If you experience chronic weakness, tingling, or pain in your body, consider seeking medical attention. With closer examination, a physician may discover a pinched nerve. A nerve becomes compressed when surrounding bone, cartilage, tendons, or muscles squeeze against it. The resulting pressure compromises nerve function. For a better understanding of this condition and how it can be treated, find answers to common questions below.

4 FAQ About Pinched Nerves

How do they form?

A pinched nerve refers to the pressure placed on a peripheral nerve (one located outside the brain or spinal cord). This can cause numbness or tingling in the nerve or the myelin sheath that covers it. The nerve can’t communicate with the brain properly, which is what causes the odd sensations.

Where are they located?

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body. If a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed, for example, you might experience a stiff neck or arm and shoulder pain. You’ll feel pain shooting through the back, buttocks, hips, and legs when a lumbar nerve is pinched. A tingling sensation from the elbow to the fingers means the ulnar nerve is compressed.    

Will a pinched nerve heal on its own?

Whether a pinched nerve will correct itself depends on how long it was compressed. If the pressure placed on the nerve was temporary, the pain or discomfort should go away in the following weeks. If you can’t manage the symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever, contact a chiropractor for help. 

What does treatment entail?

A chiropractor can perform an ultrasound or another imaging test to locate the compressed nerve. From there, they will determine the best way to alleviate the pressure. A herniated disc, for example, can irritate the surrounding nerves. A chiropractor might recommend spinal alignments to push the disc back into place. 

Doing exercises to increase flexibility, keeping off excess weight, taking breaks from repetitive physical activities, and avoiding crossing your legs for long periods will minimize the risk of pinching a nerve.

If you have a pinched nerve or another musculoskeletal issue, the professionals at May Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in East Hartford, CT, will help improve your mobility. Serving residents in Hartford and Middlesex counties since 2004, the chiropractors provide joint and spine manipulation, massage, and electrotherapy to relieve patients’ back, shoulder, neck, and muscle pain. Call (860) 568-3900 for chiropractic treatment or learn more about their services online.