Nerve Impingement and Chiropractic

What is a Nerve Impingement?

The term nerve impingement 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 nerve impingement is an irritated, or inflamed nerve where the nerve itself is not 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 exercises and stretches. It is very important that the cause of any form of pain properly looks at. This is especially important when nerves are affected as severe or long-term irritation, or compression, of a nerve, can lead to permanent nerve damage. If you have been told that you have a pinched nerve, it is very important that you seek professional care from a doctor of Chiropractic as soon as possible.