Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve?
Chiropractic Treatment of Pinched Nerves
The phrase “Pinched Nerve” can mean several things.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
“A nerve that is literally pinched by a structure in the body dies pretty quickly,” according to Dr. Barry Marks, an experienced chiropractor in Orange, California. Dr. Marks continues, “an actual pinching of nerves occurs in large disc herniations, trauma to the spinal bones, etc. The main symptom would be paralysis.”
Pinched Nerve is a Misnomer
What most people call a pinched nerve is a nerve that is irritated and sends painful signals out from the spine to an arm or leg. This radiation of pain can be quite painful. The nerve irritation can be from misalignment of the spinal bones, herniated disc or arthritis of the spinal joints. These conditions narrow the space around the nerve, but do not compress or pinch the nerve. A pinched nerve is inflammation of a nerve that is characterized as either “radiculitis” or “radiculopathy.”
Radiculitis
Radiculitis is the medical term for irritation of a spinal nerve. The nerve has increased pressure on it so it malfunctions. The result is radiating pain, tingling, or numbness. Muscle strength and reflexes are normal. Radiculitis is a problem with sensory function.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is a step worse than radiculitis. If the pressure surrounding the nerve is not alleviated, the nerve become more dysfunctional. Specifically, the muscles supplied by the nerve become weak. In addition, the reflexes associated with that nerve may also weaken. So, radiculopathy is a worsening of radiculitis. The criteria for radiculopathy is radiating pain and at least 2 exam findings: Loss or altered sensation, muscle weakness, or diminished reflexes.
If all the doctor finds is radiating pains and one item like loss of sensation, then it is radiculitis.
A Pinched Nerve is Actually Radiculitis or Radiculopathy
So, why do doctors call it a pinched nerve? General MD’s generally do not know the difference between radiculitis and radiculopathy. Chiropractors who should know better and medical providers like orthopedists and neurologist who should know better, probably just don’t want to take the time to explain it. Expediency.
Chiropractic Treatment of “Pinched Nerves”
Treatment of Radiculitis and Radiculopathy is often very successful with an experienced chiropractor. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Is it radiculitis or radiculopathy?
Simple radiculitis is diagnosed off of symptoms and exam findings, including an x-ray. Treatments can include therapies designed to reduce inflammation of the spine; so treatments like cold laser, electrical stimulation, heat and ice may be employed. Of course, chiropractic adjustments will help get spinal bones unstuck and allow proper alignment. Stretching exercises are also helpful.
On the other hand, true radiculopathy may be treated in a similar manner, but doctors often want to see advanced imaging like an MRI to see the exact cause. There are cases where a disc herniation is too large or positioned poorly that may prevent chiropractic adjustments. Therapy only treatments may be utilized. Without a doubt, chiropractors treat radiculopathies all the time; quite successfully. Again, there are some small percentage of cases that aren’t good candidates for spinal adjustments. Moreover, these cases are usually referred to surgeons for an opinion.
Whether it is radiculitis or radiculopathy, a prudent doctor will want to do a “clinical trial of treatment.” This is a short treatment period to see if there is a good response. If the response to care is neutral or if it gets worse, then treatment is stopped and a referral to another specialist is warranted.
As long as treatments bring continued improvement then it should continue until the condition is cured or the condition stops improving.