What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve in your body is compressed or constricted by the surrounding bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage. The pressure on the nerve can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area of the body. The most common locations for pinched nerves are in the neck, lower back, and wrists. Pinched nerves in the neck can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, and radiating pain down the arms. One of the biggest culprits of pinched nerves in the neck is a vertebral misalignment of the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
The symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary widely depending on the location of the nerve and the severity of the constriction. Some people may experience only mild discomfort or numbness, while others may experience more severe pain and muscle weakness. Pinched nerves in the neck can also cause headaches, difficulty with balance and coordination, and even problems with vision or hearing.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Pinched Nerves
The upper cervical spine is the uppermost segment of the spinal column and consists of seven stacked vertebrae. In addition to stabilizing the head and supporting the musculoskeletal structures of the neck, the upper cervical spine also protects the spinal cord and its connection to the brainstem. When one or more of the vertebrae in this region of the spine are misaligned, the affected vertebrae can intrude upon the spinal cord and surrounding nerve roots. Left untreated, this intrusion can result in pressure, irritation, and inflammation of the affected nerves, leading to the symptoms characteristic of a pinched nerve.
How Our Natural Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free option for relieving pinched nerve symptoms. The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a form of upper cervical chiropractic care that emphasizes advanced diagnostic methods and gentle adjustment methods. During your initial appointment, your Blair chiropractor will use a combination of X-rays, cone-beam computed tomography scans, and physical assessments to determine the exact location of any misaligned vertebrae in your upper cervical spine.
Based on this information, your chiropractor will then use precise, low-force adjustments to realign the vertebrae and alleviate pressure on the affected nerves. By restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical spine, the Blair Chiropractic Technique can help address the root cause of your pinched nerve symptoms.
