What to Know About Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can disrupt your daily life by causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Whether it’s in your neck, back, or another area, nerve compression can make simple tasks feel difficult and uncomfortable. At Thrive Family Chiropractic, we believe in addressing the root cause of nerve-related issues rather than just managing symptoms. Dr. Shane Hoffman, our experienced Urbandale chiropractor, is here to help you understand pinched nerves and how chiropractic care can support your body’s natural healing process.
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What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—such as bones, muscles, or ligaments—put excessive pressure on a nerve. This compression can interfere with normal nerve function, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Pinched nerves can happen anywhere in the body but are most common in the neck, lower back, and wrists.

Several factors can contribute to nerve compression. Poor posture, repetitive movements, and spinal misalignments are common culprits, especially for those who sit at a desk all day or engage in physically demanding work. Injuries, such as herniated discs, can also put pressure on nerves, leading to discomfort and restricted movement. Additionally, inflammation from conditions like arthritis may contribute to nerve irritation.

Chiropractic Care and Pinched Nerves

Rather than masking the pain with medication, chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to relieve nerve pressure naturally. Dr. Shane Hoffman uses precise chiropractic adjustments to help reduce stress on the nervous system, allowing the body to heal more effectively. When the spine is properly aligned, there is less compression on nerves, which can lead to improved mobility, reduced discomfort, and better overall function.

At Thrive Family Chiropractic, we take a personalized approach to care. Each person’s situation is unique, and we work to identify the specific cause of nerve compression in order to provide targeted care. Chiropractic adjustments help to create space within the spine, promoting proper nerve function and reducing inflammation. Many people experience relief and improved movement after incorporating chiropractic care into their wellness routine.

Tips for Preventing Pinched Nerves

While chiropractic care can help you heal from pinched nerves, you can also take some steps to prevent pinched nerves from occurring in the first place. 

Maintaining good posture—whether sitting, standing, or sleeping—can reduce unnecessary strain on the spine and nerves. Staying active with regular movement and stretching helps keep the body flexible and resilient. 
Additionally, being mindful of repetitive movements and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity can reduce the risk of nerve-related discomfort.

Find Relief with Chiropractic Care

If you’re dealing with the discomfort of a pinched nerve, you don’t have to suffer through it. Dr. Shane Hoffman, our trusted Urbandale chiropractor, is here to help you find relief and restore proper function to your body. The team at Thrive Family Chiropractic is committed to supporting your health naturally and effectively – contact us today and take the next step toward feeling your best!

Sources
Fetterman, A., Sather, R., Wojcik, S. “Pinched Nerve.” Cedars Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/radiculopathies.html 
Illes, J.D., Johnson, T.L. “Chiropractic management of a patient with ulnar nerve compression symptoms: a case report.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2013 Jun; 12 (2): 66–73. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3730298/