Conditions We Treat
PINCHED NERVE
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, whether a bulging disc, a swollen joint or a tight muscle, places pressure on a nerve. The result is often sharp, shooting or burning pain that travels along the path of the nerve, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness. It can happen in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy), and it tends to get your attention quickly.
In the neck, nerve compression most commonly affects the nerves that supply the shoulder, arm and hand. Causes include disc herniations, degenerative changes and narrowing of the nerve exit points (foraminal stenosis). In the lower back, a pinched nerve often presents as sciatica, with pain running down the buttock and leg. Prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, poor posture and age-related wear all increase the risk. What many people do not realise is that nerve irritation does not always require direct compression. Inflammation around the nerve root can produce identical symptoms.
Research supports conservative care as the first-line approach for most cases of radiculopathy. A 2010 randomised clinical study found that patients with lumbar disc herniation benefited from spinal manipulation to a similar degree as microdiskectomy, and a 2013 systematic review supported conservative treatments including physiotherapy for cervical radiculopathy, noting that most patients improve over time. Current clinical guidelines recommend trying conservative treatment for at least six to eight weeks before considering surgical options.
We begin with a thorough neurological and orthopaedic assessment to identify exactly which nerve is involved and what is causing the compression. Treatment typically includes specific chiropractic adjustments to open up the affected nerve pathway, nerve mobilisation techniques, soft tissue work and a progressive exercise programme to take pressure off the nerve and prevent recurrence. We monitor your progress closely and refer for imaging or specialist opinion if needed.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A PINCHED NERVE
- Sharp, shooting or burning pain that travels down the arm or leg
- Numbness or reduced sensation in a specific area
- Tingling or a 'pins and needles' feeling in the fingers or toes
- Muscle weakness in the affected arm or leg
- Pain that worsens with certain head or neck positions
- Increased pain when coughing, sneezing or straining
- Pain that improves when raising the arm overhead (cervical nerve involvement)
- Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks
- Lower back pain with radiating leg pain (lumbar nerve involvement)
- Symptoms that disturb sleep or worsen at night
Nerve pain can be alarming, but many pinched nerves improve with conservative treatment without the need for surgery or long-term medication. Getting an accurate diagnosis early is key to choosing the right approach and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Patients with nerve pain visit us from Sandton, Morningside, Bryanston, Sunninghill, Lonehill and across the Johannesburg region.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us help you find relief from nerve pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, such as a bulging disc, a swollen joint or a tight muscle, places pressure on a nerve. This produces sharp, shooting or burning pain that travels along the nerve path, often accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness.
Yes. Chiropractic care is an effective conservative treatment for pinched nerves. A randomised clinical study found that spinal manipulation produced similar outcomes to microdiskectomy for lumbar disc herniation. Specific adjustments aim to open up the affected nerve pathway and reduce compression.
Most pinched nerves respond well to conservative treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. Clinical guidelines recommend trying conservative care for at least this period before considering surgical options. The timeline depends on the cause and severity of the compression.
Sciatica is a specific type of pinched nerve. It occurs when a nerve root in the lower back is compressed, causing pain down the leg. A pinched nerve can also occur in the neck (cervical radiculopathy), causing pain, numbness or tingling down the arm and into the hand.
Most pinched nerves improve with conservative treatment without the need for surgery. Surgery is generally only considered if severe neurological symptoms develop, such as progressive muscle weakness, or if conservative treatment has not helped after 6 to 8 weeks.
References
- McMorland G, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomised clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2010;33(8):576-584.
- Thoomes EJ, et al. The effectiveness of conservative treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2013;29(12):1073-1086.