What Is a Pinched Nerve?
Cervical radiculopathy, more commonly known as a pinched nerve, is when a nerve is being compressed by a bone, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. Nerves are pinched when the vertebrae slip out of alignment, causing bone, muscles, or tendons to trap or compress them. This causes pain to varying degrees and may decrease a person's range of motion.
Ignoring pinched nerves is not a good idea; it can lead to more serious health conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, carpel tunnel syndrome, or sciatica can occur due to pinched nerves. Down the line, a pinched nerve may result in permanent nerve damage and life-long chronic pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerve pain can present as a long-lasting ache, a sudden sharp pain, or a burning sensation. Intensity can vary, depending on the individual. For some people, the pain is constant. Others experience recurring pain, usually triggered by certain movements. Bending, twisting, sitting in one position too long, or walking might trigger pinched nerve pain.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves can be found anywhere in the back, and occasionally in the wrists. However, the problem usually originates in the upper cervical spine. The upper cervical spine consists of the uppermost seven vertebrae that run through the neck. This is the most vulnerable area of the spine. Any jolt or impact to the head and neck, persistent poor posture, poor sleeping positions, or wrong movements can cause the vertebrae to slip out of proper alignment.
The upper cervical spine is responsible for the carriage of the head and movement of the neck. Misalignments are common along this part of the spine, particularly at the atlas and axis—the vertebrae that allow the head to turn back and forth. When the upper cervical vertebrae are misaligned, the body shifts to compensate, and this puts undue pressure on the joints, muscles, and ligaments going down the rest of the back, resulting in more pinched nerves.
How Our Pinched Nerve Treatment Works
Doctors generally just recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to help patients manage pinched nerve pain. Unfortunately, this doesn't resolve the problem and eventually may lead to serious conditions that require surgery.
We at Upper Spine Knoxville offer a safe, drug-free, non-invasive treatment for pinched nerves. Dr. Bejian Shamloo, our upper cervical specialist, makes corrections to the upper cervical spine to correct the problem at the root. The doctor uses cutting-edge technology for more precise screenings so that he can make more accurate, longer holding adjustments.
Once the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, it reduces inflammation and swelling, improving the posture and relieving stress on the rest of your joints, muscles, and ligaments. The body's natural healing processes are then able to commence, repairing damage and restoring health.
If you suffer from pinched nerves, don't let the problems and pain escalate. Contact Dr. Shamloo to see if he can help you. Dr. Shamloo provides upper cervical chiropractic treatment for patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.