It’s important not to ignore the signals your body is giving you that something is out of alignment. If you suspect a pinched nerve, the best thing to do for it is to see a chiropractor to release the compression on the inflamed nerve. While there are some home remedies that can be used for treatment, a chiropractor can offer treatments for pinched nerves that are more effective than what you may be doing at home.
What will a Chiropractor do for a Pinched Nerve?
It’s important to visit your chiropractor right away when you suspect you have a pinched nerve. The four basic causes of a pinched nerve are:
- Disc herniation
- Osteoarthritis with stenosis
- Disc degeneration with stenosis
- Misalignment of a vertebra
What will a chiropractor do for a pinched nerve resulting from one of these causes? The chiropractor will realign the appropriate joint and reduce the stress causing the nerve to be compressed. After a series of questions and a physical assessment, a chiropractor will provide joint manipulations to speed up your healing process. Perhaps most importantly, a chiropractor can offer expert guidance for lifestyle improvements that you can tackle at home.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Sometimes doing a few gentle daily stretches can be vital to releasing pressure on a pinched nerve but be cautious with exercises you try to tackle. A chiropractor can show you the proper stretching techniques that will both release the stress on your inflamed nerve and strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments to support the problem area and give it time to heal.
How to Sit at Your Workstation Properly
Hours upon hours sitting at your workstation in the wrong position can take its toll on your body and nerves. Over time your bones and muscles remember your favorite hunched position, making it more difficult to find the correct healthy posture. A standing workstation is a great addition to your office space and for the improvement of your health.
Chiropractors recommend the following tips for sitting at your workspace to prevent pinched nerve pain.
- Straighten your back while you sit and have your monitor at eye level
- Your arms should rest comfortably with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and not reaching too far forward for the keyboard.
- Your chair should be at a height where your knees are bent at 90 degrees with your feet resting flat on the floor.
Most importantly, give your body a break and stand up, move, stretch or walk around the room at least once every hour. Set an alert on your phone to remind you to stand up and move!
Sleeping Positions for Relief
While there are many active things you can do for your pinched nerve, you’ll be relieved to know sleeping is a great way to give the inflamed area a rest and extra healing time. Chiropractors recommend sleeping on your back for pain relief, (sleeping on your stomach is not recommended). Be sure to elevate your head a little and if needed, use a pillow support under your knees to release the pull on your lower back. Side sleepers should hug a pillow or put one between your legs to keep your hips aligned properly with your back.
How to Lift and Carry
If you frequently lift and carry items, see a chiropractor right away for a personal assessment. A chiropractor can demonstrate and correct your lifting movements so that you’re keeping your back straight and using your stronger leg muscles for the lifting power. Warm-up your muscles with stretches or gentle movements before strenuous activity. These techniques and targeted guidance from your chiropractor will prevent further damage to pinched nerves and muscles.
Good Posture Habits
Good posture is important to ensure your body remains in alignment, especially as you get older and less active. One sign that your body is out of alignment is a pinched nerve. What will a chiropractor do for a pinched nerve and your posture habits? If you’ve had bad posture in the past, trying to correct it immediately may be painful. A chiropractor can provide minor joint movements and adjustments that will allow you to stand straighter and strengthen your muscles without pain.
The chiropractors at Aligned Medical group have extensive knowledge and training regarding joints, muscles, and ligaments that enable movement. Aligned Medical Group can not only provide relief for pinched nerves but also help you improve your overall lifestyle to ensure your pain doesn’t return. Contact us or call 610-644-3166 to find out what a chiropractor can do for a pinched nerve!