What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is when tissue or bones surrounding a nerve compresses it. The nerves are not exactly pinched; they’re irritated from the pressure. Depending on the level of pain, this condition can range from annoying to debilitating.
Pinched nerves pose a bigger problem than just a nagging pain that interferes with all of your activities; they pose a health risk for conditions like sciatica, carpel tunnel syndrome, or trigeminal neuralgia. Pinched nerves can lead to nerve damage and a lifetime of chronic pain if left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerve pain usually occurs along the spine when vertebrae become misaligned. Pain may be achy, or sharp, or you may experience a burning sensation. Pain can vary in intensity. It may be constant or recurring pain. It may have a trigger that aggravates it, such as walking, bending, twisting, or sitting or lying in one position too long.
Some sufferers of pinched nerves may experience numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or fatigue in different areas of the body.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Pinched Nerves
The most common source of pinched nerves is the upper cervical spine. This part of the spine is made up of the top seven vertebrae, which start at the base of the skull and go down the neck. This area is very prone to injury; it doesn’t take a major jolt or accident to cause misalignments. Misalignments can inflame the surrounding tissue and cause swelling, which may compress the nerves.
The problem with misalignments in the upper cervical spine is that it causes a domino effect of sorts down the body. Any misalignments cause you to shift your weight and posture to compensate; this puts excess stress and pressure on other joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tissue, irritating nerves all the way down.
How Our Pinched Nerve Treatment Works
Most healthcare providers can’t do anything for pinched nerves; they usually recommend or prescribe pain medication. In severe cases, they may suggest surgery. Fortunately, there is a better treatment for pinched nerves.
Los Angeles Upper Cervical, our upper cervical specialist Dr. Alex Bello can offer our patients non-invasive, drug-free, safe, natural treatments for pinched nerves. Dr. Bello is an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique that combines modern technology and hands-on manipulations.
Assessments usually begin with advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools to measure misalignments, no matter how minute. Once calculations are made based on your unique anatomy and needs, Dr. Bello can apply precise, gentle manipulations to coax the spine back into proper alignment.
Once realigned, patients normally feel relief, but the healing process is just beginning. Once a healthy alignment is restored, the nerves can function better and the body’s natural healing processes take over.
If you’re suffering from pinched nerves, get help before they get worse. Medication might bring temporary relief, but we can get to the root of the problem. Call Dr. Bello for an appointment. Our office services clients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.