Getting Help with Muscle Spasms & Pinched Nerves
Do you have a sharp pain in the muscles of your back, calves, or shoulders? Does it feel like the muscle is hard or cramping? That’s a muscle spasm – an involuntary, painful contraction of one or more muscles. While dehydration or lack of stretching can lead to it, such spasms typically don’t last long, and you can avoid them with proper hydration and exercise.
However, if you’re suffering from recurring muscle spasms along your back or neck, you may have a pinched nerve. Chiropractic care can help.
How Does a Nerve Get “Pinched”?
Our nerves make up our body’s sensory network. Nerves extend from the central nervous system – brain and spinal cord, reaching throughout the body. A “pinched nerve” can refer to any damage or blockage to a nerve or group of nerves. Since muscle contractions are controlled by nerves, then any obstruction to a nerve can prevent the muscles in that area from working properly. What this often means for you: Ouch.
But what can pinch the nerve? Well, a nerve cell can become irritated and inflamed, like any other type of cell. Pinched nerves may also cause bone spurs or a herniated disc.
Muscle spasms in the back and neck usually occur with pinched nerves, and can be painful. In some instances, the only symptom of a pinched nerve may include numbness in the arm or leg.
Chiropractic Help with Muscle Spasms
If the pinched nerve is the result of inflammation, then a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory drug may help. But if your muscle spasms originate from a misalignment in your spine, that’s more serious. Anti-inflammatories will provide only temporary relief.
Should your muscle spasms recur and you find yourself seeking constant relief through massages or medication, make an appointment with a chiropractor. Here are some techniques your chiropractor might use:
- Joint manipulation. This is a chiropractor’s most common tool. Manipulation of your spine and joints can restore proper alignment to your back and neck. That can reduce the pressure on your nerves.
- Soft tissue manipulation. Therapeutic stretching and massage therapy reduce both inflammation and the amount of scar tissue in your muscles.
- Electrical stimulation and hot/cold treatments. These are excellent ways to increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce swelling.
Feeling Pinched? Call Us
We’re here to answer any pain-related questions you have. Please call us at (407) 851-0980 to speak with a chiropractor or make an appointment.
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Adjustments
Chiropractic
Neck Pain Treatment