Nerve Impingement
What is Nerve Impingement?
Nerve Impingement, medically termed as Vertebral Subluxation, is defined as a partial dislocation of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) and this misalignment significantly affects one or more nerves in the that area. As you may know, nerves flow from each of the spinal bones and emit signals that generate throughout the entire body. When Vertebral Subluxation occurs, the nerve signals are interrupted due to the pressure that is forced upon the nerves. This pressure can essentially invoke a discomforting and painful sensation in that area, like a “pinched nerve”.
Causes of Nerve Impingement
The most common cause of Nerve Impingement is physical injuries that occur directly into the spine. In other words, Subluxation commonly occurs in individuals who were involved in a traumatic injury, fall or car crash and have suffered immediate pain to the spine. Nerve Impingement is also caused by repetitive spinal movement and heavy lifting, which is found in people who partake in labor work and/or certain sports. Age also plays a factor as elderly individuals are more susceptible of suffering Nerve Impingement due degenerative discs. Other causes include poor diet, poor posture, obesity, and/or lack of exercise.
Symptoms of Nerve Impingement
Symptoms exceptionally vary depending on the location of the nerve impingement. Pinched nerves near the cervical spine, for example, may invoke headaches while pinched nerves in the lumbar spine may invoke an entirely different symptom. Below is a list of symptoms that may occur with Subluxation:
- Medications including pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, and antidepressants to relieve pain, as well as sedatives to relax the muscles
- Physical therapy including stretching exercises, massage of the affected areas, application of heat for pain relief, and ultrasound waves to promote blood circulation
- Injections of a steroid or a numbing agent
Treatment of Nerve Impingement
Treatment for Nerve Impingement usually consists of conservative options rather than surgical intervention. The most common treatment for this condition would be Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic care, in conjunction with medicine and physical therapy, would be used to correct the misalignment of the spine via manually manipulation to the vertebrae. Minimally invasive procedures will be provided if Chiropractic therapy fails to permanently relieve symptoms. Surgical intervention is particularly rare in most cases as Subluxation is commonly treated with Chiropractic Care and minimally invasive procedures.
Contact HEALTHPOINTE for further information regarding Nerve Impingement. If you or someone you know are suffering from said symptoms, be sure to visit one of our many locations in Southern California. Remember, we are always here to treat you!