Woman holding her neck in pain from a pinched nerve.

Pinched Nerves: Symptoms, Causes, and How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help

Finding Relief When Nerve Pain Won’t Go Away

If you’ve ever felt sharp pain shooting down your back, numbness in your hands, or tingling in your legs, you might have been dealing with a pinched nerve. It can be frustrating, even frightening, when daily activities like sitting at your desk or sleeping through the night turn into constant reminders that something isn’t right.

If you’re in Troy, MI, and experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone. Many patients walk into our office with the same concerns, looking for answers that go beyond temporary relief. This guide will help you understand what a pinched nerve is, why it happens, and how chiropractic care can provide lasting solutions.

What We’ll Cover:

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Chiropractor discussing treatment options with patient experiencing nerve pain.

A pinched nerve happens when surrounding tissues like bones, muscles, or discs put too much pressure on a nerve. That pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

The spine is the most common trouble spot, especially in the neck and lower back, where nerves branch out and travel down the arms and legs. But pinched nerves can happen anywhere in the body.

Think of it like a garden hose: when it’s stepped on, water flow slows or stops. A nerve under pressure works the same way. Until that pressure is relieved, your body won’t function the way it should.

 

 

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Pinched nerve symptoms can vary depending on where the nerve is compressed, but here are the most common ones people experience: Man suffering from lower back pain due to a pinched nerve.

    • Sharp or burning pain that radiates outward
    • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
    • Muscle weakness in the affected area
    • Numbness that makes it hard to grip, walk, or balance
    • Pain that worsens with movement or even at rest

For many, symptoms start small but build over time. Ignoring them often makes the problem worse, not better.

Causes and Everyday Triggers

Pinched nerves don’t only happen after major injuries. They can develop slowly through daily habits and posture. Some of the most common causes include:

    • Poor posture from sitting at desks or looking down at phones (see our guide on fixing bad posture)
    • Arthritis or bone spurs

Lifestyle plays a big role. Hours at a desk without breaks, heavy lifting without proper form, or simply carrying extra weight can all set the stage for nerve compression.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Help

Chiropractor performing spinal adjustment for pinched nerve relief.

Here’s the thing: chiropractic care doesn’t just mask the pain, it aims to correct what’s causing it. By gently realigning the spine and relieving pressure on nerves, chiropractors can restore proper nerve function and reduce pain.

At Advanced Health Chiropractic, treatment may include:

    • Spinal adjustments: To restore alignment and mobility
    • Targeted stretches and exercises: To strengthen and support recovery
    • Lifestyle recommendations: To prevent recurrence and protect long-term health (lifestyle advice)

Patients often notice relief after just a few visits, but lasting improvement comes from a personalized plan tailored to your body and needs.

When to See a Chiropractor

You should consider making an appointment if:

    • Pain, tingling, or numbness lasts more than a few days
    • Over-the-counter medication isn’t helping
    • You want a non-invasive, drug-free approach before considering surgery

Early care often means quicker recovery and fewer long-term problems.

Expert Insights from Advanced Health Chiropractic

At Advanced Health Chiropractic, we’ve helped hundreds of patients in Troy, MI regain comfort and mobility after dealing with pinched nerves. Our approach is proactive and personalized, combining proven chiropractic techniques with education so you understand what’s happening in your body.

We accept health insurance and provide clear guidance on what to expect from your first visit through your recovery. For many patients, this is the first step toward not just relief, but better overall health.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Relief?

If pain is keeping you from enjoying life, chiropractic care could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Relief often starts with a simple consultation where we’ll review your symptoms, perform an exam, and design a care plan just for you.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start feeling like yourself again.

FAQs About Pinched Nerve Treatment

Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve in my neck or back?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to identify misalignments in the spine that may be compressing nerves. Through targeted adjustments, they relieve pressure and restore normal nerve function. For pinched nerves in the neck or back, this often means reducing radiating pain, restoring range of motion, and helping the body heal naturally. Patients often notice improvements not only in pain but also in muscle strength and overall mobility. For neck-specific care, explore our neck pain relief guide.
Can a chiropractor make a pinched nerve worse?
When care is delivered by a licensed and experienced chiropractor, the risk of worsening a pinched nerve is very low. Adjustments are precise and tailored to your condition, and chiropractors evaluate each patient thoroughly before treatment. Some people may feel mild soreness after an adjustment, similar to what you might feel after starting a new workout, but this typically resolves within a day or two. The goal is always to reduce stress on the nerve, not increase it.
How many visits will it take to feel better?
Relief timelines vary depending on the severity of the pinched nerve, how long symptoms have been present, and your overall health. Some patients experience significant relief after just a few visits, while others may need a few weeks of consistent care. Typically, chiropractors recommend an initial series of visits to stabilize the area, followed by maintenance care to prevent recurrence. Your chiropractor will create a plan that fits your needs and explain what you can expect at each stage. See how we help with sciatica treatment in Troy for a related condition.
What’s the difference between chiropractic care and surgery for pinched nerves?
Chiropractic care is a conservative, non-invasive approach that focuses on relieving pressure naturally by restoring alignment and mobility. It doesn’t involve drugs or surgical risks, making it a preferred first step for many patients. Surgery, on the other hand, may be necessary in severe cases where conservative care isn’t enough, such as when nerve compression causes significant weakness or loss of bladder/bowel control. Most patients find that starting with chiropractic care can help them avoid or delay surgery while still finding relief.
Is chiropractic care safe for pregnancy or children with pinched nerves?
Yes. Prenatal chiropractic care uses gentle techniques specifically designed to relieve the added strain pregnancy places on the spine and nerves. Many pregnant women experience significant relief from sciatica and back pain with safe adjustments. For children, chiropractic care is adapted to their growing bodies and uses very light pressure. Research and clinical experience show that both groups can benefit from improved alignment, reduced nerve irritation, and overall comfort without medication. Learn more about our pregnancy chiropractic care.
When should I see a chiropractor versus a medical doctor?
If your symptoms are primarily pain, tingling, or numbness without signs of severe nerve damage, starting with a chiropractor is often a smart move. Chiropractors can assess your condition and refer you to a medical specialist if imaging or additional interventions are needed. However, if you experience sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, you should seek medical attention immediately. For spine-related headache issues, read our guide on headache-free living.

Lasting Relief Starts Here

Pinched nerves don’t have to control your life. With the right care, you can move, sleep, and live without constant pain. Chiropractic adjustments offer a safe, effective path to relief and prevention.

At Advanced Health Chiropractic in Troy, MI, we’re here to help you not only recover but thrive. Take the first step toward lasting comfort by scheduling a consultation today.

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