Could It Be a Pinched Nerve?

Our backs are complex structure with a lot of potential points of failure. Nerves are able to transmit signals from the brain to all of our muscles and organs because they branch out of the spinal column. Due to their proximity to discs and other joints, it isn’t uncommon for a nerve to become pinched. Dr. Pete Lazarnick (Dr. Pete), serving the Carrollton, GA area, can provide you with information pertaining to pinched nerves.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

The nerves in our body can travel from the spine all the way to the end of our extremities. Because of this, they pass by several joints, bones, cartilage, and tendons. A nerve can become pinched by being pressed between any two or more of these things. Most commonly, nerves become pinched between joints and discs along the spinal column.

A pinched nerve can result in pain, tingling, or numbness of an affected area. However, not all nerves pick up the distress. Depending on the function of the nerve, a long-term pinch can result in reduced function of vital organs due to reduced blood, oxygen, and signal flow to the area. For example, a pinched nerve affecting the lungs can result in reduced oxygen intake, yet cause no pain. 

What Can Cause a Pinched Nerve?

Because nerves pass by so many things that can cause pressure, pinched nerves are easy to make happen. Injury can certainly lead to a pinched nerve, but even innocent bending, twisting, or lifting can have the same result. Resting the wrong way - such as sitting incorrectly or falling asleep in a bad position - can lead to a nerve being pinched. Even inflammation can lead to swollen muscles pinching a nerve. 

How Do You Treat a Pinched Nerve?

Treating a pinched nerve will largely depend on the cause of the issue. If an intense workout led to muscle swelling that produced the pinched nerve, rest will be the necessary treatment as the nerve will continue to be pinched until swelling and inflammation subsides. 

If the pinched nerve is due to poor posture, corrective training will be the needed treatment. Extra attention will need to be paid to how you are sitting, standing, or laying so as to ensure that you are not aggravating the nerves. Ergonomic seating and tools may be implemented as applicable. 

If the nerve is being pinched by tendons and/or the skeleton, then it may be time to get a chiropractic adjustment. If you are in the Carrollton, GA, area and have questions about a possible pinched nerve, ask Dr. Pete Lazarnick! Contact our office at 770-832-2226 to schedule a consultation.