As a kid, pinching our playmates was part of our playtime routine. We sure didn't mind the red marks back then. Now that we are older and more attuned to our body, we might be feeling a few pinch-like sensations that do not elicit the same fun reaction we had when we were younger. Although there are various likely reasons for this discomfort, one probable cause is a pinched nerve. If it is felt around the neck area, it is likely a pinched nerve in the neck or cervical radiculopathy. 

The neck is medically referred to as the cervical spine, composed of the C1-C7 bones. Cervical Radiculopathy is the result of pressure felt by the nerves in the cervical spine. This tension disrupts the nerves' smooth journey to the brain and back to the spinal cord. However mild the pressure can be, it is still likely to trigger a chain of reactions. 

Causes of Pinched Nerve in the Neck

• Injury: A neck injury can is a likely cause of pain around the neck. 
• Weight: Piling on a few extra pounds can cause undue stress to our slender neck. If we are not mindful, our nerves might stage a rally leading to a pinched nerve in the neck region. 
• Age: As we get older, our spinal discs lose their shape and tend to dry out. They are no longer as flexible as they used to. When this happens, our body triggers new bone growth to hold up the weight and support the rest. The extra bones result in a tighter passageway. What started as a well-meaning action can lead to pain as the nerves navigate through a thinner tunnel. 

These pieces of information might seem daunting and bring up a few questions. What can we do? Who can help us? Are we going to get better? 

Care Methods for a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

In a nutshell, there are many things we can do, and there are numerous professionals we can work with to help us. Here are some options we can pursue: 

• Do-it-yourself: The DIY approach is a popular choice for many people. It is essential to be mindful of what you can safely do on your own. If you are unsure, then we recommend to work with a professional.
• Manage your weight: This is something that you can personally achieve. There are a lot of nutrition guides and apps that can help you get started. Eating healthy is a great way you can adopt to address the weight gain. Your body will thank you for not adding pressure to the cervical spine. As you dig into your salad, imagine the possibility of not feeling that tingling, pins-and-needles sensation around your neck area. Feels good, right? 

• Stretch your body: You can complete some yoga exercises. If you don't know of any, basic stretching will do. There are a lot of simple movements that you can do. You can opt to do this at home or at the gym, alone with a class. Whatever you decide, a few stretches here and there can relieve some tension. 

• Professional route: If you have a neck injury, it might not be a good decision to do things on your own. It is best to work with a professional who can support you and monitor your progress. There are different kinds of medical professionals who can help you.

• Physical therapists: They can help come up with therapy programs to address neck injury.

• Chiropractors: A question you might be asking is, can a chiropractor help a pinched nerve? Yes, they can. Once chiropractors complete a full evaluation, they use techniques to ease the pressure and relieve the pain caused by the neck's pinched nerve. Now that you know what cervical radiculopathy is, it might help meet with a chiropractor to determine if you will benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care. 

Can a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve?

Upper cervical chiropractors are certified professionals in techniques that resolve problems in the neck region. They are fully aware of how delicate the upper cervical spine is, so they make sure they take on the gentlest possible approach. Their healing plans are mild enough to allow them to work with babies and the elderly. 

If you would like to learn more about upper cervical care and what it entails, check out Upper Cervical Awareness. Our website has a lot of information that will help you better understand your current situation. Knowing that you have options is critical.

Ultimately, you will be able to come up with a well-informed decision after you have reviewed the available resources. An upper cervical chiropractor can help you better understand what these options are. If you would prefer to speak to one, you can quickly check if a doctor is available in your local area. 

Our body is a structural masterpiece with its various layers and multiple systems. When everything works as expected, we are healthy and happy. Professionals like upper cervical chiropractors are ready to help us make sure that we continue to be happy as we cope with our bodies' changes.

The answer to the question can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve in the neck is pretty clear. Go ahead and consult with one to experience the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic yourself.

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