Pinched Nerve Treatment

A pinched nerve is one of those things that sounds minor until it happens to you. The pain can be intense — a burning, shooting sensation that radiates from the point of compression outward. Sometimes it's accompanied by numbness or a feeling like your arm or leg has "fallen asleep" and won't wake up. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Pinched nerves are one of the most common reasons people walk through our doors here in Tucson.

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues — bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. In the spine, this often occurs when a vertebra shifts out of alignment (what we call a subluxation) and presses on a nearby nerve root. Herniated discs, bone spurs, and inflammation from injury can also compress nerves.

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the spine. When the compression is in your neck, you might feel pain, numbness, or weakness that extends into your shoulder, arm, or hand. In the lower back, the same kind of pressure on the sciatic nerve can send pain radiating down your leg — that's sciatica. Repetitive motions, poor posture, and injuries like car accidents are all common causes.

Chiropractic Treatment for Pinched Nerves

My approach is straightforward: find the compression, reduce it, and give the nerve room to heal. During your first visit, I'll do a thorough examination to identify exactly where the nerve is being pinched and what's causing the pressure. This is important because the treatment needs to be specific to your situation.

Using the Thompson drop table, I can make gentle, precise adjustments that realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The table does a lot of the work — the drop mechanism allows for effective corrections without heavy force. I also use the Activator method for patients who need an even lighter touch, particularly when the nerve is acutely inflamed and sensitive.

As the nerve compression resolves, the pain, tingling, and numbness begin to fade. I'll also work with you on stretches and postural adjustments that help prevent the nerve from getting pinched again. Many pinched nerves respond well to chiropractic care and improve significantly within a few weeks.

Don't wait for a pinched nerve to get worse. Visit us at our Speedway or Oro Valley location — walk-ins welcome. Call (520) 319-1234 with any questions.