Pinched Nerve

If you have unexplained pain or other problems, you may have a pinched nerve. That's when something presses against a nerve in your body. It can interfere with the nerve's function. Nerves can be pinched anywhere in the body but they are common in the spine and the wrist.

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Pinched Nerve Treatment: A Chiropractor in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas Perspective

The nervous system is the master system of the human body. Without it, no other part of the body can perform the function that it needs to. Your heart can’t beat, your lungs can’t breathe, and your muscles can’t move. Simply put, we cannot be alive without a nervous system. The way the body works is the brain acts as the “Mother board” of your computer. Informing everything in the body what to do and how to do it. This is how the brain sends signals down the spinal cord and through the nerves of the body. These nerves will then deliver these messages to different parts of the body and relay information back to the brain. Any disruption of these communication lines can affect how these signals are transmitted and thus compromise that part’s ability to function. This is what can happen when there is a pinched nerve.

A pinched nerve is a common term for “compression or irritation on a nerve.” Pinched nerves occur in the spine in locations such as the neck or the lower back. This may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning into the arms or legs. At times, symptoms may travel all the way into the fingers or toes. At the spine level, a pinched nerve usually stems from a postural or alignment issue in the spine, in which the nerve is being compressed by vertebrae (spinal bones). This has the possibility to also create inflammation, which is very harmful to nerves and can further exacerbate symptoms. How Dr. Alvin Philipose will address a pinched nerve is identifying the location and utilizing the right treatment methods to correct the problem.

One of the best ways to address a pinched nerve is by seeing Dr. Alvin Philipose. He is an expert when it comes to identifying musculoskeletal problems in the spine, of which one of the most commonly seen problems is pinched nerves. If there is a spinal bone that is misaligned or a postural issue causing stress on the nerve, there is no pill or injection that can correct that problem. If it is a physical problem – which a pinched nerve is – then it demands a physical solution. Chiropractic has been the solution to a pinched nerve for many people for many years.

How We Treat Pinched Nerves in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Comprehensive Consultation and Examination

If you have a pinched nerve and you come to Venturis Clinic to see Dr. Alvin Philipose, your first day will consist of a consultation and examination. The purpose of this visit is for him to get to know you and listen to your story. Dr. Philipose will want to know how this problem began, how bad it has gotten, and what kind of effect it is having on your everyday life. He will want to understand you so that he can best meet your needs and come up with the right plan of action.

This plan of action is based on two things: your individual goals (what you want to accomplish through care) and Dr. Philipose’ findings from the examination. He will perform various orthopedic, neurologic, and movement tests to help determine the cause of your problem. Certain tests can rule in or rule out a pinched nerve as a problem and these will be utilized to accurately diagnose your condition. After the consultation and examination, you will return to the office and we will discuss your exam findings and review your recommendations for care. We have a lot to offer at the Venturis Clinic and Dr. Alvin Philipose will come up with a specific care plan for your unique case.

Specific Chiropractic Care in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

When you see Dr. Alvin Philipose for an adjustment, he is not simply “cracking your spine”. Yes, it is possible when getting adjusted for gas to release from the joint which creates that sound, but that is not the purpose of the adjustment. The purpose is to realign the spine into its correct position. When the spine is not in its correct position, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pinched nerve symptoms such as shooting pain down the arm or leg, numbness or tingling, burning, or weakness along that nerve pathway.

Dr. Alvin Philipose will use specific techniques to target areas that are misaligned. This can instantly create relief for the patient and remove pressure from that area. For many, however, their spine and muscle structure are not used to this alignment. It is used to the way it was before. For this reason, it is important to follow your scheduled care plan to help your spine adapt to these changes so they can become more permanent. You want your spine to recognize good alignment as normal, not poor alignment.

Spinal Decompression

When a nerve is getting compressed due to conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease, the compression isn’t usually due to a misalignment. The disc or joint has changed to the point where the nerve is getting compromised, thus causing symptoms of a pinched nerve. When this this occurs, Dr. Alvin Philipose will utilize spinal decompression to help provide relief for these patients.

Spinal decompression can be either for the neck or the lower back, depending on where your pinched nerve is located. Decompression gently stretches the spine back and forth, which will allow the joints to open up, disc, and nerve spaces. This can provide immediate relief, as patients feel the weight and pressure being lifted through the stretching mechanism. Spinal decompression works wonders when combined with chiropractic because having the spine in good alignment and decompressed can create optimal mobility as well as symptomatic relief for even chronic sufferers of pinched nerves.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a form of low risk, non-steroidal treatment for degenerative bones, joints and ligaments. It is an injection of hypertonic dextrose solution at the affected area(s), such as knee joints, cervical spine and spinal cord. The body has a natural self-healing capability. For example, if someone is bleeding from a cut, the blood can be naturally stopped as the body has a clotting factor (Your plasma stops the bleeding) . Secondly, a red wound signifies inflammation and more blood cells around the wound. Thirdly, tissues can repair themselves autonomously until the wound can properly heal.

