You might get that “pins and needles” feeling every now and then when you’ve sat or had your legs crossed for too long. But what about when that tingling sensation becomes painful and even leads to weakness or numbness? While sometimes a mild pinched nerve can go away on its own, there are other instances where a pinched nerve may not go away until the root cause is addressed. If you’ve tried rest, icing, and pain medications without experiencing much relief, then you should visit your chiropractor in College Park to talk about more long-term solutions for a pinched nerve.
Pinched Nerve Symptoms
The most common symptom of a pinched nerve is what many people describe as “pins and needles”, a tingling or prickling sensation caused by a nerve that is irritated or compressed and sending abnormal signals to the brain. This feeling is like the numbness or “falling asleep” sensation you might experience after sitting or sleeping in one position for too long. This temporary numbness happens when the nerve’s ability to transmit normal sensory information is disrupted.
In addition to tingling and numbness, a pinched nerve can cause muscle weakness in the affected area. This happens because the nerve may not be able to properly communicate signals to the muscles, leading to reduced strength or difficulty controlling certain movements. You might also notice muscle spasms or cramping as nearby muscles react to the irritation.
Some people experience sharp, shooting, or stabbing pains that can radiate from the pinched nerve to other parts of the body. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain that radiates down the arm, while a pinched nerve in the lower back may cause sciatica—pain that shoots down the leg.
It’s important to note that symptoms can vary widely depending on the location of the pinched nerve and the specific functions that nerve controls. For example:
- A pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine) may cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
- A pinched nerve in the lower back (lumbar spine) often affects the buttocks, legs, and feet.
- Nerves in the wrists or elbows can cause localized numbness or weakness in the hands and fingers.
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, like continued weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with coordination, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly to avoid permanent nerve damage.
Pinched Nerve Causes
So, what causes pinched nerves? When surrounding muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues put too much pressure on a nerve, it causes a pinched nerve. This can happen due to injury, illness, or even daily wear and tear on the body. Here are three examples of how a pinched nerve may be caused.
Injury
There are multiple types of car accident injuries that can cause a pinched nerve because of how this type of traumatic event can strain and stress muscles and tendons in the body. Whiplash is one example of how strained muscles can become inflamed or torn, putting undue pressure on nearby nerves. A blow to the lower back could cause swelling and bruising, which may also compress a nerve and lead to pain like sciatica. Plus, it’s important to know that injuries don’t always present immediately, and sometimes symptoms of a pinched nerve can develop days or even weeks after the initial trauma. That’s why early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to prevent chronic nerve damage and to support your body’s natural healing process.
Inflammation
Inflammation is commonly associated with pinched nerves because of how nerves are surrounded by soft tissues in the body. When a muscle or tendon swells, it can narrow the available space for a nerve to properly function, thus causing a pinched nerve. Inflammation may occur during a one-time event like a car accident injury, or it can develop from overuse or due to an illness like arthritis. If left unmanaged, chronic inflammation can gradually make nerve compression worse and cause more symptoms that impact your quality of life. Addressing inflammation early with proper medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted therapies can help reduce nerve irritation and promote faster recovery.
Misalignments
When the vertebrae are properly aligned, then the spinal column is able to safely and effectively house the nervous system, which allows nerves to communicate with the rest of the body. However, when one or more vertebrae become misaligned, whether due to a specific incident or wear and tear like poor posture, it can compress a nerve and its ability to properly function. Misalignments can also negatively affect your posture and mobility over time, which puts additional strain on muscles and joints, further aggravating the nerves. Regular chiropractic care and posture correction can help restore alignment and reduce the risk of ongoing nerve problems.
Pinched Nerve Treatments at AICA Orthopedics
A pinched nerve can disrupt your daily life with pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially if left untreated. So, how are pinched nerves fixed? At AICA Orthopedics, we understand how important it is to address the root cause of your symptoms while supporting your long-term healing and mobility. That’s why we offer a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to pinched nerve treatment, combining the expertise of chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic doctors, and neurologists all under one roof.
