• Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints that may pressure nearby nerves.
• Awkward lifting, pulling, twisting or bending 
• Sudden injury from sports or an accident 
• Repetitive motion tasks
• Obesity: Excess weight can swell your nerve pathway, putting pressure on nerves.
• Pregnancy: The extra weight can result in compressed nerves.
• Aging leads to “wear and tear” on the spine and its discs. Over time spinal discs can lose water content and flatten. The vertebrae (bones in the spinal cord) move closer together, and in response the body forms growths of bone (bone spurs.) These bone growths, or spurs, can compress nerves.

There is a chance pinched nerves can subside on their own with time (four to six weeks). If the pinched nerve is due to a misalignment of the spine, ligaments or inflammation of the surrounding tissue a chiropractic adjustment can definitely help speed your recovery. You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

A pinched nerve can become serious, causing chronic pain, or even lead to permanent nerve damage. Fluid and swelling can do irreversible damage to the nerves, so be sure to contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after several days.

How is a pinched nerve treated?

Medical management (non-surgical) is the first line of treatment for pinched nerves. This includes:

• Chiropractic spinal Alignments or adjustments can relieve the pressure on the nerve and increase blood flow to the area speeding healing. 
• Therapies such as electric stim, intersegmental traction, and ice can help relax the surrounding tissues and provide some pain relief.  
• Movement: Stretches and light exercise can help ease pressure on your nerves and relieve minor pain. Talk to your provider about what types of exercises are best for the type of pinched nerve you’re experiencing. 
• Time and rest: For many people, time takes care of a pinched nerve and it doesn’t need treatment. The pain should go away in a few days or weeks.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs or Tylenol may help your symptoms. 
• As a final resort if it doesn’t resolve with conservative care, rest and time, your medical doctor may prescribe strong anti-inflammatory medications like prednisone to relieve pain.

How do I prevent a pinched nerve? Not all pinched nerves can be prevented, but you can lower your risk if you:

• Get regular chiropractic adjustments 
• Do stretching exercises to keep muscles strong and flexible.
• Maintain a healthy weight and good posture.
• Avoid sudden bursts of movement pulling, twisting or bending – especially when holding something out in front of you.  
• Don’t sit or lie in one position too long, or cross your legs for an extended period. This can lead to a compressed nerve in your leg.