Nerve Pain: Finding Relief and Restoring Function
That sharp, shooting pain. The numbness that won’t go away. The tingling that keeps you awake at night. The unsettling feeling that something just isn’t right with your body. If you’re experiencing nerve pain or dysfunction, you know how disruptive and overwhelming it can be, from the initial onset through diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the journey to recovery.
At Aret Chiropractic, we understand the physical and emotional impact of nerve-related conditions. Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, or nerve irritation from disc injuries, we’re here to provide expert, evidence-based care that supports your recovery and helps you return to the activities you love.
Understanding Nerve Irritation & Damage
Nerve irritation and compression occur when structures in the spine such as disc bulges, boney growths, calcified ligaments or space occupying lesions place pressure on nerve tissue, disrupting normal nerve function. This can result in pain, altered sensation, weakness, or a combination of these symptoms. The severity and type of symptoms depend on which nerve is affected, the degree of compression, and how long the nerve has been under pressure.
Common Types of Nerve Pain We Treat:
At Aret Chiropractic, we take time to understand your unique situation. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, because every person’s experience with nerve pain is different.
Disc-Related Nerve Root Irritation
The spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers for your spine. When a disc herniates or bulges, the displaced disc material can compress nearby nerve roots as they exit the spinal column. This compression leads to radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows the path of the affected nerve.
Cervical disc herniations (in the neck) can cause symptoms that radiate into the shoulders, arms, and hands, while lumbar disc herniations (in the lower back) typically cause symptoms in the buttocks, legs, and feet.
Sciatica (Sciatic Nerve Pain)
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Many people with sciatica also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. The pain often intensifies with prolonged sitting, coughing, sneezing, or certain movements.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most people with BPPV notice improvement within one to three sessions, with about 80% becoming symptom-free within three to four treatments.
Cervicogenic vertigo may require a longer treatment plan depending on the underlying neck issues.
It’s important to note that whilst BPPV can reoccur in about 15% of cases per year, episodes are often milder and more easily managed once you know what you’re dealing with.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a group of conditions that occur when the nerves or blood vessels in the space between your collarbone and first rib become compressed.
Symptoms can include (but aren’t limited to) numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand; weakness in the hand or arm, bluish discolouration of the hand and arm fatigue.
TOS can result from poor posture, repetitive overhead arm movements, trauma, or muscle tightness in the neck and shoulder region.
Targeted Treatment Approaches
Your First Visit
Your initial consultation typically lasts 45-60 minutes and includes:
- A comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and how your condition affects your daily life.
- A thorough physical examination including orthopaedic, neurological, and functional testing.
- Discussion of examination findings and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
- Development of a tailored treatment plan if care is suitable.
Treatment Frequency
Treatment frequency depends on several factors including:
- The severity and duration of your symptoms.
- The underlying cause of nerve irritation.
- Your response to initial care.
- Your overall health and healing capacity.
- Your treatment goals.
Many patients experience some improvement within the first few weeks of care, though complete resolution may take longer depending on the condition. We’ll reassess your progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
You Ask, We Answer
What causes nerve irritation and damage?
Nerve irritation can stem from various causes. Mechanical compression from herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis is common. Muscle tension and trigger points can also compress peripheral nerves. Postural issues, repetitive movements, trauma, and age-related changes all contribute. Some conditions have anatomical factors like extra ribs in thoracic outlet syndrome or naturally narrow carpal tunnels. Inflammation, swelling, and scar tissue formation can further compromise nerve function. In many cases, multiple factors work together to produce symptoms.
How do I know if my symptoms are nerve-related?
Nerve-related symptoms have characteristic patterns. You might experience radiating pain that follows a specific nerve pathway rather than localised pain. Altered sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, or “pins and needles” are common. Muscle weakness in specific distribution patterns, changes in reflexes, or symptoms that worsen with certain positions or activities may indicate nerve involvement. A thorough examination including neurological testing helps determine if your symptoms are nerve-related and identify the affected nerve.
Can chiropractic care help my nerve pain?
Chiropractic care may help when nerve symptoms stem from musculoskeletal causes such as joint dysfunction, disc herniation, muscle tension, or postural issues. Research suggests that spinal manipulation and related therapies can be beneficial for conditions like sciatica and cervical radiculopathy. However, outcomes vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, and individual factors. During your assessment, we’ll determine if your condition is likely to respond to chiropractic care or if you’d benefit from referral to another healthcare provider.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals and depend on factors including the duration and severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. Some patients experience meaningful improvement within a few weeks, while others with chronic or more severe conditions may need several months of care. We track your progress through regular reassessments and adjust your treatment plan based on your response to care.
Is chiropractic treatment safe for nerve conditions?
When provided by a qualified chiropractor following a thorough assessment, chiropractic care is generally considered safe for appropriate nerve-related conditions. We conduct detailed examinations to identify any contraindications to care and tailor our treatment approach to your specific situation. Like all forms of treatment, chiropractic care carries some risks. We’ll discuss these with you and obtain your informed consent before proceeding with care. If we determine that your condition isn’t suitable for chiropractic treatment, we’ll refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.
What if chiropractic care doesn't help my nerve-related condition?
Not all nerve-related conditions respond to conservative chiropractic care. Some may require medical interventions such as injections or surgery, whilst others may benefit from different treatment approaches. We reassess your progress regularly, and if you’re not experiencing the expected improvement, we’ll discuss alternative options. This might include referral to a specialist, modification of your treatment plan, or pursuing complementary therapies. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you receive appropriate care even if that means referring you elsewhere.
Can you treat carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery?
Many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome respond well to conservative treatment, particularly when addressed early. Our approach may include adjustments to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and cervical spine, soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension, wrist mobilisation, and recommendations for ergonomic modifications and wrist splinting. Rehabilitation exercises to improve strength and flexibility are also important. However, in cases where conservative care isn’t effective or where there’s evidence of significant nerve damage, surgical consultation may be appropriate. We monitor your progress closely and will advise you if surgery should be considered.
Ready to Take The Next Step?
Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, or nerve irritation from disc injuries, we’re here to provide expert, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Our North Ryde team has extensive experience supporting people through nerve-related conditions and can help you navigate this challenging time with clarity and confidence.
Book your consultation today to discuss your nerve pain and explore your treatment options.