Have you ever felt that sharp, radiating pain in your neck, back, or arm? Maybe you've experienced tingling or numbness that won't go away. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a pinched nerve—and you're far from alone. Pinched nerves are surprisingly common and can happen to anyone, whether you're an office worker, a weekend warrior, or even a professional athlete.
Take NBA star Ben Simmons, for example. Despite being in peak physical shape, he's faced multiple setbacks in his career due to a pinched nerve in his back. His case highlights how widespread this issue is, affecting people from all walks of life. The good news? There's a way to address the root cause of pinched nerve pain, and it doesn't involve invasive procedures or relying on painkillers.
Let's explore how a pinched nerve develops, why it's so common, and how NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City can help relieve the pain and restore balance in the spine and the rest of the body.
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons—apply too much pressure on a nerve, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This pressure disrupts the nerve's ability to function correctly, sending pain signals throughout the body.
But what causes this health woe in the first place? Interestingly, sometimes, it can stem from unexpected things like sitting with poor posture, lifting heavy objects, or even sleeping in the wrong position. Add to that sports injuries, accidents, or repetitive motions, and it's no surprise that millions of people suffer from this condition each year.
Even professional athletes like Ben Simmons are not immune to pinched nerves despite their rigorous training and top-tier conditioning. Simmons, a former NBA All-Star, has struggled with recurring back issues for several seasons, many of which stem from a pinched nerve in his lower back. This condition has forced him to miss numerous games and even end multiple seasons early.
Simmons' situation highlights how a pinched nerve can be more than just a minor discomfort—it can significantly impact a person's performance and quality of life. His case also reminds us that pinched nerves can happen to anyone, regardless of physical fitness or strength.
So, what can help ease the pain and diminish the impacts of nerve pinching on day-to-day life? The answer lies in the spine, specifically the upper cervical bones – atlas and axis.
Notably, when these two bones shift out of place, they can cause a ripple effect throughout the spine, increasing pressure on nerves and leading to the painful symptoms of a pinched nerve.
This misalignment, known as atlas subluxation, can compromise nerve flow and lead to various issues, including the pain, tingling, or weakness commonly associated with pinched nerves. Atlas subluxation may be triggered by injuries, poor posture, or repetitive strain, making it a common cause of nerve pain.
At Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, we address upper cervical spine misalignment through gentle atlas adjustments. We conduct the necessary assessments to better gauge the extent of the misalignment along your upper neck and ensure that you receive tailored adjustments to help your body heal. Our NUCCA doctor, Dr. Pete, also provides practical tips on how to hold the adjustments so you can maximize the relief you experience and support improved health for a long time.
Pinched nerves are a common and disruptive condition affecting everyone, from world-class athletes like Ben Simmons to those simply navigating everyday life. But thankfully, relief is within reach. NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City offers a natural, effective solution to the underlying causes of pinched nerve pain, helping patients get back to living pain-free.
If you're struggling with pinched nerve symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation with Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City. We look forward to helping you unlock renewed well-being.