Prolotherapy induces mild inflammation to initially activate the self-healing process. After triggering inflammation, the process of tissues repair will gradually start until the wound becomes healed or when the joint comes back to normal. The mechanism of action is different from an anti-inflammatory injection or when taking a pain relieve medication which only treats the symptoms. They do not actually address the root cause of the problem.

After the first Prolotherapy injection, the second injection will be 1-3 weeks later. The whole treatment program takes 3-6 sessions, depending on the severity of symptoms plus the doctors’ recommendation. The injection targets inside the joint and frozen ligaments around the joints to stimulate the tissue repair process. After the intentionally induced inflammation from the Prolotherapy subsides, the pain experienced becomes less. However, the treatment result varies as each patient’s condition is different to another.

Custom Therapeutic Stretching

In many situations, nerves get pinched due to a postural issue. Our posture is the shape of our spine and how we carry it, and the reality is that it most common for people to have poor posture. This is primarily due to things like sitting at desks or spending too much time on their phones or tablets. For many, this creates “forward head posture” or “tech neck” in which the neck curves in the opposite direction of what it is supposed to. This can cause things like tension headaches, neck pain, and yes, pinched nerves.

At Venturis Clinic, addressing postural issues is a core element of the care we will provide. Postural analysis is done on every patient, and if there are postural issues, the corrective stretching is included in their care plan. During your care, you work with our trainer who is an expert at guiding you through the stretches and exercises that will reshape your posture. Over time, these changes have a profound effect on the spine and play a big role in correcting a pinched nerve.

Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

405.848.7246

Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging

Offering variety of pain management solutions

What Causes Pinched Nerves in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Subluxation

One of the most common causes of a pinched nerve is the misalignment of a vertebra in the spine. Subluxation can happen in many ways: from large traumas like car accidents or sports injuries to small repetitive motions like sitting at a desk all day. When subluxation happens, it doesn’t always cause symptoms right away, which is why many times problems go unmanaged for months or even years.

When it is symptomatic and pressing on a nerve, though, it can be very painful and uncomfortable. Until it is properly addressed it will not go away. No number of pills can alleviate this issue – they can only temporarily mask the symptoms. Having your spine checked and adjusted by a Dr. Alvin Philipose is the most conservative – and most effective – way to treat and correct a pinched nerve. Chiropractic and decompression are especially effective at providing tremendous relief quickly for people suffering from this condition.

Bulged Disc

Another problem that can create pressure on nerves and immense discomfort down the arms or legs is a bulged or herniated disc. Vertebral discs consist of a jelly-like center (nucleus) which is surrounded by several rings of fibrocartilage. Over time with normal wear and tear, these rings of cartilage can become damaged, and the nucleus material will fill the spaces. After enough or all the rings are damaged, the disc itself can bulge or herniate. This creates immense discomfort down the arm or leg due to the compression and inflammation-causing massive irritation on the nerve.

At Venturis Clinic, Dr. Alvin Philipose will treat disc injuries in many ways. Chiropractic, decompression and Prolotherapy are a few staples of his care, which will help alleviate pressure, reduce pain, and help the disc material return to its correct place. Dr. Alvin Philipose will also utilize stretching to provide stability to the lower back or neck to prevent this issue from happening again in the future. Everyone’s situation is different, and Dr. Alvin Philipose will put together the right treatment plan for you to address this debilitating condition.

Arthritis

Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition in which the joints of the spine reduce in size due to wear and tear. When they reduce in size, it is often due to hypertrophy of the bone around the joint, which takes up more of the joint space. This also tends to take up more of the space where the nerve travels through, which has the potential to cause a pinched nerve. This is a process that happens gradually over time, but when it is symptomatic, it can be very painful and frustrating due to its chronic nature.

Decompression and Prolotherapy are some of the best ways to treat this kind of pinched nerve. It will open up the disc and joint spaces, which in turn allows more room for the nerve. This can bring relief very quickly as pressure is reduced on the nerve. It is common for people in this situation to have decompression done frequently to constantly expose the joints and disc to this stretching action. Over time, this is what can create more lasting relief for these patients. We offer Prolotherapy for such cases with further diagnostics.

