Does this sound familiar?
Pinched nerves can show up in different ways. You might notice:
- Sharp or burning pain that travels down your arm or leg
- Pins and needles in your hand, fingers, leg or foot
- Numbness or a "dead" feeling in part of your limb
- Pain that gets worse when you sit, cough or turn your head
- A weak grip, or a leg that feels less steady
- Neck or back pain alongside the arm or leg symptoms
We'll test your strength, sensation and reflexes to see which nerve is involved and how it's affected. If you need scans or a specialist, we'll let you know.
What causes pinched nerves?
A nerve gets "pinched" when the tissues around it press on it or irritate it. Common reasons include:
Stiff spinal joints
Joints in the neck or back that don't move freely can crowd the nerve.
Tight muscles
Muscles in spasm can press on nerves passing through them.
Desk and screen posture
Holding your head forward for hours loads the joints where nerves exit the neck.
Lifting and bending
Lifting awkwardly can irritate a disc or joint near a nerve.
Long hours sitting
Prolonged sitting loads the lower back and can aggravate nerve pain.
Wear and tear
Age-related changes in the spine can narrow the space around a nerve.
How we treat it
Every treatment starts with listening to your full story and assessing how your neck or back moves, plus your nerve function. Your treatment is then tailored to you and may combine:
Chiropractic adjustments
Gentle adjustments to free up stiff joints near the irritated nerve, only where appropriate. The pop is optional.
Mobilisations
Slower, gentle movements to ease pressure on the nerve, ideal if you prefer not to be adjusted.
Dry needling
Releases tight muscles that may be pressing on the nerve.
Kinesio taping
Supports your posture and tired muscles between sessions.
Massage gun therapy
Percussive therapy to release tight muscles around the area.
Advice for home
Gentle nerve and posture exercises, plus positions to ease symptoms at night.
What to expect at your first visit
Your story
A full case history: where the pain and tingling go, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you'd like to get back to.
Assessment
A postural assessment and orthopaedic and neurological tests to find the cause of your pain.
Treatment and a plan
Treatment where appropriate, plus a clear plan and advice for home. Your initial consultation is 45 to 60 minutes and costs R850; follow-ups are R690.
"Dr Crestani is a brilliant chiropractor who treated me for my neck. She went out of her way to ensure that I was left pain free which included her keeping in touch after each session to suggest a further action plan where needed."
Pinched nerve questions
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on which nerve is involved, how irritated it is, how long you've had it and your goals. We'll talk you through a plan at your first visit and adjust it as you improve.
Is a pinched nerve the same as sciatica?
Sciatica is one type of pinched nerve, where the sciatic nerve in the lower back is irritated and pain travels down the leg. Nerves in the neck can be pinched too, causing arm symptoms.
I'm nervous about being adjusted. Is there another option?
Yes. Adjustments are only one option. Mobilisations, dry needling, taping and soft tissue work can all be used instead, and nothing is done without your consent.
Can I claim from my medical aid?
You can claim for your sessions from your medical aid. You pay at your session and we email you an invoice to submit to your scheme. Our fees are below standard medical aid rates.
Online Booking
Ready to get rid of that pins and needles?
Choose a time that suits you. You will receive confirmation immediately.
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