A pinched nerve is one of those terms that most people have heard but few fully understand. While it is not a formal medical diagnosis, it accurately describes what happens when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissue, whether that is a bone, a disc, a ligament, or an inflamed muscle. The result is a characteristic set of symptoms that can range from mildly annoying to genuinely debilitating depending on which nerve is affected and how severely it is compressed.
Dr. Jeff Brown has been diagnosing and treating pinched nerves in Greenville for over 40 years. His thorough examination process identifies not just the symptoms but the precise source of the nerve compression, which is what determines the right treatment approach.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
Nerves can become compressed at multiple points along their path from the spinal cord to the extremities.
Common causes of nerve compression that respond well to chiropractic care include:
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Herniated or bulging discs pressing on a nerve root in the spine
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Spinal misalignment creating pressure on exiting nerve roots
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Bone spurs from degenerative arthritis narrowing the nerve pathway
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Spinal stenosis reducing the space available for the nerve
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Tight or inflamed muscles compressing a peripheral nerve
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Auto accident injuries causing spinal trauma and nerve compression
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Carpal tunnel syndrome compressing the median nerve at the wrist
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Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerve symptoms vary depending on which nerve is affected and where the compression is occurring.
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Sharp, shooting, or burning pain along the path of the nerve
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Numbness or reduced sensation in the affected area
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Tingling or pins and needles sensations
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Muscle weakness in the area served by the affected nerve
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A hot and cold sensation or increased sensitivity to temperature
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The feeling that a hand or foot has fallen asleep
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Pain that radiates from the spine into the arm, hand, leg, or foot
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Symptoms that worsen with certain positions or movements
Pinched Nerves After a Car Accident
Auto accidents are a common cause of pinched nerves due to the trauma they inflict on the cervical and lumbar spine. Whiplash, disc injuries, and spinal misalignment from a collision can all compress nerve roots and produce symptoms that may not appear until days after the accident. If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or radiating pain following a car accident, these are signs of nerve involvement that should be evaluated promptly.
How We Treat Pinched Nerves
Effective treatment for a pinched nerve requires identifying and addressing the source of the compression rather than simply managing the symptoms. Dr. Brown performs a comprehensive examination including orthopedic and neurological testing and x-rays when indicated to locate the precise source of the compression before recommending any treatment.
Depending on your examination findings, care may include chiropractic adjustments to correct spinal misalignment and relieve pressure on the affected nerve root, Cox disc distraction to decompress disc herniations pressing on nerve roots, cervical or lumbar traction for additional nerve root decompression, cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve, therapeutic ultrasound to promote healing in the affected tissue, and high voltage galvanism for pain control and muscle relaxation.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery from a pinched nerve depends on the severity and duration of the compression and how quickly treatment is initiated. Nerves heal more slowly than muscles and ligaments, so patience is important. Many patients experience meaningful improvement within the first few weeks of care.
More severe or longstanding nerve compression may require a longer course of treatment. Dr. Brown will give you an honest assessment of your condition and a realistic expectation of your recovery timeline after your examination.
