The spinal cord plays an integral role in helping your body communicate with your brain. When its nerves become compressed, it generates pain and interrupts transmissions. Spinal compression can be a debilitating condition, and it’s important to recognize when treatment is needed. Non-invasive spinal decompression from a chiropractor can often resolve the issue, so take note of the following symptoms if you’ve recently experienced trauma.

Symptoms of Spinal Compression

1. Back and Neck Stiffness

The most common symptom is back and neck stiffness. It can be caused by an injury, tumor, arthritis, or an infection. Stiffness is often accompanied by bouts of back pain that can range from mild to severe. This can significantly interfere with your day-to-day life. Since this symptom is more common, it’s often mistaken as general pain that will resolve itself. To be certain, see a chiropractor for a full assessment.

2. Numbness, Cramping, & Weakness

Pressure on the spinal nerve can create a numbing sensation throughout the body, specifically in the extremities. You may experience numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet, and in some cases, lose sensation briefly. Over time, this numbness can worsen, making it difficult to walk. Non-surgical spinal decompression can often resolve this issue, and the extent of treatment can depend on how long the issue has gone unaddressed.

3. Severe Pain

In serious cases, spinal compression can cause severe, debilitating pain. It can be constant or come in sharp waves often described as burning. It may be in one area or spread throughout the extremities, having a significant impact on quality of life. In some cases, you may also lose bladder and bowel control. Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options to explore.

If you suspect you’re dealing with spinal compression, turn to O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates. They’re proud to offer non-surgical spinal decompression treatment at their O’Fallon, MO, office, and can also treat related spinal and muscle issues to help patients achieve pain relief. They offer a variety of physical therapy services, which you can explore on their website. Call (636) 978-3000 to schedule a spinal decompression consultation and connect on Facebook for news and updates.