Pinched nerves can cause extensive pain and discomfort, as well as inhibit mobility. Nerves become pinched when they are compressed between other tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Patients experience pain because there is too much pressure on the roots of the nerve due to being compressed. Dr. Jonathan Bullock, Dr. Amy Kolesar, and Dr. Glen Nisivoccia, the experienced chiropractors at Frankfort Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in Mokena, IL, treat pinched nerves.
Signs of a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can occur in different areas of the body, such as the neck, legs, or back. Various symptoms, such as numbness or pain, can develop when a nerve is pinched or compressed. Some signs of a pinched nerve include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain and discomfort
- Weakness in the muscles
- Worsening pain with certain movements
- Chest pain
- Stiff neck
Causes of a Pinched Nerve
Various factors, such as an injury or medical condition, could cause a nerve to become pinched or compressed between surrounding tissues. Some causes of a pinched nerve include:
- Aging
- An injury
- Poor posture
- Repetitive movements
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Treatments for Pinched Nerves
The good news about pinched nerves is that many effective treatment options are available. With proper treatment, most individuals recover from a pinched nerve. Different types of treatment can help the nerve heal, as well as alleviate the pain and other associated symptoms.
The skilled providers at our chiropractic office in Mokena, IL, will develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Methods for treating pinched nerves include:
- Rest
- Ice or heat therapy
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Wearing a splint
- Light stretching
- Surgery
Most patients are able to fully recover with more conservative, non-surgical treatments. Usually, surgery is only needed in chronic or severe cases when other methods have not provided sufficient healing or relief. In such cases, surgery is performed to decompress pinched nerves by removing some of the surrounding tissues that are pressing on the affected nerves.
Recovery from a pinched nerve is possible with our help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bullock, Dr. Kolesar, or Dr. Nisivoccia to learn more about the different methods for treating your pinched nerve by calling Frankfort Chiropractic & Physical Therapy at (708) 478-3000.