Pinched Nerves

Nerves originate in the brain as nerve fibers. It takes millions of these nerve fibers to make each nerve. The vast majority of the nerves go from the brain through the foramen magnum (an opening in the bottom of the skull) and forms part of the spinal cord which extends down inside the spinal column. Individual nerves leave the spinal cord through holes between the vertebrae called intervertebral foramina. After nerves leave the spinal column they branch out until they reach every part of your body. Our nerve network is so extensive that you can't touch the body anywhere with the smallest needle point without touching a nerve ending.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Chiropractors are the most qualified health care professionals, because of training and experience, to analyze and treat vertebral subluxations that are the number one cause of "pinched nerves." Today, because of our stressful lifestyle, poor eating habits, environmental pollution, lack of proper exercise, etc., millions are suffering from subluxations. This condition can cause a weakening of the body and pave the way for diseases. Many people may not even know they have a problem until the symptoms become severe. If vertebral subluxations are found, the chiropractor uses special manipulation techniques (without drugs or surgery) to correct the subluxations and relieve the nerve irritation. Thisis called a chiropractic adjustment. The direct purpose of the chiropractic spinal adjustment is to reduce nerve irritation. This allows the body to restore itself to a greater level of health and in the process relieves pain.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF NERVES?

Nerves are like electrical wires, they connect the power source (the brain) to the different parts of the body. There are two different types of nerves. One type transmits messages from the brain to the body, these are called "motor" nerves. The second type transmits messages from the body to the brain, these are called "sensory" nerves. Motor nerves control our body's function. All muscle function and organ function is under the control of the motor nerves. Without motor nerves we would be paralyzed and completely helpless. Sensory nerves control our five senses. They control what we see, hear, feel, taste and smell. Without sensory nerves we would be totally cut off from the outside world. We would not be able to adapt to our environment. Our nervous system (made up of the brain, spinal cord and the nerves) is the master system of the body. It controls, regulates and coordinates all the other systems digestive, respiratory, circuitry, reproductive and all automatic functions of the body. Without a normal functioning nervous system, motor and sensory, our body cannot properly adapt to our environment. We would be a candidate for all types of physical and mental diseases and disabilities. Without a properly functioning nervous system nothing else could function properly. Therefore, we need to do everything we can to keep our nervous system functioning normally.

WHAT IS A "PINCHED NERVE?"

The term "pinched nerve" is actually a misnomer since the nerve, in most all cases, is not actually pinched. It is irritated by being compressed or stretched by vertebrae misalignment when the nerve exits the spinal canal. This is frequently referred to as a pinched nerve. This so called " pinched nerve " can affect the nervous system, thus, affecting the entire body.

WHAT CAUSES VERTEBRAE TO MISALlGN?

Many things can cause your vertebrae to misalign. An accident, a fall, a sudden jerk caused by trying to stay upright when you slip, and many other seemingly minor occurrences may be enough to cause your vertebrae to "misalign". Off balance bending or twisting may cause a " misalignment". It may occur because of poor sleeping or poor posture. It may even occur after weeks or months of constant physical and/or emotional stress. Chiropractors call the vertebral misalignment that alters the foramina opening a biomechanical lesion or vertebral subluxation complex, often shortened to subluxation.

THE ABSENCE OF PAIN DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE PRESENCE OF HEALTH

Pain is only one symptom of the subluxation. Unless sensory nerves are irritated there can be no pain felt. If there is no pain a person may not be aware they have a subluxation. People without pain might be considered unfortunate because they think the absence of pain means they are healthy and may delay proper treatment. Those that do have pain should not eliminate or cover up the pain with pain killing drugs. This does nothing to correct the cause and may delay proper treatment. The cause must be corrected before long lasting relief and health can be restored.

THE SPINAL CHECKUP

Everyone should have a spinal checkup periodically if symptoms are present or not. Spinal subluxations that cause nerve irritation do not always cause pain and a person may be having a serious health problem without being aware of it. Although some subluxations and nerve irritation may be self limiting (healing itself) most are not. Most subluxations that cause nerve irritation will require professional care. Anyone with subluxations and nerve irritation needs a proper chiropractic analysis and chiropractic adjustment if necessary.

DON'T DELAY PROPER TREATMENT ANY LONGER. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC NOW!

Seek a chiropractic examination immediately to see if yours is a condition that comes within the range of chiropractic. The symptoms you suffer may be because the cause of the symptoms has been ignored and proper treatment has been delayed. Even if you are seeing other health care providers, it is still advisable to see a chiropractor to make sure your spine is subluxation free and your nervous system is functioning normally because everyone needs a healthy nervous system.