Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve?

May 9, 2023
David Diehm
General Health

If you’ve ever experienced a pinched nerve, you know just how painful and disruptive it can be to daily life. The discomfort, numbness, tingling, or sharp pain can make even simple movements difficult. Understandably, those suffering from a pinched nerve are often eager to find relief — and fast.

Many people wonder whether a chiropractor can help relieve the pain and pressure caused by a pinched nerve. In this blog, we’ll explore what a pinched nerve is, how it’s diagnosed, and whether chiropractic care can offer an effective solution.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues — such as bones, muscles, tendons, or discs. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to symptoms like:

Sharp, burning, or aching pain
Numbness or tingling (pins and needles)
Muscle weakness
Pain that radiates down an arm or leg
Worsening symptoms when moving certain ways

| “Pinched nerves are most common in the neck, lower back, and wrists — but they can happen anywhere a nerve travels through tight spaces.”

Common Causes of Pinched Nerves

There are several underlying reasons why a nerve might become compressed:

Poor posture (especially from long hours sitting at a desk)
Herniated or bulging spinal discs
Arthritis or bone spurs
Injury or trauma
Repetitive movements
Pregnancy (due to postural and hormonal changes)

| “Identifying the root cause of nerve compression is essential — because effective treatment starts with understanding why it’s happening.”

How Is a Pinched Nerve Diagnosed?

A chiropractor or health professional will begin by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination. They may assess:

Posture and spinal alignment
Muscle strength and flexibility
Sensory and neurological changes

In some cases, imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be recommended.

Can a Chiropractor Help with a Pinched Nerve?

Yes — in many cases, chiropractic care can help relieve the pain and pressure caused by a pinched nerve. Chiropractors focus on addressing structural misalignments and biomechanical imbalances that may be compressing or irritating the nerve.

At our clinic, we use a range of safe and effective techniques:

1. Spinal Adjustments
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment and reduce nerve interference.

2. Soft Tissue Work
Our trained remedial massage therapist works alongside us to help release muscle tension and reduce pressure on affected nerves.

3. Postural Advice & Ergonomic Support
We help you identify and correct the daily habits or work setups contributing to your symptoms.

4. Rehabilitative Exercises
Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises support recovery, reduce inflammation, and help prevent recurrence.

5. Gentle Techniques for All Ages
We tailor your care based on age and comfort level — from manual adjustments to instrument-assisted methods for children, seniors, and pregnancy care.

However, it’s important to note that the initial focus of your chiropractic consultation will be on finding the cause of your symptoms. There may be multiple underlying reasons why you’re experiencing a pinched nerve, such as:

Osteoarthritis or spinal degeneration
A bulging or herniated disc
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Localised swelling or inflammation

| “The specific cause — often confirmed with imaging — determines how a chiropractor can best assist or whether referral to another specialist is needed.”

In more severe cases, such as advanced spinal degeneration or significant spinal stenosis, a referral to an orthopaedic specialist or neurologist may be recommended for further investigation or surgical consultation.

Let Us Help You Find Relief

At Family Life Chiropractic, we’re here to help you get back to living pain-free. If you suspect a pinched nerve is affecting your health or movement, we’ll take the time to carefully assess your condition and guide you toward recovery with a personalised treatment plan.