Have you ever experienced sciatica or pins in needles? Where the pain seems to radiate down your leg to your foot or down your arm to your hand and maybe into only two fingers. These examples may not be the most commonly thought of when we use the term nerve pain, but it causes extreme misery and discomfort for those that experience it.
Understanding Radiating Pain
Radiating pain is actually caused when a nerve or nerve root is experiencing pressure, whether it’s a result of spinal misalignments or from inflammation. One cause is a herniated disc. This spinal compression creates a radiating pain because it has bulged out of its normal place and may be exerting pressure on a nerve root extending from the spinal cord.
The nerves that run the length of the spinal cord from neck to tailbone and branch out to the left and right are called the radicular nerves. When these are injured or compressed they are more likely to radiate pain than the other types of nerves in our body. If there is a neck injury, for example, pain may radiate down the arm to the fingertips. Some people may think that are experiencing radiating pain, but the pain can often be due to myofascial trigger points that cause a more diffuse pain that seems to radiate out from one area. This is caused by muscles that are too tense and scar tissue that has built up trapping nerves in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Our Team Can Help!
A chiropractic adjustment can address any spinal misalignments that may be impinging on spinal nerves, helping to take the pressure off the nerve and thus reducing pain. In addition, many chiropractors tend to use additional therapies that can help to free trapped nerves.
If you are suffering from radiating pain or radiating pain like symptoms don’t hesitate to schedule an in depth examination and consultation. Our expert team looks forward to assessing and preparing our best recommendation just for you. Do not miss the full spectrum care that awaits you to not only restore your health but revitalize your health to the optimal level.
For Your Health,
Dr. Wendy Lanser, DC