Holistic Treatment for Pinched Nerves in Santa Monica, CA

The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. These nerves receive communication from the brain to control our movement, senses and overall coordination. When a nerve is pinched, this communication process is interrupted. A pinched nerve occurs when pressure from surrounding bones, cartilage muscles or tendons is applied to a nerve. This pressure causes inflammation , inhibiting the nerve function and causing pain.

Causes of a Pinched Nerve

There are many ways to pinch a nerve, stemming from both lifestyle factors and medical conditions. The following are the most common causes of compressed nerves:

• Obesity
• Incorrect posture
• Aggressive sports or training
• Bone spurs
• Trauma/injury
• Thyroid conditions
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Family history of pinched nerves
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Herniated disc

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves are typically easy to diagnose. Symptoms may come and go, but overtime they can become persistent and increasingly painful. The most frequent symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

• Numbness
• Sharp, aching or burning pain in area of compression
• Sciatica (pain that radiates outward)
• Muscle weakness

These symptoms often become worse during sleep and when trying to move your head or strain your neck.

Holistic Treatment Options

Treatment of a pinched nerve will vary depending on the severity and location of the affected nerve. Most suffering from a pinched nerve respond well to home care and rest, specifically avoiding any activity that strains the nerve. The typical recovery is within a week’s time.

If pain and symptoms last longer than a week, medical attention from your health care provider may be necessary.

Ignoring a pinched can create long-term consequences including peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome .

Available holistic treatments include:

• Acupuncture therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Auricular medicine
• Qigong
• Dietary supplements
• Laser therapy
• Infrared saunas
• Anti-inflammatory support with homeopathy
• Osteopathic manipulative therapy
• Massage
• Physical therapy
• Ultrasound therapy

The best way to prevent a pinched nerve is to maintain good posture by avoiding hunching over and resting on your elbows, adhering to a healthy diet and regularly exercising with proper stretching.

Request more information about holistic treatment for pinched nerves today. Call (424) 365-1800 or contact Dr. Jeremy Fischer online.