A nerve becomes “pinched” when the nerve itself has been compressed by surrounding tissues. In some situations, cartilage, bone, or swollen soft tissue can impact the nerve itself. Some of the most common reasons why people develop pinched nerves include:

• Issues related to weight and obesity
• The development of rheumatoid arthritis
• Suffering a traumatic injury playing sports or in a motor vehicle accident
• Stress from poor work ergonomics
• Certain hobbies, particularly athletics, that can lead to a pinched nerve through an overuse injury

In most situations, a pinched nerve is caused by spinal alignment issues related to the tissues of the body. This could include the body’s bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or muscle tissue. These tissues should not compress the body’s nerves. If this is the case, these issues need to be realigned. That is where a chiropractor can help you. A chiropractor can use manual therapy to adjust the alignment of these body tissues. That way, the trapped nerve can be freed.

A pinched nerve can be a painful, debilitating medical condition to live with. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and even pains that feel like shocks. Fortunately, there are treatment options, and surgery is not always required. A chiropractor can use adjustments to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of the issue. This can help someone recover without requiring invasive procedures or medications that could otherwise lead to side effects. If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, reach out to an experienced chiropractor for help.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com