Pinched Nerve Treatment in Yakima, WA

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue puts pressure on a nerve, producing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that often travels away from the actual source. Kroner Chiropractic evaluates and treats pinched nerves in Yakima, Washington by identifying where the compression is happening and relieving pressure at that point.

The symptom is rarely where the problem is

A pinched nerve produces symptoms along the path the nerve travels, not at the point of compression. A nerve compressed in your neck can produce numbness in your hand. A nerve compressed in your lower back can produce pain down your calf.

That is why treating the area that hurts so often fails. Rubbing the hand does nothing when the compression is at the sixth cervical vertebra.

Finding the actual site of compression is the entire job, and it is what the examination is for.

What it feels like

• Sharp, burning, or electric pain
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Pins and needles
• Muscle weakness in the affected area
• Symptoms that worsen with certain positions or movements
• A sensation that a limb has fallen asleep and will not fully wake

Common locations are the neck producing arm and hand symptoms, the lower back producing leg symptoms, which is sciatica, and the wrist producing hand symptoms, which is carpal tunnel syndrome.

What causes compression

• A disc bulging or herniating against a nerve root
• Joint restriction or degenerative change narrowing the space a nerve passes through
• Muscle tightness compressing a nerve along its path
• Inflammation and swelling around the nerve
• Repetitive movement or sustained posture

Each requires a different approach, which is why the diagnosis has to come before the treatment plan.

How we treat

After examination and on-site imaging when indicated:

• Adjustments to restore motion and reduce pressure at the compression site
• Soft tissue therapy where muscle is contributing
• Therapeutic modalities to reduce inflammation around the nerve
• Specific exercises to maintain the space the nerve needs
• Modification of the positions and activities that provoke it

One note on urgency: nerves tolerate compression for a while, but prolonged compression can produce lasting changes. Progressive numbness or weakness is a reason to be seen sooner rather than waiting to see whether it resolves.

Common Questions

How do I know if I have a pinched nerve?

The typical pattern is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along a path rather than staying in one spot, often accompanied by a burning or electric quality. An examination can identify whether a nerve is involved and where the compression is occurring.

How long does a pinched nerve take to heal?

Many cases improve within weeks once pressure is relieved. It depends on the cause, how long the compression has been present, and how much inflammation is involved. Longstanding compression generally takes longer.

Can a pinched nerve heal on its own?

Some do, particularly when the cause is temporary inflammation. The concern is that the underlying cause often remains, which leads to recurrence, and prolonged compression can produce lasting nerve changes.

Why is my hand numb when the problem is in my neck?

Nerves produce symptoms along their entire path. A nerve compressed where it exits the cervical spine sends symptoms into whatever region it supplies, which for several cervical nerves is the arm and hand.

Is a pinched nerve the same as sciatica?

Sciatica is one type of pinched nerve, specifically involving the sciatic nerve in the lower back and leg. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere along the spine or at points along a nerve’s path.

When should I be worried about a pinched nerve?

Progressive weakness, worsening numbness, or symptoms that keep spreading are reasons to be seen promptly. Loss of bowel or bladder control alongside back symptoms requires emergency medical care.