Are you experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or tingling sensations? You might be dealing with a pinched nerve. If you’re in Oakland, here’s what a pinched nerve is and how we approach it. Our chiropractors, Dr. Ben Glass and Dr. Irina Velichko, assess and treat pinched nerves using non-invasive, comprehensive chiropractic care.
Understanding Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
1. Joints in the spine that aren’t moving well
2. Herniated or bulging discs
3. Degenerative disc disease
4. Muscle tension around a nerve
5. Injuries or trauma
When a pinched nerve in the low back sends pain down the leg, that’s often called sciatica; see sciatica and leg pain care.
Common symptoms include:
– Neck, back, or lower back pain
– Sciatica
– Shoulder pain
– Arm or leg pain
– Numbness or tingling sensations
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At The Shift Chiropractic, we offer a range of chiropractic services tailored to address pinched nerves:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments: specific adjustments where joints in your spine are restricted.
2. Soft-Tissue Work: myofascial release on tight muscles, as part of your visit.
3. Customized Exercise Plans: specific exercises for the muscles that support your spine, to do between visits.
4. Lifestyle Advice: guidance on your desk setup, sleep and daily habits.
Why Choose The Shift Chiropractic in Oakland?
1. Two doctors: Dr. Ben Glass and Dr. Irina Velichko both see these visits.
2. Comprehensive Care: We offer a holistic approach, addressing not just symptoms but the root cause of your pain.
3. Convenient Location: Our office is in Downtown Oakland at 435 8th Street #203, at 8th and Broadway.
4. Non-Invasive Care: adjustments, soft-tissue work and exercise. If your exam suggests you need a physician or imaging, we refer you.
5. Personalized Attention: We develop customized care plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.
How to Get Started
Here’s how a first visit works:
1. Book a Consultation: Use our online booking system or call our office at (510) 858-5370 to schedule your appointment.
2. Get a Thorough Diagnosis: We’ll perform a comprehensive examination, which may include X-rays if necessary, to accurately diagnose your condition.
3. Your plan: we explain what we found and give you the total cost of any plan in writing before you agree to anything.
Same-day appointments are often available — a doctor is in the office six days a week.
Common Causes of Pinched Nerves
Understanding what causes a pinched nerve can help you prevent future occurrences. At The Shift Chiropractic, we often see patients whose pinched nerves stem from:
1. Poor Sleeping Positions: Sleeping in awkward positions can put undue pressure on nerves, especially in the neck and back.
2. Improper Lifting Techniques: Lifting heavy weights without proper form can strain your spine and compress nerves.
3. Sudden Impacts and Falls: A hard fall or sudden jolt can strain the joints and discs of the spine.
4. Sports Injuries: High-impact sports or repetitive motions can lead to nerve compression.
5. Prolonged Poor Posture: Sitting with bad posture for extended periods, especially at work, can gradually lead to nerve compression.
6. Repetitive Motions: Certain jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive movements can irritate nerves over time.
Recognizing Pinched Nerve Symptoms
Identifying a pinched nerve early makes it easier to address. Common symptoms include:
– Sharp, burning, or aching pain
– Numbness or decreased sensation
– Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
– Muscle weakness in the affected area
– Feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
– Neck stiffness
– Headaches (especially with cervical nerve compression)
– Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
These symptoms can vary depending on which nerve is affected and the severity of the compression.
When the pinched nerve is in your neck, see our page on neck pain care in Oakland for what a visit involves.
Assessment and Diagnosis at The Shift Chiropractic
At The Shift Chiropractic, Dr. Ben Glass and Dr. Irina Velichko use a comprehensive approach to diagnose pinched nerves:
1. Detailed Health History: We’ll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any recent injuries or changes.
2. Physical Examination: This includes range of motion tests, reflex testing, and muscle strength assessments.
3. Orthopedic Tests: Specific tests help us identify which nerve might be affected.
4. Postural Analysis: how you sit and stand, and what that asks of your neck and back.
5. Imaging Studies: If necessary, we may recommend X-rays or other imaging to get a clearer picture of your spine’s condition.
6. Referral for testing: If your exam suggests a nerve problem that needs testing, we refer you to a physician.
How We Approach a Pinched Nerve
Care at The Shift for a pinched nerve can include:
1. Precise Chiropractic Adjustments: gentle, specific adjustments where the spine is restricted.
2. Foundation Training: A short series of standing movements for the back and hips; we teach the ones that fit what your exam found, to practice between visits.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release can help relax tight muscles that may be contributing to nerve compression.
4. Corrective Exercises: We prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility.
5. Posture Education: posture changes for your desk and your day.
6. Ergonomic Advice: We provide guidance on setting up your workspace and home to support spinal health.
7. Lifestyle Modifications: We work with you to identify and change habits that may be contributing to your condition.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ben Glass or Dr. Irina Velichko. Call our Oakland office at (510) 858-5370 or use our online booking system to set up your appointment. Book a visit and see what careful chiropractic care looks like.