Introduction
Have you ever experienced the sharp, shooting pain of a pinched nerve? Pinched nerves disrupt daily life mentally and physically. Pinched nerves limit mobility & affect strength. There are many common areas where nerves can become compressed and cause pain signaling from the compression. Pain long term can become an added trigger for stress. Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective solution. Will acupuncture help a pinched nerve? The answer for many is YES! In this article, we’ll explore the science behind acupuncture and how it can provide relief for this common condition.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. Many areas of the body can experience issues with a pinched nerve. A nerve’s signaling can be disrupted by being either stretched, shortened, compressed, or crushed. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or mobility loss.
A few types of pinched nerve conditions include:
- Bulging Disc – Spinal discs being compressed and being pushed outwards from the spinal column.
- Nerves between each disc have a spacing usually where nerves will send signaling from the central spine to other areas of the body including internal organs.
- Bulging of the discs either towards the frontal or posterior portions of the body will shorten the space nerves have to send their signal between each disc along with shortened muscles along the spine further adding to the bulging problem and the pressure along the spinal column.
- Herniated Disc – soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tough exterior casing of the disc.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist
- Local compression by scar tissue or muscle compression in the wrist and other areas along the median nerve leading to the central spine
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Pinched ulnar nerve near the elbow causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or ring finger, especially when the elbow is bent.
- Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs
- Repetitive Muscular Strain: Overuse of muscles or tendons can lead to nerve compression or spasm.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture combines ancient Chinese medicine with modern anatomical knowledge to support nerve function, mobility, strength, and overall wellness. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into specific points, with traditional acupuncture focusing on balancing energy, or “Qi,” along the body’s channels, and Sports Medicine Acupuncture targeting motor points and nerve pathways to influence nerve signaling and physical function along a pathway of the body’s signaling. These two approaches compliment each other, enhancing their combined effectiveness.
Modern research highlights multiple ways acupuncture supports pain management. By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture activates pain-relieving mechanisms, releasing endorphins and neurotransmitters that reduce pain and inflammation. Electro-acupuncture uses targeted frequencies to reset dysfunctional nerve signaling within their pathways of action. Acupuncture also improves blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, reducing muscle spasms and promoting relaxation around the nerve. This muscle relaxation helps relieve pressure on compressed nerves, which is especially beneficial in cases of pinched nerves.
How Acupuncture Helps Pinched Nerves:
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture releases natural painkillers, providing significant relief from the sharp, shooting pain typical of pinched nerves
- Reduced Muscle Tension: Acupuncture releases tight bands of muscles that pinch nerves & radiate pain. Reducing muscle tension increases the flow of fluids to the tissues and helps with normal signaling patterns of the nerves.
- Reduced Inflammation: It modulates the inflammatory response, decreasing swelling and pressure around the nerve.
- Improved Nerve Function: Enhanced blood flow and reduced muscle tension aid in restoring normal nerve function, relieving numbness and weakness.
- Enhanced Mobility & Strength: Acupuncture improves range of motion & strength. Less compression of nerves leads to easier mobility & increased signal to muscles for strength for those with pinched nerve issues.
Clinical evidence and in-clinic observation suggest acupuncture is an effective treatment for pinched nerves, offering a holistic approach to pain relief and functional improvement.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment
If you decide to try acupuncture for your pinched nerve, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: Your acupuncturist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and overall health to develop a personalized treatment plan. Mobility & strength of the upper and lower body will also be assessed.
- Needle Insertion: The acupuncturist will insert thin, sterile needles into specific acupoints. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth, but the process is generally painless. The insertion can be either quick releases of muscle tissue, retained needles, or a combination depending on your treatment plan. Electro-Acupuncture is applied as needed.
- Relaxation Period: The needles will stay in place for ~20 minutes while you relax. Many patients find this part of the treatment very calming.
- Follow-Up Sessions: Multiple sessions are often needed for optimal results. Your acupuncturist will recommend a treatment schedule based on your condition.
Frequency Of Treatment:
Number of treatments and frequency of treatment is based upon a few factors/guidelines.
- Initial Sessions Frequency
- Severity of Condition
- Underlying Cause of Issue / Individual’s Overall Health
- Location of Pinched Nerve
- Maintenance
- Initial Sessions Frequency:
- Sessions are often scheduled 1 to 2 times per week to achieve optimal results. As symptoms improve, the frequency of treatments can be reduced
- Initial Sessions Frequency:
- Severity of Condition
- Acute Conditions: For a recent or mild pinched nerve, improvement might be seen within 4 to 6 sessions, typically spread over 2 to 3 weeks.
- Chronic Conditions: For long-standing or severe pinched nerves, more sessions are usually required. A course of 8 to 12 sessions over a period of 4 to 6 weeks is common. Some patients may need ongoing maintenance treatments once a month or as needed to manage symptoms.
- Underlying Cause of Issue / Individual’s Overall Health / Individual Response
- Underlying Systemic Conditions: Many systemic conditions can slow the progress of treatment plans due to the condition affecting the body. Systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, lupus, cancer, anemia are a few conditions of common systemic issues that can need more treatment than someone without chronic systemic issues.
- Individual’s Overall Health: Self maintenance of body and mind keeps mobility, strength, and overall health in a more responsive state when it needs external manipulation. Less external help can be needed for those with active mental and physical lifestyles. Active individuals will usually have a higher responsiveness than those with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Individual Response: Each person responds differently to acupuncture. Some may experience significant relief after just a few sessions, while others may require a longer treatment plan. Regular assessments by the acupuncturist will help tailor the number of sessions to the patient’s specific needs.
- Location of Pinched Nerve:
- There are many areas of the body that can be involved in nerve entrapment. Lifestyle discussions will usually show movements from work and hobbies that may be original cause of the issue or an event causing the problem.
- Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance by lifestyle & assisted lifestyle maintenance is essential for maintaining a healthy mind & body. After initial improvements, maintenance acupuncture sessions help keep inflammation and muscle tension in balance, preventing symptoms from re-emerging. It’s also best to catch any developing issues early, providing proactive care that helps optimize nerve function & mobility. For those prone to recurring nerve compression, regular follow-up treatments can help support mobility & strength so loss in these areas does not develop into pain within your routine.
Conclusion
So, Will acupuncture help a pinched nerve? The answer for many is YES! Acupuncture offers a natural, non-invasive way to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. If you’re struggling with a pinched nerve, consider consulting a licensed acupuncturist to see if this ancient practice could be the key to your relief. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition.
Experience the benefits of acupuncture for pinched nerves. Schedule your session and feel the difference!
If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help with pinched nerves or other health conditions, contact us at Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine to schedule a consultation. Our experienced practitioners are here to guide you on your healthy mind & body journey.
Phone: 504-650-0027
