|
PINCHED NERVE
The term
“pinched nerve” is somewhat of a catch-all
phrase that is commonly used to describe the
pain associated with a variety of conditions
from subluxations, to tunnel syndromes to
the referred pain from trigger points. Most
of the time, what is called a pinched nerve
is actually an irritated, or inflamed nerve
where the nerve itself is not actually
pinched. In most cases, nerves become
irritated and inflamed when the bones,
joints or muscles of the spine are not in
their proper position, or are not moving
properly. This condition is called a “subluxation”,
the treatment of which is the specialty of
the doctor of chiropractic.
There are
instances when nerves do become ‘pinched’,
such as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica
and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. In each of
these cases, injury, spasm or inflammation
of the surrounding muscles and connective
tissue causes the nerve to become
compressed, resulting in pain. These
conditions are referred to as “tunnel
syndromes.” Treating tunnel syndromes is
more complex than treating a simple spinal
subluxation, but they usually respond very
well to chiropractic care; especially when
combined with other physical therapies, such
as exercises and stretches.
Trigger
points are very tight “knots” of muscle that
form when muscles are either chronically
overworked or injured, and are often
experienced as a pinching or burning pain.
Trigger points will commonly cause pain that
radiates to other parts of the body, which
is also known as referred pain. The
successful treatment of trigger points
usually requires a combination of
chiropractic care, stretching and a form of
deep tissue massage called ‘trigger point
therapy.’
It is very
important that the cause of any form of pain
be properly diagnosed. |