Nerve Entrapment by Muscle

Another type of pinched nerve that doesn’t get discussed as much is nerve entrapment, which means the nerve isn’t being compressed at the spinal level but further down its nerve pathway. Most commonly, it is being compressed by a muscle or other type of soft tissue that impinges on the nerve and causes dysfunction. This can happen anywhere in the body, but most commonly it is in the shoulders, hips, legs, or arms. Typically, symptoms will be from the entrapment site downwards and won’t be experienced in the spine or adjacent areas.

At Venturis Clinic, we address these types of pinched nerves through different soft tissue techniques. One of these is Active Release Technique, in which the muscle is taken through active stretching to alleviate the pressure on that nerve. Another method used is the Graston Technique, in which a metal tool is used to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pressure at the entrapment site. Prolotherapy can also be used to help reduce pain and inflammation and facilitate healing of the entrapment site.

Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

405.848.7246

Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging

Offering variety of pain management solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prolotherapy good for?

Many conditions respond well to prolotherapy, such as facet syndrome (back and neck arthritis), whiplash, joint sprains, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, chronic tendonitis, Ehler’s-Danlos Disease, Bulging disc, knee pain, shoulder pain Vagus nerve inflammation and more.

What are the risks of prolotherapy?

Theoretical risks of prolotherapy injections include soreness, infection or neurological (nerve) damage. Injections should be performed by trained physicians using universal precautions diagnostics examinations and tproper examinations. This results in very minimal side effects.

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Costs vary quite a bit from $150-$1500 dependent on type and contents of injections.

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

Prolotherapy is an all-natural, permanent treatment, as it relies on the body repairing itself to reduce pain. In contrast, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications only provide temporary relief. Booster shots as well has wellness therapies including stretching, massage, chiropractic, dry-needling and strengthening will help maintain progress.

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

More specifically, prolotherapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following: Damaged or lost tissue, especially surrounding the joints. If patients have tried various traditional treatments including prescription drugs, physical therapy, or steroids but seen minimal to no results, prolotherapy may be right for you.

Why does prolotherapy hurt so much?

A patient is generally sore for a couple of days after Prolotherapy. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, dry needling and moist heat applied to the area is recommended.

Is prolotherapy better than cortisone?

Cortisone can cause tendon rupture, particularly of the achilles tendon. Prolotherapy is a proven orthopedic treatment to reduce pain and strengthen weakened joints without the negative side effects of cortisone.

What are the pros and cons of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is great for strengthening weak joints and creating heightened muscle functionality, such as increased movement and flexibility. However, there are some risks involved, for example it is a shot like any other so there could be pain or tenderness to the injection site.

What should you not do after prolotherapy?

Due to the numbness we ask that you refrain from any strenuous activities but to stay mobile. Continue to move affected area to decrease soreness and stiffness. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days following injections. You will experience some pain and soreness 2-5 days after your treatment. Do not take any anti-inflammatories, pain medications or steroids during treatments. This may inhibit your body’s ability to heal the affected tissue.

How long does prolotherapy take to heal?

Most ligaments and tendons heal within a period of 3 months; however, the majority of healing after a prolotherapy session occurs in the first two weeks.

How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?

Prolotherapy treatments vary from person to person and from injury to injury. Many patients have experienced some relief of their pain with only one session. The average person requires anywhere from 3-12 treatment sessions spaced about 3-6 weeks apart from each other.

How long does a prolotherapy injection last?

On average, patients experience one year of improvement and relief from prolotherapy. However, there is a huge variation and sometimes improvement lasts from three months to 15 years.

What is injected during prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy involves injections of a mild irritant into the injured part of your body. Most of the time the injection contains saline, dextrose (a type of sugar), and lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Dr. Philipose custom tailors the injection, so the exact composition depends on your needs. These injections may include natural collagen, minerals, amino acids and other natural substances to accelerate healing compared to traditional prolotherapy.

Is prolotherapy better than surgery?

Prolotherapy is considered a viable alternative to surgery, and as an option to pain medications, cortisone and other steroidal injections. The Prolotherapy procedure is considered a safe, affordable option that allows the patient to keep working and/or training during treatment.

Can prolotherapy reverse arthritis?

One study with 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis involved some participants getting monthly prolotherapy injections of dextrose for 3 to 5 months. Those who received prolotherapy saw a significant improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores.

Does prolotherapy regrow cartilage?

Prolotherapy is an injection of a non-biologic substance with localized effects for repairing connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Recent studies in humans show that prolotherapy stimulates cartilage regeneration.

Are you sedated for prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a safe, cost effective injection technique used for treating musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain in various parts of the body. It is noninvasive, has limited side effects and does not require sedation.

What does dry needling actually do?

