Pinched Nerve

Like an open window, nerve openings along your spine must be clear and unobstructed.

The 24 moving bones of your spine protect your spinal cord while permitting normal turning and bending. Pairs of nerve roots, one on each side, branch off your spinal cord at each segmental level to service the organs and tissues of your body. When these openings are obstructed, even slightly, your brain can’t properly control and regulate your body.

When a spinal bone is malpositioned, it can encroach upon these important nerve openings. Nerve irritation can result. We call that a misalignment.

Most of the time, what is called a pinched nerve is actually an irritated, or inflamed nerve where the nerve itself is not actually pinched. In most cases, nerves become irritated and inflamed when the bones, joints or muscles of the spine are not in their proper position or are not moving properly. This condition is called a “subluxation”, the treatment of which is the specialty of the doctor of chiropractic.

Two Types

When spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, it can cause one of two types of nerve disturbances:

• Compressed lesion – This is just a fancy name for a pinched nerve. What
  surprises many is that it’s actually quite rare.
• Facilitative lesion – This is when the nerve root is stretched, twisted or chafed.
  Think: hard tissue rubbing on soft tissue.

But remember, bones are static structures. They don’t move unless muscles move them. And muscles don’t move bones unless commanded by the nervous system. An irritated nerve creates a vicious loop. Our job is to locate these areas of your spine and reduce their impact on your nervous system.

A Precise Nudge

A thorough examination helps us identify areas of your spine where spinal bones are stuck and not moving correctly. Then, we give them a precise little nudge called a chiropractic adjustment. Your body uses this energy to “right itself” as nerve irritation is reduced.

Because chiropractic addresses the integrity of your nervous system, it’s a natural solution to many health problems. Contact our office to see if we can help!