phenomenon. The most common form of a pinched nerve is the sensation you get when a foot or hand “falls asleep” after being in one position for a long time, maybe with your legs crossed or pressure on your arm. This can put too much pressure on a nerve that is responsible for sending messages throughout the limb, causing it to fall “asleep” and leading to numbness, tingling, or pain as a result of the compression.
In addition to this, compressed nerves can happen for a range of reasons like injury, disease, or general wear and tear on the body over time. One common example is a herniated disc injury, where the cushion-like discs between vertebrae slip out of place and put pressure on an adjacent nerve. This commonly occurs after a trauma like a whiplash. General aging can also cause damage to the joints over time, leading to inflammation or bone spurs that can also compress nerves. Another example of a condition that causes pinched nerves is rheumatoid arthritis for the same reasons.
Knowing You Have a Pinched Nerve
You are probably familiar with the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve from the times your foot has “fallen asleep”- pain, numbness, and tingling. This is often called “pins and needles” as well. Some people also experience pain after this begins to wear off, often described as a sharp or burning pain that becomes a dull ache. When a pinched nerve is more serious, you may notice a numbness that persists and is not alleviated after changing positions. Muscle weakness or a temporary loss of mobility may also occur. These symptoms may be intermittent or consistent for a period of time.
Complications from Pinched Nerves
For those cases of a pinched nerve that persist, allowing the nerve to continue being affected can cause a number of problems down the line. If you notice this happening even when there is no pressure on your nerves, you should visit a chiropractor in Lithia Springs to identify the root cause of the issue. Trying to live with the pinched nerve can lead to chronic pain or discomfort or even cause more serious issues down the line.
If the nerve is pinched at its root, you are at risk for an issue called radiculopathy, which can occur at any location in the spine. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause cervical radiculopathy and you may notice your symptoms radiate into the arms or chest. Lumbar radiculopathy is a result of a nerve that is pinched in the lower back and is a common cause of sciatica, a type of back pain that can radiate down your buttocks to your leg and your feet as a result of impacts to the sciatic nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur due to a pinched nerve in your wrist.
Treating a Pinched Nerve
Do pinched nerves go away on its own? Well, it depends on some factors. If you think you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, visiting a chiropractor in Lithia Springs is important to help you assess the root cause. From there, your AICA Lithia Springs chiropractor can develop an individualized treatment plan to relieve pressure on the nerve and relieve symptoms. In many cases, you can experience immediate relief as a result of gentle, non-invasive chiropractic adjustments. Continued treatment can also help prevent the issue from recurring over time and address any long-term conditions that may put you at risk for more problems in the future. Call AICA Lithia Springs today to begin your treatment.