What is a "Pinched" Nerve?

Chiropractors and neurologists use the term, “pinched” nerve when they are talking to you about your back and neck. That term is really a misnomer. To understand why it’s a misnomer, you need to know about something called “motion segments”.

Let me explain ‘motion segments’ and what that term really means. A “motion segment” is made up of two adjacent vertebrae (bones), the disc that acts as a “shock absorber” between the two bones, and the muscles and ligaments that keep the two bones together.

Here’s something you might not be aware of though. Your billions of nerves carry communication signals between your brain and body and these billions of nerves exit your spinal cord from between EACH motion segment. Why’s that important? If either bone in a ‘motion segment’ is out of place, or turned even slightly from its proper position, a pressure will be exerted on your nerve trunk. This is commonly referred to as a “pinched” nerve, but is really a misaligned bone(s)! This misalignment causes a ‘short’ in your nervous (wiring) system and this can cause havoc on your nervous system.

So what causes a bone in your spinal column to become out of place? Displacement can occur as the result of anything: a fall, an accident, an injury, a repetitive movement (heavy lifting on the job), something as simple as staying in the same position for a long time (working at a computer all day) or sudden twists/jerks or even stress.

Each of your nerve roots is made up of millions of little fibers (like telephone cable) that exit each side of your spinal column, above and below each of your vertebra. When a vertebra (bone) loses its normal position, even slightly, you get pressure on your nerve roots (millions of little fibers) which affects your nerve impulses (your wiring) that go out to different parts and organs of your body.
The symptoms of vertebral (nerve) pressure on a nerve root may include ‘pain, a burning sensation, tingling or numbness’ down one side of your body, perhaps in your arm or leg. You might also experience ‘headaches, stomach or intestinal problems, sciatica, a stiff neck, insomnia, asthma, allergies, or any number of illnesses’ as a result of nerve interference caused by the displaced vertebra (bone).

A common misconception is that a "pinched nerve" will cause pain, however only 6-10% of the nerves in the human body carry pain messages so there can be nerve pinching with no pain symptoms whatsoever.

Chiropractors are trained to identify these areas of “displacement,” which we call subluxations. They locate any misplaced bones and begin the process of moving it back into place using very specific adjustments, over a certain period of time. This takes the pressure off the affected nerves, so that they can re-establish proper communication throughout your body, allowing health and healing to take place.


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Simple vs. Easy

Often we get these two terms confused for being the same. They are far, far from it! Let me explain what I mean using golf.

Whether you play golf or not, you have to admit, it’s a simple game. Take note, I did NOT say easy game. What’s the difference?

Think about the game of golf for a second. You are trying to hit a small white ball into a hole with a fancy metal club. Who ever gets it in with the fewest amount of hits wins. Doesn’t get much simpler than that! It is not hard to understand how golf works because it is simple.
With that being said, it is FAR from easy. Many people spend their entire lives trying to perfect their game and spend thousands of dollars on coaches, equipment, and anything else that will give them a leg up.

Golf is a fun (and for me, terribly frustrating) game but I use it only as an illustration. You see, many things in life are simple and we assume that since they are simple then they must be easy as well and that is simply not the case. Marriage is simple, not easy. Success is simple, not easy. Parenting is simple, not easy. Rocket science is not simple and not easy. (just had to see if you were still paying attention.)

Health is much the same. By keeping your spine aligned properly and making sure your nervous system is free from interference your entire body can function the way it is supposed to. It’s simple. It is not always easy though. Sometimes it’s hard to remember when you are feeling so well. Sometimes it takes commitment. But man, is it worth it! Most people find success when they commit to doing common things with an uncommon consistency. Good luck!


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