Q: I have a sharp pain in my neck that runs down my shoulders, I think it’s a pinched nerve? What is that?

A: It’s called a pinched nerve because that’s what it feels like. But there’s a lot more going on! Like an open window, nerve openings along your spine must be clear and unobstructed.

Your spine has three areas: your cervical, thoracic and lumbar. There is 24 moving bones in your spine that protect your spinal cord while permitting normal turning and bending. You have pairs of nerve roots, one on each side that branch off your spinal cord at each segmental level to service the organs and tissues of your body. When these openings are unobstructed, your brain can properly control and regulate your body.

Sometimes when a spinal bone is malpositioned, it can encroach upon these important nerve openings. Nerve irritation can result because of this. We call that a subluxation. When spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, it can cause one of two types of nerve disturbances. One of those is called a compressed lesion. This is just a fancy name for a pinched nerve. What surprises many is that it’s actually quite rare. More common is a facilitative lesion. This is when the nerve root is stretched, twisted or chafed. Think of it as hard tissue rubbing on soft tissue.

But remember, bones are static structures. They don’t move unless muscles move them. And muscles don’t move bones unless the brain tells it to by the nervous system. An irritated nerve creates a vicious loop and most noticeably pain. Our job is to locate these areas of your spine and reduce their impact on your nervous system. Once this happens, then your body can in turn help heal itself without drugs or surgery.

In our office we do a detailed thorough examination which includes a case history, posture exam, x-rays (if necessary) and a report of findings which will help us identify those specific areas of your spine where spinal bones are stuck and not moving correctly. Then, we give them a precise gentle nudge called a chiropractic adjustment. Your body uses this energy to “right itself” as nerve irritation is reduced. Think of you stepping on a garden hose with water running through it. The only way to fix the problem is to take your foot off the hose. That’s the same principle with Chiropractic, taking the pressure off the nerve. Some people feel relief right away, some notice improvement after a couple of adjustments. Everyone heals at different rates depending on their specific condition and how long they’ve had the problem.

Because chiropractic addresses the integrity of your nervous system, it’s a natural solution to many health problems.

Sincerely,
Dr. Eric Springer

Northeast Chiropractic Center
St. Pete. 4200 4th St N St. Pete, Fl 33704
Ph: 727 -521-0236.
Feather Sound 2647 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, Fl 33762 Ph: 727 -540-0505.