Pinched Nerve

Pinched Nerve Treatment at Balance Atlanta

A pinched nerve is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily activities. At Balance Atlanta, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pinched nerves with a comprehensive approach that includes chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced therapies. Our goal is to alleviate your pain, address the root causes, and support long-term recovery.

The Impact of Arthritis

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure on a nerve, causing irritation or damage. This pressure can result from various factors, including herniated discs, bone spurs, or muscle tightness. The affected nerve can become inflamed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas served by the nerve.

Common Areas Affected by Pinched Nerves:

Cervical Spine (Neck): A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Thoracic Spine (Upper Back): Pinched nerves in the upper back can lead to pain or discomfort that radiates around the ribcage.
Lumbar Spine (Lower Back): A pinched nerve in the lower back can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and feet.

Common Causes of Pinched Nerves

Identifying the underlying cause of a pinched nerve is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common causes:

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out and presses on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that can develop on the spine due to age-related changes or arthritis. These spurs can impinge on spinal nerves, causing discomfort.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

Muscle Tension

Muscle tension or spasm can compress nerves, particularly in the neck or back. This is often due to poor posture, overuse, or stress.

Injury or Trauma

Injuries from accidents or sports can lead to a pinched nerve by causing misalignment or direct pressure on the nerves.

Repetitive Stress

Repetitive motions or activities that involve excessive strain can contribute to the development of pinched nerves, particularly in the neck, shoulders, or lower back.

Statistics on Pinched Nerves

Approximately 20% of adults will experience a pinched nerve at some point in their lives.
Between 2% and 4% of people with neck pain have a pinched nerve, while 6% to 12% of individuals with lower back pain experience this condition.
60% of people with a herniated disc will have symptoms of a pinched nerve, including pain, numbness, and weakness.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Pinched Nerves

At Balance Atlanta, our chiropractic approach focuses on addressing the root causes of pinched nerves and providing non-invasive treatments to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, reducing pressure on pinched nerves and improving nerve function. This can alleviate pain and restore proper movement.
Decompression Therapy: Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine, creating space between the vertebrae and relieving pressure on the affected nerves. This can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Soft tissue therapies, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, target tight muscles and fascia that may be contributing to nerve compression. These techniques help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Posture Correction: Improving posture is essential for reducing strain on the spine and nerves. We provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments and posture correction to prevent exacerbation of pinched nerves.
Functional Exercises: Customized exercise programs can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and support overall spinal health. We develop exercise plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Functional Medicine for Pinched Nerves

In addition to chiropractic care, Balance Atlanta utilizes functional medicine to support overall health and address factors contributing to pinched nerves.

Functional medicine treatments may include:

Nutritional Support: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help manage inflammation and support nerve health. We offer nutritional counseling to guide you toward foods that reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Supplements: Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and B vitamins can support nerve health and reduce inflammation. We provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing lifestyle factors, such as stress management and proper sleep, can help reduce muscle tension and support nerve health. We work with you to implement lifestyle changes that support overall well-being.

Advanced Therapies for Pinched Nerves

Balance Atlanta offers advanced therapies to complement chiropractic care and functional medicine, providing additional support for pinched nerve

Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing around pinched nerves. This non-invasive treatment supports pain relief and accelerates the recovery process.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to affected areas can help manage pain and inflammation. We provide guidance on the appropriate use of heat and cold therapy to relieve symptoms and support healing.
Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation therapy can help reduce muscle spasms and improve circulation around pinched nerves. This therapy supports pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Why Choose Balance Atlanta for Pinched Nerve Treatment?

At Balance Atlanta, we are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care for pinched nerves. Our experienced team of chiropractors and healthcare professionals is dedicated to delivering effective, non-invasive treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Here’s why Balance Atlanta is the best choice for managing pinched nerves:

Holistic Approach: We combine chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced therapies to offer a well-rounded treatment plan for pinched nerves.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our treatments to address the specific causes of your pinched nerve and develop a personalized plan to meet your goals.
Experienced Professionals: Our team is highly trained in treating pinched nerves, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective results.
Non-Invasive Solutions: Our treatments focus on natural, drug-free methods that promote healing and long-term relief without the need for medication or surgery.

If you’re struggling with a pinched nerve, don’t wait—contact Balance Atlanta today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to relief and better spinal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—such as bones, muscles, ligaments, or discs—apply excessive pressure on a nerve. This compression interferes with the nerve’s ability to transmit signals properly, often resulting in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Pinched nerves can develop in the neck, back, or extremities, with discomfort that may remain localized or radiate into the arms or legs. Chiropractic care frequently provides relief by correcting spinal misalignments and reducing muscular tension, which helps alleviate pressure on the affected nerve. This approach supports the body’s natural healing process and promotes long-term recovery.

