Pinched Nerve Carrollton, TX
- Shooting Pain Down Arm or Leg
- Find the Level on X-Ray
- Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom
A pinched nerve rarely causes pain where the problem truly lies. Most of our patients feel shooting pain in an arm or leg when the real problem lies in their spine. This happens if a disc is compressed, pressing on a nerve as it exits.
Here at Dallas Spine Center Carrollton, TX, Dr. Hoa Nguyen will find the exact spot. He will not chase it in your arm or leg. The goal here is to take the pressure off the nerve itself with the use of non-surgical tools designed for disc issues. These would include DRX9000 and shockwave therapy.
What a Pinched Nerve Is
A pinched nerve happens when something narrows the space between the vertebrae, called the foramina, and presses on the nerve. This problem is known as impingement. Normally, nerves leave the spinal cord through this space. The most common culprit for the impingement is a disc that has been pushed out of its normal position.
If a nerve is pinched, it sends signals along its whole path. This is the reason you feel pain in the fingers when the problem is in the neck. A problem in your lower back can be felt all the way to your toes. The pain is often sharp and shooting. It’s also accompanied by weakness, numbness, and tingling.
How a Disc Ends Up Pinching a Nerve
A disc can end up pinching a nerve in a few different ways. Your plan will depend on how the disc presses on a nerve and how long your recovery takes. The following are the common reasons our patients end up with a pinched nerve.
- A bulging disc is usually related to aging. The compressed disc pushes outward without breaking through the outer wall.
- A herniated disc breaks through the wall. It can press on the nerve or the spinal cord.
- A protruding disc is a type of herniation commonly found in patients after a slip, a fall, or an auto accident.
- Degenerative disc disease thins and dries out the disc, which can lead to nerve pain.
Pinched nerves in the lower back most often occur at L4, L5, and L5-S1. This is the main source of sciatica. When it happens in the neck, the compression sends pain down the arms. Either way, the treatment used will target the damaged disc and not the place where you feel the pain.
How Dr. Nguyen Identifies the Pinched Nerve
Dr. Nguyen can identify the source of the pinched nerve during your first consultation with him. He’ll get your in-depth history so he’ll know where the pain travels, when it began, how long it lasted, how severe it is, and the treatment you’ve gone through. You also must tell him if you had recent imaging. After that, you’ll undergo an orthopedic evaluation so he can see how the nerve responds and where it originates.
If you don’t have recent X-rays, digital imaging will be taken here in our office. This is necessary so Dr. Nguyen can see how compressed the disc is and how much it presses on the nerve. If the picture requires more detail, an MRI may be requested so our chiropractor can get a direct look at the disc itself.
How a Pinched Nerve is Treated without Surgery in Carrollton
The main treatment for a pinched nerve caused by a disc is spinal decompression on the DRX9000. It pulls the vertebrae apart to reduce the pressure in the disc. This treatment works like a vacuum to draw in water, nutrients, and oxygen. It helps the disc retract off the nerve. Sessions can last around 28 to 30 minutes. .
We follow the research protocol of 20 to 28 treatments. For disc cases, decompression can start on your first visit. Shockwave therapy, Hako-Med, a TENS unit, infrared, and heat can be added to the plan, as they can help manage your pain. Home exercises are also recommended to keep your progress going between visits.
Dr. Nguyen doesn’t recommend decompression for everyone, as this therapy only works for bulging or herniated discs with no disc degeneration. Good candidates can be around mid-30s to 80s. You may feel a dull muscle soreness for a few days after the first treatment. But this is completely normal.
When a Pinched Nerve Requires Emergency Care
A pinched nerve requires emergency care if it’s accompanied by new or worsening weakness. If you have difficulty walking or loss of balance, pain that keeps getting steadily worse, or you can’t control your bladder or bowel, then it’s an emergency.
These signs can mean that there’s significant pressure on your spinal cord or a neurological deficit that requires a specialist to manage it. Dr. Nguyen screens for those symptoms during your consultation before recommending chiropractic care. Some cases can’t be resolved using chiropractic therapies.
Pinched Nerve FAQs
What does a pinched nerve in the neck feel like?
A pinched nerve in the neck feels like a shooting pain traveling from the neck to the arm and sometimes to your fingers. This is how our patients describe the pain. Numbness and tingling travel along the same path. You may also notice that you have lost strength in your arm or hand. Our neck pain page will explain how Dr. Nguyen treats this pattern.
How long does a pinched nerve last?
How long a pinched nerve can last will depend on what causes the pain. Dr. Nguyen will identify whether it’s caused by a bulging disc or a protruding disc. Plans will depend on the cause, and it can last about two months with regular reassessments. In that way, you’ll know how the nerve is responding.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the lower back?
The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the lower back would include pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, down to the thigh, lower leg, and toes. It can affect either your leg or both. The pain is often accompanied by numbness and tingling. Some people feel it most at the big toe or pinky toe side.
Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?
A chiropractor can fix a pinched nerve if it’s caused by a compressed disc. With the right tools, our chiropractor can take the pressure off the nerve without surgery. The cause will be confirmed through an exam and X-rays. After confirmation, Dr. Nguyen will build your care around decompression. If you’re not improving as expected, he can request an MRI or refer you to another specialist.
Can a pinched nerve cause numbness?
Yes, a pinched nerve can cause numbness. In fact, it’s one of the most common signs of a compressed nerve, along with tingling and shooting pain. It follows the nerve’s path. Thus, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause numbness in the arm or fingers. If it’s in the lower back, it causes numbness in the leg or foot.
Find the Spot Where Your Nerve Is Pinched
The $47 new patient special covers a consultation with Dr. Nguyen, an orthopedic exam, and digital x-rays in the office. If a disc is pressing on your nerve, decompression can begin that same day.
Dallas Spine Center, 3730 N Josey Ln #122, Carrollton, TX 75007. Serving Lewisville, Plano, Frisco, North Dallas, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Highland Village, The Colony, and Little Elm.