Pinched Nerve Treatment in Levittown, NY
A pinched nerve is a nerve under pressure from a disc, a joint, a bone spur or swollen tissue as it leaves the spine. It causes sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling or weakness along the path of the nerve.
In the neck it shows up in the shoulder, arm and hand. In the lower back it shows up in the buttock and leg as sciatica. At Long Island Back & Neck Care we trace your symptoms to the part of the spine involved and treat that area to take pressure off the nerve.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Burning pain down an arm or leg
- A weaker grip
- Pain that changes with the position of your head or back
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
- A herniated disc
- Bone spurs from arthritis
- Stiff, swollen spinal joints
- Tight muscles pressing on a nerve
- Injuries such as whiplash or a fall
- Repetitive strain and poor posture
How We Relieve Pressure on the Nerve
Treatment focuses on the spinal level where the nerve exits. Gentle chiropractic adjustments improve joint motion, massage therapy relaxes the tight muscles around the nerve, and acupuncture can calm nerve pain.
Corrective exercises and posture changes reduce the strain that keeps the nerve irritated. If your numbness or weakness is significant or worsening, we recommend imaging or a specialist referral right away. Pinched nerves in the neck often come with neck pain, and those in the lower back with back pain.
Pinched Nerve FAQs
How do I know it is a nerve and not a muscle?
Nerve pain travels, burns or tingles, and often comes with numbness. Muscle pain stays closer to one area and aches.
Can a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Some do as the swelling around the nerve settles. Numbness or weakness that lingers should be examined rather than waited out.
Will I need an MRI?
Usually not at the start. Imaging is recommended when symptoms are severe, keep getting worse or do not respond to care.
How long does a pinched nerve take to heal?
Many pinched nerves improve within several weeks of treatment. Recovery depends on the cause and how long the nerve has been irritated.
Is a pinched nerve the same as carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. Carpal tunnel is pressure on a nerve at the wrist. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause similar hand symptoms, which is why the examination checks both areas.
What should I avoid with a pinched nerve?
Avoid positions and activities that increase your arm or leg symptoms, such as looking down at a phone for long periods or heavy lifting, until we have examined you.
When is a pinched nerve an emergency?
Rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin needs emergency care right away.
Get Pinched Nerve Relief in Levittown
We keep evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday and are open Saturday mornings, so treatment does not have to cost you a working day. Request an appointment online or call (516) 579-4949.