Can a Chiropractor Help with a Pinched Nerve?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Shooting pain, tingling or numbness in your back, neck or limbs? You might be dealing with a pinched nerve, a condition that occurs when surrounding tissue compresses a nerve, disrupting its function. It’s a common issue, too; one study found that nerve compression affects around 85 out of every 100,000 individuals each year, especially in the neck and lower back.

While some turn to pain medication for relief, chiropractic care may offer a natural, non-invasive solution. But **can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve?

Yes, chiropractors can help relieve that nerve pressure by gently adjusting the spine, reducing inflammation and restoring movement in the affected area. According to research, spinal manipulation has been shown to ease symptoms related to nerve compression.**

However, results may vary depending on the individual’s condition and the underlying cause of the nerve compression. In this article, we’ll break down how chiropractic care works for pinched nerves, what to expect during treatment and why more Australians are choosing this hands-on approach over short-term fixes like pain meds.

This article provides general information grounded in published research. For advice tailored to your specific needs, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Can a Chiropractor Help with a Pinched Nerve? A Quick Overview

Chiropractic care supports pinched nerve relief by:

• Reducing pressure on affected nerves through spinal adjustments
• Easing inflammation and muscle tightness
• Promoting healthy nerve function and alignment
• Encouraging long-term recovery without medicationThese outcomes can vary based on the severity of the nerve compression and individual health factors.

Need relief from nerve pain? Goto Health connects you with trusted chiropractors across Australia, ready to help you move better and feel better.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when bones, muscles, tendons or other tissues place excessive pressure on a nerve. This compression can disrupt the nerve’s ability to function and cause symptoms such as:

• Sharp or burning pain
• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Radiating pain into arms or legs

Common Locations for Pinched Nerves:

1.Cervical Spine (Neck) – Can cause pain or tingling in shoulders, arms or hands2. Thoracic Spine (Mid-Back) – May trigger chest or abdominal discomfort3. Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) – Often leads to sciatica symptoms in legs and feet

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves can result from various conditions, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Poor posture or prolonged sitting
• Repetitive motions or overuse
• Spinal misalignments
• Arthritis or bone spursUnderstanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. That’s where chiropractors come in.

How Chiropractic Care Helps with a Pinched Nerve

Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to help reduce the pressure caused by nerve compression and improve how your body moves and feels. Here's how they may approach it:

1. Spinal Adjustments to Relieve Pressure

Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to realign vertebrae, relieve pressure on nerves and improve spinal mobility, which can reduce nerve irritation and allow the body to heal naturally.A 2019 crossover study found that a single chiropractic spinal adjustment altered the neural processing of pain, supporting the idea that spinal adjustments relieve nerve irritation by modulating central pain processing. Similarly, a randomised controlled trial showed that chiropractic adjustments improved motor function in chronic stroke patients, indicated by increased motor evoked potentials, which suggests enhanced neural function and nerve-related benefits.

2. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation often surrounds a pinched nerve, worsening symptoms. Chiropractors use manual therapies, stretching, and lifestyle advice to help reduce inflammation and promote recovery. A case report on chiropractic management of ulnar nerve compression showed that chiropractic treatment, including manipulation, soft tissue mobilisations, exercise and ergonomic education, helped reduce symptoms associated with nerve compression, implying reduced inflammation and improved nerve function.

3. Improving Posture and Movement Patterns

Poor posture, especially from desk work or screen use, is a common contributor to nerve compression. Chiropractors provide posture training and ergonomic advice that may reduce future flare-ups.

A research study on cervical radiculopathy found that chiropractic adjustments aimed at correcting cervical misalignment and forward head posture significantly reduced pain and sensorimotor deficits. By correcting posture, spinal nerve tension and nerve compression were alleviated, which supports the use of chiropractic care for posture-related nerve issues.

4. Soft Tissue Therapy

Muscle tension can press against nerves, exacerbating discomfort. Techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy and massage help relax tight muscles and improve circulation, easing tension. A systematic review concluded that myofascial release therapies effectively increase range of motion and restore normal muscle resting activity without impairing muscle function, reinforcing their role in relaxing muscles and improving movement.

5. Rehabilitation Exercises

Customised exercises strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility, reducing pressure on nerves and supporting long-term stability. A 2019 review and meta-analysis found that exercise, either on its own or with other treatments, can really help reduce pain and improve function in people with cervical radiculopathy. It highlights that customised exercise programs are great for boosting physical function and cutting down on disability by strengthening muscles and improving flexibility..

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for a Pinched Nerve

Chiropractic care is an option that aims to get you back to feeling like yourself. Below are some of the main benefits you might notice.

• Drug-Free Pain Relief: Avoid reliance on painkillers and their side effects
• Non-Invasive Treatment: No need for surgery or injections
• Long-Term Recovery Focus: Addresses the root cause, not just symptoms
• Improved Mobility: Greater ease of movement and flexibility
• Personalised Care Plans: Tailored to your condition, lifestyle and goals

What to Expect During Your Chiropractic Appointment

At your first visit, the chiropractor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical assessment. From there, they’ll explain your treatment options and what comes next. Please note that chiropractors are trained to assess when a condition may require medical or specialist referral.Here's a quick overview of what that visit might look like.

1. Initial Consultation: Your chiropractor will take a detailed history and ask about your symptoms, posture and lifestyle.
2. Physical Examination: This includes spinal assessments, muscle testing and range-of-motion checks to locate the source of compression.
3. Diagnostic Imaging (if needed): In some cases, X-rays or MRI may be requested to rule out more serious causes or confirm the diagnosis.
4. Customised Treatment Plan: Depending on your condition, your care may include:

• Spinal adjustments
• Soft tissue therapy
• Exercise recommendations
• Postural advice and ergonomic support

5. Ongoing Care and Monitoring: Follow-up visits track progress and adjust your plan as needed for

When Should You See a Chiropractor for a Pinched Nerve?

Consider chiropractic care if you experience:

• Persistent numbness or tingling
• Radiating pain into limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Stiffness or pain after sitting or sleeping
• Pain that isn’t improving with restBe sure to speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen, are severe or don’t improve. Chiropractors will refer you when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves

Can chiropractors fix a pinched nerve?

Chiropractors can often relieve the pressure causing the nerve compression, supporting healing and symptom relief. However, this depends on the underlying cause and individual response.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery varies based on severity, but many patients report significant improvement within a few sessions.

Is chiropractic safe for nerve pain?

Yes. Chiropractors use safe, controlled techniques to relieve nerve pressure and improve function. Make sure you're seeing a qualified practitioner registered with AHPRA.

Will I need imaging before treatment?

Not always. Your chiropractor will determine if X-rays or other imaging are necessary based on your symptoms.

Can I continue my usual activities?

Your chiropractor will guide you on modifications and safe movements during your recovery.

Take Control of Your Nerve Pain Today with Goto Health

Looking for relief from a pinched nerve? Don’t let a pinched nerve limit your movement or affect your daily life. Chiropractic care may offer a holistic, non-invasive solution tailored to your needs.

Goto Health connects you with experienced chiropractors across Australia who specialise in diagnosing and managing nerve-related pain. Contact Goto Health today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards natural relief, improved mobility and a pain-free lifestyle.