What causes a nerve to become pinched?

Pinched nerves can result from a variety of factors, including poor posture, repetitive movements, spinal misalignments, herniated discs, arthritis, or injuries that reduce the space around a nerve. Muscle tightness or swelling may also play a role. Even routine habits—like sitting for extended periods or frequently looking down at a phone—can create pressure on nerves over time. Chiropractors identify these contributing elements through posture assessments and spinal examinations. By enhancing alignment and mobility, chiropractic care helps relieve physical stress on the nerves and promotes more balanced, pain-free movement.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation. Some individuals may also experience muscle weakness in areas controlled by the affected nerve. In the neck, this condition can cause pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm, while in the lower back, symptoms may extend down the leg—a condition known as sciatica. These symptoms often intensify with specific movements or positions. Chiropractors assess spinal alignment and nerve function to identify the source of the issue, providing care that targets both immediate pain relief and the underlying cause.

Can a pinched nerve go away on its own?

Sometimes mild cases of nerve compression improve with rest, posture correction, and stretching. However, if the underlying cause—such as spinal misalignment or disc pressure—is not properly addressed, symptoms often return or worsen over time. Prolonged nerve compression can lead to chronic pain or muscle weakness, making early intervention essential. Chiropractic care targets the root of the issue by relieving pressure on the affected nerve through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and posture guidance. This comprehensive approach promotes long-term healing and functional recovery, rather than offering just temporary symptom relief.

How can chiropractic care help with a pinched nerve?

Chiropractic adjustments restore proper spinal alignment, helping to reduce pressure on irritated nerves and improve communication between the brain and body. This process eases pain and supports the return of normal function. In addition to adjustments, chiropractors often incorporate soft tissue therapy, targeted stretching, and ergonomic guidance to relieve muscle tension that may be contributing to nerve compression. By addressing both spinal health and daily habits, chiropractic care encourages the body’s natural healing process and helps prevent the recurrence of pinched nerves. Many patients find this non-invasive approach to be highly effective for achieving lasting relief.

How do I know if my pain is from a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve often produces sharp, burning, or radiating pain, rather than a dull, generalized soreness. Tingling, numbness, or weakness in a specific area—such as the arm, hand, leg, or foot—is a strong indicator of nerve involvement. This discomfort frequently worsens with certain postures, like prolonged sitting or turning the head. Chiropractors use a combination of physical exams, posture assessments, and neurological testing to determine whether symptoms are nerve-related. Pinpointing the exact source allows for targeted care that relieves irritation and restores proper function.

Can lifestyle habits cause pinched nerves?

Prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and lack of movement are all common contributors to nerve irritation. Over time, these habits lead to muscle imbalances and increased spinal stress, which can compress or inflame nearby nerves. Chiropractors play a key role in identifying these lifestyle factors and recommending practical changes—such as optimizing workstation ergonomics, integrating regular stretching, and establishing consistent exercise routines. When combined with spinal adjustments, these small daily shifts help relieve pressure on nerves and reduce the risk of recurring issues. Maintaining awareness of posture and movement is essential for protecting the nervous system and supporting long-term musculoskeletal health.

How long does it take to recover from a pinched nerve?

Recovery from a pinched nerve depends largely on the severity and duration of the compression. Mild cases may resolve within a few days to weeks, while chronic conditions often require a longer healing period. Chiropractic adjustments, targeted stretches, and lifestyle modifications can significantly speed up recovery by directly addressing the root cause. Consistency in care is crucial, as relieving nerve pressure and retraining posture takes time and repetition. Many individuals begin to feel relief after their initial visits, with steady progress continuing over the following weeks as alignment improves and inflammation subsides.

Are pinched nerves dangerous?

Most pinched nerves aren’t life-threatening, but they can have a serious impact on daily comfort and function. If left untreated, prolonged compression may lead to permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate severe or worsening symptoms promptly. Chiropractors offer safe, non-invasive care that helps relieve nerve irritation and restore mobility. When necessary, they can also refer patients for further diagnostic testing or specialized treatment. Early intervention is key—it not only prevents complications but also supports long-term nerve health and overall well-being.

Can pinched nerves be prevented?

Maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, stretching, staying hydrated, and avoiding repetitive strain all protect the spine and nervous system. Using proper lifting techniques and setting up ergonomic workspaces also reduces the risk. Chiropractors often provide preventive care by keeping the spine aligned and teaching patients how to move and sit in healthier ways. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with simple daily habits, help prevent the buildup of stress that leads to pinched nerves and support long-term spinal health.