Conditions We Treat

PINCHED NERVE 

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, whether a bulging disc, a swollen joint or a tight muscle, places pressure on a nerve. The result is often sharp, shooting or burning pain that travels along the path of the nerve, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness. It can happen in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy), and it tends to get your attention quickly.

In the neck, nerve compression most commonly affects the nerves that supply the shoulder, arm and hand. Causes include disc herniations, degenerative changes and narrowing of the nerve exit points (foraminal stenosis). In the lower back, a pinched nerve often presents as sciatica, with pain running down the buttock and leg. Prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, poor posture and age-related wear all increase the risk. What many people do not realise is that nerve irritation does not always require direct compression. Inflammation around the nerve root can produce identical symptoms.

Research supports conservative care as the first-line approach for most cases of radiculopathy. A 2011 randomised controlled trial in Spine found that spinal manipulation was as effective as surgery for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy at one year follow-up, and a 2016 systematic review confirmed that manual therapy combined with exercise reduces pain and improves function in cervical radiculopathy. Current clinical guidelines recommend trying conservative treatment for at least six to eight weeks before considering surgical options.

We begin with a thorough neurological and orthopaedic assessment to identify exactly which nerve is involved and what is causing the compression. Treatment typically includes specific chiropractic adjustments to open up the affected nerve pathway, nerve mobilisation techniques, soft tissue work and a progressive exercise programme to take pressure off the nerve and prevent recurrence. We monitor your progress closely and refer for imaging or specialist opinion if needed.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A PINCHED NERVE

  • Sharp, shooting or burning pain that travels down the arm or leg
  • Numbness or reduced sensation in a specific area
  • Tingling or a 'pins and needles' feeling in the fingers or toes
  • Muscle weakness in the affected arm or leg
  • Pain that worsens with certain head or neck positions
  • Increased pain when coughing, sneezing or straining
  • Pain that improves when raising the arm overhead (cervical nerve involvement)
  • Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks
  • Lower back pain with radiating leg pain (lumbar nerve involvement)
  • Symptoms that disturb sleep or worsen at night

Nerve pain can be alarming, but the majority of pinched nerves respond well to conservative treatment without the need for surgery or long-term medication. Getting an accurate diagnosis early is key to choosing the right approach and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us help you find relief from nerve pain.

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References

  1. McMorland G, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomised clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2010;33(8):576-584.
  2. Thoomes EJ, et al. The effectiveness of conservative treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2013;29(12):1073-1086.