Pinched Nerve Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is pinched nerve?

"Pinched nerve" is the everyday term for nerve compression or irritation. When it happens where a nerve root leaves the spine, doctors call it radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and arm; lumbar radiculopathy affects the low back and leg (often called sciatica).

Nerves don't tolerate pressure well. Even mild compression can cause pain that radiates along the nerve's path, plus changes in sensation and muscle strength in the areas it supplies.

Common symptoms of pinched nerve

• Sharp, burning or electric pain radiating into the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in the hand, fingers, foot or toes
• Muscle weakness or reduced grip strength
• Neck or low back pain that worsens with certain movements
• A feeling that a limb has "fallen asleep"

What causes pinched nerve?

In younger adults, a herniated disc is a common cause. In older adults, narrowing of the nerve openings from bone spurs and disc degeneration is more common. Repetitive strain, poor posture and injuries can also contribute.

Cervical vs. lumbar radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy comes from the neck and causes pain or tingling into the shoulder, arm and hand — the exact fingers involved help point to the nerve level. Lumbar radiculopathy comes from the low back and causes symptoms into the buttock, leg and foot. Both are evaluated with a similar approach but treated with techniques suited to each region.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most pinched nerve is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate
• Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• Leg or arm weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop
• Back pain with fever, chills or a history of IV drug use or recent infection
• Pain after a significant fall, car crash or other trauma
• Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
• Sudden, severe weakness in an arm or hand

How chiropractic care may help pinched nerve

Your doctor maps your symptoms to a likely nerve level using reflex, strength and sensation testing, then uses gentle chiropractic techniques to improve motion and reduce pressure around the affected area. Care often includes nerve-friendly movement, posture changes and StemWave for associated muscle tension.

For disc-related nerve compression in the neck or low back, Dr. Craig may recommend cervical or lumbar DRX9000 spinal decompression at our Portland clinic. Hood River patients receive chiropractic care with Dr. Alvis and can be referred to Portland when appropriate.

Services used for pinched nerve:

• Spinal Decompression (Portland)
• Chiropractic Adjustments

Is spinal decompression right for pinched nerve?

Decompression may be a fit when a pinched nerve is caused by a herniated or bulging disc in the neck or low back. It is designed to reduce pressure on the disc and the nerve root. It's less likely to be appropriate when compression comes from large bone spurs alone or severe stenosis.

Decompression is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with surgical hardware in the treatment area, or with spinal fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, advanced infection or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Candidacy is always decided at an exam.

Portland only: DRX9000 spinal decompression is performed by Dr. Jerome Craig, D.C., LMT at 2916 NE Broadway, Suite B. Hood River patients can be evaluated by Dr. Alvis and referred when appropriate. Learn about spinal decompression →

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for pinched nerve at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your pinched nerve — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Notice which positions relieve your symptoms and use them for rest.
• Avoid holding your neck in a forward or tilted position for long periods, such as looking down at a phone.
• Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
• Report any spreading numbness or new weakness to your doctor promptly.