Tel: 021 111 0678
PINCHED NERVES AND SCIATICA
Pinched Nerves
​
Nerves are like fiberoptic cables that carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back to the brain. The nervous system controls everything in the body. Any irritation to a nerve will cause symptoms - see the chart below.
The most common site of pinched nerves are between the vertebrae as the leave the spinal cord. A nerve can be pinched because of a misalignment, muscle spasm, a bulging disc or degenerative changes in the spinal joints.
​
Sciatica is a common term for a nerve that is pinched in the low back. The primary symptom is pain in the buttock and leg. Nerves are frequently trapped at the base of the neck as well as in the low back. This can cause neck, shoulder and arm pain.
​
There are many symptoms that can arise from a trapped nerve – see the chart below. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, you may well have a nerve that is being irritated or chafed at the relevant spinal level.
Treatment
Because most pinched nerves start in the spine, Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for a pinched nerve... it should be the first place you go. Depending on your condition, a treatment plan will be recommended. Misaligned facet joints respond very well to spinal manipulation (adjustment or alignment). Degenerative or worn discs respond well to decompression techniques. Muscle testing can help identify weaknesses and appropriate exercises can be recommended.
​
* Severe cases – may require referral for x-rays, MRI scans or surgical evaluation.
Maintenance and Management
Back problems are often chronic. Joints may have been locked and out of alignment for many months will require follow up care after the initial course of treatment. This is because the local muscles and tissues have developed a ‘muscle memory’ pattern that is very likely to repeat itself over and over. To successfully break the pattern, these maintenance visits are of utmost importance.
