Pinched nerves are serious injuries that can be caused in a variety of ways. Nerves carry vital information from the brain to the rest of the body that relates to basic body function that helps us perform everyday tasks. Once a nerve becomes pinched, it is being damaged by compression or direct pressure, leading to a delayed flow of information to and from the brain. In a car accident, pinched nerves can happen in many different areas of the body, including the back, neck, wrist, arms, and legs.
If you have been in a car accident and believe you may have a pinched nerve injury, is essential to seek medical attention right away so that the symptoms do not worsen. Read to learn more about pinched nerve injuries and how chiropractic treatment may be able to help patients recover quickly.
Signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve
When people get into auto accidents, it’s normal for their adrenaline to kick in from the collision’s initial shock, which can often mask the painful symptoms of certain injuries. Pinched nerves can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the incident, causing noticeable discomfort. Once the adrenaline wears away, victims may feel pain in the area followed by a tingling, “pins and needles” sensation, muscle spasms, and tender skin. In some cases, people may also experience numbness in the area as well as loss of mobility. Until you begin treatment, these symptoms can come and go.
How chiropractic care can treat a pinched nerve
Chiropractors may be able to identify the root cause of pain from a pinched nerve and begin treatment almost immediately. After determining what is compressing your nerve and causing pain, chiropractors will determine the method that they feel is best to treat your condition. There are a variety of chiropractic care techniques that are both safe and effective, including:
- Spinal manipulation – Spinal manipulation is a popular chiropractic treatment that helps alleviate pressure on joints, reduces inflammation, and improves nerve function. The treatment involves a practitioner using their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to a joint in your spine.
- Massage therapy – Massage therapy is often practiced in combination with a spinal adjustment. While adjustments focus on the bones and joints, chiropractic massage therapy improves tissues and muscle health. Together, both techniques can provide full-body health benefits.
- Cryotherapy – Cryotherapy is also known as “cold therapy.” This chiropractic technique involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. Cryotherapy can be performed on just one part of the body or several parts of the body. This method helps treat pinched nerves by numbing nerve irritation.
- Physical therapy – After performing one of the many chiropractic treatments for pinched nerves, specialists will sometimes incorporate exercise therapy or physical rehab later in inpatient care to ensure a full recovery.
Schedule an appointment with Chiropractic Approach
At Chiropractic Approach, our professionals are experienced at treating motor-vehicle-related pinched nerve injuries that can interfere with everyday life. Our office accepts some insurance plans, including no-fault and workers’ compensation. We use contemporary treatment techniques and consistently adapt our practice to the latest and most effective treatment options available to chiropractors. If you have been injured in an auto accident and seek medical attention, we encourage you to contact our offices to schedule an appointment today.