Chiropractic Adjustments
When a spinal misalignment places pressure on a nearby nerve, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective and gentle ways to relieve that pressure. Our chiropractors use targeted spinal manipulations to realign the vertebrae and restore healthy nerve function. For example, if your pinched nerve is due to a herniated disc in the lower back or a misaligned cervical vertebra in the neck, adjustments can reduce compression, relieve pain, and help restore proper posture and mobility, all without medications or invasive procedures.
Neurological Evaluation and Treatment
In some cases, a pinched nerve can affect not only your muscles but also the way your brain and body communicate and send signals to various nerves. If your symptoms are severe or involve nerve dysfunction, such as radiating pain, loss of sensation, or coordination issues, our in-house neurologists can perform comprehensive evaluations to better understand the source of the problem. This may include diagnostic tools like nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and advanced imaging tools.
Our neurologists work directly with your treatment team to make sure that your treatment plan addresses any underlying nerve damage or conditions like neuropathy, radiculopathy, or spinal cord compression. By understanding how your nervous system is being affected, we can tailor treatments more precisely to your needs.
Physical Therapy for Pinched Nerves
Physical therapy plays a vital role in your recovery from a pinched nerve, especially if your symptoms include reduced mobility, muscle weakness, or difficulty performing everyday tasks.
At AICA Orthopedics, our physical therapists design personalized rehab programs focused on:
- Restoring strength and flexibility in affected muscles
- Improving posture and movement
- Reducing inflammation and stiffness
- Preventing future nerve compression
Your physical therapist will guide you through stretches, exercises, and manual therapies that complement your chiropractic care and support your body’s healing process. Physical therapy also helps re-train your body to move in ways that minimize pressure on sensitive nerve pathways to support your long-term recovery.
Stretches and Strengthening Exercises
Your chiropractor and physical therapist may also recommend custom stretches and strengthening routines to relieve tension, increase flexibility, and restore healthy circulation in the affected area. These movements are designed to improve your range of motion and protect your nerves from further irritation. Because pinched nerves can lead to muscle imbalances or spasms, consistent at-home exercises and ergonomic support can be crucial in restoring full function and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Multidisciplinary Treatment & Care
At AICA Orthopedics, your care doesn’t stop with chiropractic adjustments. Our multidisciplinary team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, and pain management specialists all under one roof. If your pinched nerve is related to a more complex condition, such as a herniated disc, degenerative joint disease, or traumatic injury from a car accident, our integrated team can provide additional imaging, like an MRI, and collaborate on a treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore your quality of life.
Will a Pinched Nerve Go Away on Its Own?
A common question we hear at AICA Orthopedics is, “Can a pinched nerve go away on its own?” The answer varies depending on the cause, severity, and how you care for your body during recovery. In some mild cases, especially those caused by temporary inflammation or minor muscle strain, a pinched nerve can improve on its own over days or weeks with rest, gentle movement, and avoiding aggravating activities. The body’s natural healing processes may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the nerve without needing medical intervention.
However, if the nerve compression is due to a structural issue, like a herniated disc, spinal misalignment, or a bone spur, it’s less likely to fully resolve without targeted treatment. Ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to worsening pain, muscle weakness, or even permanent nerve damage in some cases. Plus, prolonged nerve compression can cause chronic inflammation and irritation that delay healing and reduce function. That’s why early evaluation by a healthcare professional is important to identify the root cause and begin appropriate care before complications develop.
At AICA Orthopedics, we recommend listening to your body and seeking care if you experience:
- Ongoing numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Increasing pain or discomfort
- Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities
Pinched Nerve Care at AICA College Park
Our multidisciplinary team can help you safely manage your symptoms and design a personalized treatment plan to support healing through a combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, neurological evaluation, or other specialized services. We offer everything from diagnostics to therapy to long-term rehabilitation in one location. Let us help you get to the root of your pain and start feeling better, faster. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, whether it’s new or has been lingering for a while, schedule a consultation with AICA Orthopedics in College Park today.
How do you pick a good chiropractor? At AICA Orthopedics, our team of chiropractors in College Park provides each person with comprehensive care and an individualized treatment plan to address the root cause of your pain and discomfort so you can experience long-term relief. Visit your AICA Orthopedics chiropractor in College Park or one of our other metro Atlanta locations for quality care and treatment for your pinched nerve.