Pinched Nerves in the Neck vs. Lower Back: Different Causes, Similar Solutions

Have you ever experienced a sharp, sudden pain that seems to radiate from a particular point in your body? If so, you may have had a pinched nerve. This common condition can occur anywhere in your body and is caused when a nerve is compressed or squeezed by surrounding tissues.
 

Understanding Pinched Nerves in the Neck

When discussing pinched nerves in the neck, the culprits are usually herniated discs, bone spurs, or stiff muscles. These conditions can squeeze the nerves that extend from the spinal cord, leading to pain and discomfort. You may feel this pain directly in your neck, but it can also radiate down your arm or even into your hand.
 

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience a dull, aching pain, while others have sharp, shooting discomfort. Besides pain, you may also experience tingling or numbness in your arm or hand, muscle weakness, or even a loss of coordination. These symptoms can be mild or severe, intermittent or constant. It all depends on the degree of nerve compression and how your body responds to it.
 

Causes and Symptoms of Pinched Back Nerves

Much like the neck, the lower back is a common site for pinched nerves. The causes here are similar - herniated discs, bone spurs, or even a narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition called spinal stenosis. These problems can compress the nerves that branch out from your spinal cord to your lower body, leading to a range of symptoms.
 

The most common symptom of a pinched nerve in the lower back is sciatica, a sharp, shooting pain that travels down the back of your leg. You might also feel numbness or tingling in your buttocks, leg, or foot, or experience muscle weakness. As with a pinched nerve in the neck, these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, from mild, intermittent discomfort to severe, constant pain.
 

Certain activities or positions can also worsen your symptoms. For example, sitting for long periods or lifting heavy objects might increase your discomfort. This is because such activities can put additional pressure on the affected nerve, exacerbating your symptoms and making your pain more severe.
 

Chiropractic Solutions for Pinched Nerves

Chiropractors are skilled at diagnosing and treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including pinched nerves. They use a variety of techniques to relieve nerve compression, reduce pain, and restore normal function.
 

One common chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve in the neck and back is spinal manipulation or adjustment. This involves the chiropractor using their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to your spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion and physical function, thereby relieving nerve compression and reducing your symptoms.

In addition to spinal manipulation, your chiropractor may also recommend therapeutic exercises or stretches to strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility. They might also suggest lifestyle modifications, like maintaining a healthy weight or practicing good lifting techniques, to help prevent future instances of nerve compression.
 

Conclusion

Pinched nerves in the neck and lower back may have different causes and symptoms, but the solutions are often similar. Chiropractic care can provide effective relief for both conditions, using techniques like spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate nerve compression and reduce pain.
 

So if you're suffering from a pinched nerve, whether in your neck or lower back, contact our professionals at ReAlignMed in our Chicago, Illinois, office. Call 773-665-4400 to schedule an appointment today.