The nervous system is one of the most complex parts of the human body. It is an organ system that contains a network of specialised cells called neurones, which connect the brain to various parts of the body.
The nervous system is responsible for several critical tasks including the coordination of movement, transmission of sensory information, reflexes, and the regulation the body’s internal environment.
The wide range of tasks performed by the nervous system means that any medical conditions affecting the nerves can cause unexpected or unusual symptoms — like abdominal pain.
In this post, our London chiropractor explains what a pinched nerve is, how it can cause abdominal pain, and how visiting a London chiropractor for chiropractic care may help.
What Is A Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is placed on one of the body’s nerves by surrounding tissues. Any inflamed, diseased, or misaligned tissue can compress the nerves, including muscles, tendons, cartilage, bones, and intervertebral discs. Tumours and other growths can also cause a pinched nerve.
When a nerve is pinched, it can disrupt its function leading to numbness, pain, tingling, or muscle weakness. The precise nature of these symptoms will depend on the nerves that are affected.
If you had a herniated disc that was compressing the sciatic nerve in the lower back, you might have symptoms that affect the legs or feet. If a swollen muscle is compressing a nerve in your forearm, you may experience symptoms in your hands.
Why Pinched Nerves Are Often Caused By Spinal Issues
The human spine is made up of 33 vertebrae bones, which are stacked on top of one another. They are separated by tough rubbery discs, called intervertebral discs. These discs provide cushioning and structure.
The vertebra also protects the spinal cord, which is a collection of nerves running from the brain stem to the cauda equina, in the lower back. The nerves from the spinal cord exit the spinal column through holes in the vertebra.
Unfortunately, the spine can be injured quite easily. This can sometimes result in the compression of the nerves leaving the spinal column, causing pain. This type of nerve pain is called radiculopathy, or spinal nerve root pain.
Many of the patients who visit our London chiropractic clinic, MotionBack, have nerve pain caused by spinal issues like herniated discs, spinal compression, or poor posture. Fortunately, these problems usually respond well to chiropractic treatments.
What Signs Suggest That A Pinched Nerve Is Causing Abdominal Pain?
There are several nerves attached to the abdominal wall, muscles, and organs which provide motor and sensory function. If one of these nerves become pinched, you may experience:
- Persistent radiating pain in the abdominal region
- Pain that feels like it moves from the front to back of the abdomen
- The pain is localised, sharp, or burning
- Pain levels can change when you twist, bend, or sit up
It’s always a good idea to talk to a health care professional if you experience these types of symptoms, as there are multiple potential causes
How To Treat Abdominal Pain Caused By A Pinched Nerve
There are several options available for treating abdominal pain caused by a pinched nerve. Patients may need to try different combinations of these treatment options until they find an approach that works best for them, with a minimal amount of side effects.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
NSAID’s are useful for reducing inflammation that may be causing nerve compression. Try using products containing ingredients like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, or indomethacin. However, before using any of these medications, speak with your doctor to determine if they are safe for you.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor can perform adjustments to your spine to correct misalignments that may be compressing your nerves. They can also perform soft tissue therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle Changes
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your symptoms or address the issue causing your pinched nerve. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to learn more about the lifestyle changes which can reduce the symptoms associated with a pinched nerve.
Lifestyle changes that may help include:
- Increasing your exercise levels
- Losing weight
- Improving your posture
- Spending less time sitting
- Improving your diet
- Taking up yoga
- Improving workplace ergonomics
Visiting our London Chiropractors at MotionBack
Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine.
Chiropractic Treatment involves a wide variety of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm. Other methods of treatment such as mobilisation, soft tissue therapies, stretches, dry needling and the use of rehabilitation programmes may also be used.
Chiropractic focuses on causes, not just symptoms. It is therefore suitable for both acute (recent) and chronic (long term) conditions.
Our Chiropractors are trained to take and interpret x-rays and as primary health care professionals are qualified to assess your general health.
To book and appointment with one of our chiropractors, please call us on 0207 112 5408 or you can book online on our website here.