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

We use very thin filament needles. The initial feeling of the needle entering through the skin is very minimal; much less than a vaccination or having blood drawn. Once the needle reaches the muscle, the twitch sensation feels more like a deep cramp and doesn't last long (15-30 seconds).

How long does dry needling results last?

After dry needling, experiencing some slight soreness is normal, and you will typically note an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. How long the benefits will last will vary per individual. The first few treatments will usually have a short length of relief spanning over several days.

How many sessions of dry needling do you need?

If treatment zones are found and the correct muscle groups are targeted, sub-acute conditions will improve after three – four consecutive sessions, with chronic injuries requiring five – six consecutive needling sessions.

Does dry needling remove knots?

Dry needle therapy resolves muscle knots by inserting a very thin needle directly into the trigger point. The knot responds to the interruption and relaxes immediately. Most patients agree that dry needling doesn't hurt in the way that you might think!

How deep do dry needles go?

Superficial dry needling involves inserting a needle at a depth up to 10 mm or into the subcutaneous tissue and may be combined with manipulation of the needle while in situ.

Does dry needling reduce inflammation?

The micro tears caused by the needle prompts the body's natural defenses to get to work, bringing nutrient-rich blood to the site and boosting tissue repair. Dry needling also helps to dissipate inflammatory mediators, those substances that gather in an area of inflammation.

Is dry needling good for arthritis?

Dry needling is an effective treatment in reducing pain from osteoarthritis because it increases blood circulation around the joint, thereby providing natural relief.

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is trained to make sure your body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations and other therapies to relieve pain in your joints and muscles. These spinal adjustments will increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the joints and muscles that are experiencing pain. They are taught philosophically to find and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Is it healthy to go to the chiropractor?

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from acute or chronic conditions such as strains, arthritis or disc injuries.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

• Improves neck pain.
• Reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers.
• Eases back pain.
• Possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Eases headache symptoms.
• More affordable treatment for chronic back pain.
• High satisfaction.
• Reduces scoliosis symptoms.

What are the cons of seeing a chiropractor?

Spinal and joint manipulation has a chance to go wrong and may cause unwanted injuries. So it is important that you only have an appointment with an experienced chiropractor that performs the necessary examinations and diagnostics to ensure safe treatments. DO NOT ALLOW a physical therapist or any other untrained person try a manipulation especially without X-rays.

When should you go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are most sought after to treat neck and low back pain due to acute or chronic pain. If you experience back pain that lasts for more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment.

What cracks when you see a chiropractor?

During a back adjustment, your back undergoes quick, gentle stretching of the spinal facet joint, so you may hear a cracking or popping noise. This is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints.

Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?

Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again

Is chiropractic care is ineffective?

Critics are skeptical mainly due to the fact that chiropractic care does not involve medications or any invasive surgeries. Some have associated this practice with some side effects and fatal complications in some cases resulting in death or stroke. It also goes against the medical philosophy of not prescribing medications. In recent years there has been a comparison that shows not only Chiropractic to be safe, but healthier and more successful than taking steroids and medications. There are also various techniques now that prevent any type of injuries due the gentleness of the adjustment.

Why do some chiropractors crack and others don't?

The noises you hear during chiropractic treatment depend on the technique used. For example, some techniques cause a cracking sound, and others don't, but both can be highly effective, depending on your needs. So, whether you hear an abundance of pops or none at all, you don't need to worry.

Pinched Nerve

Pinched Nerve Treatment: A Chiropractor in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas Perspective

How We Treat Pinched Nerves in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Comprehensive Consultation and Examination

Specific Chiropractic Care in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Spinal Decompression

Prolotherapy

Custom Therapeutic Stretching

What Causes Pinched Nerves in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Subluxation

Bulged Disc

Arthritis

Nerve Entrapment by Muscle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prolotherapy good for?

What are the risks of prolotherapy?

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

Why does prolotherapy hurt so much?

Is prolotherapy better than cortisone?

What are the pros and cons of prolotherapy?

What should you not do after prolotherapy?

How long does prolotherapy take to heal?

How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?

How long does a prolotherapy injection last?

What is injected during prolotherapy?

Is prolotherapy better than surgery?

Can prolotherapy reverse arthritis?

Does prolotherapy regrow cartilage?

Are you sedated for prolotherapy?

What does dry needling actually do?

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

How long does dry needling results last?

How many sessions of dry needling do you need?

Does dry needling remove knots?

How deep do dry needles go?

Does dry needling reduce inflammation?

Is dry needling good for arthritis?

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

Is it healthy to go to the chiropractor?

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

What are the cons of seeing a chiropractor?

When should you go to a chiropractor?

What cracks when you see a chiropractor?

Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?

Is chiropractic care is ineffective?

Why do some chiropractors crack and others don't?

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