Neck, back, arm and leg condition · Canton, OH
Pinched nerve treatment in Canton, OH
A pinched nerve happens when a disc, bone spur or other tissue presses on a nerve root in the spine, which can send pain, tingling or numbness into an arm or leg. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam and imaging review, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Spinal decompression on site
Pinched nerve at a glance
| Also called | Nerve compression, radiculopathy (cervical or lumbar) |
|---|---|
| Body area | Neck, shoulder and arm, or low back, buttock and leg |
| Structure involved | A spinal nerve root where it leaves the spine |
| Common symptoms | Sharp or burning pain, pain down one arm or leg, pins and needles, numbness, weakness |
| Common causes | Herniated or bulging disc, disc degeneration, bone spurs, spinal stenosis |
| How we evaluate | Health history, physical and neurological exam, imaging review (MRI if needed) |
| Care options | Spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, home exercise |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve, also called radiculopathy, is a nerve root in the spine that is being pressed on by nearby tissue, such as a disc or bone spur. The pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels along the nerve into an arm or leg.
In the neck, a pinched nerve often causes symptoms in the shoulder, arm or hand. In the low back, it often causes symptoms in the buttock, leg or foot, which many people call sciatica.
The same symptoms can come from different causes and different nerve levels. That is why care starts with a full exam to find which nerve is involved and what is pressing on it.
Pinched nerve symptoms and causes
What does a pinched nerve feel like?
Symptoms usually follow the path of the nerve and often affect one side.
- Sharp, burning or shooting pain in the neck, mid-back or low back
- Pain that travels down one arm or one leg
- Tingling or pins and needles in the arm, hand, leg or foot
- Numbness or reduced feeling in an arm or leg
- Weakness in the arm, hand, leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with certain positions, movements or long sitting
What causes a pinched nerve?
Most pinched nerves in the spine come from changes in or around the discs.
- Herniated disc
- Bulging disc
- Degenerative disc disease, which narrows the openings where nerves exit
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs from arthritis
- Risk factors: age, repeated neck or back strain, poor posture, extra body weight
Is it a pinched nerve or something else?
Other problems can cause similar pain, tingling or numbness. Your exam helps tell them apart.
| Feature | Pinched nerve | Carpal tunnel syndrome | Muscle strain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Neck or back, traveling down one arm or leg | Wrist and hand, mostly the thumb and first fingers | Neck or back muscles, usually in one area |
| Other signs | Numbness, tingling or weakness along one nerve path | Tingling or numbness that is often worse at night; weak grip | Tender, tight muscles without numbness or tingling |
| Often worse with | Certain neck or back positions, coughing or sneezing | Gripping, typing or bending the wrist | Moving or stretching the strained muscle |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in your arms or legs is getting worse
- You have new trouble with balance or using your hands
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever or unexplained weight loss
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for nerve pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask where the pain, tingling or numbness travels, check your reflexes, strength and sensation to find the nerve involved, and review any imaging you bring.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Pinched nerve care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam and imaging. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may lower pressure on the disc and ease pressure on the nerve root.
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the spine moves around the affected nerve.
- Physical rehabilitation Guided exercises to build strength and support the neck or back.
- Home exercise and posture guidance Stretches, posture and desk setup tips to help between visits.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Pain, tingling or numbness running down your arm or leg?
Your pinched nerve care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Pinched nerve questions we hear in Canton
Many pinched nerves improve with non-surgical care such as spinal decompression, chiropractic care, exercise and activity changes. Some people need injections or a surgical consult. Your exam and imaging review help show which path fits, and we refer you to a physician when other care is the better choice.
When a disc is pressing on a nerve root, spinal decompression may help by gently stretching the spine on a computer-guided table. This may lower pressure inside the disc and ease pressure on the nerve. Your provider decides whether it fits your case after your exam.
An MRI that shows a disc pressing on a nerve is a helpful starting point, but not every case is a fit. We review your history, exam and imaging first, and tell you if another type of care makes more sense for you.
Sciatica is one type of pinched nerve. It describes symptoms from nerve roots in the low back that form the sciatic nerve, felt in the buttock and leg. A pinched nerve in the neck causes symptoms in the shoulder, arm or hand instead.
It is a good idea to get checked if pain, tingling or numbness lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back or is getting worse. Get emergency care right away for warning signs such as loss of bladder or bowel control or weakness that is getting worse.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] If you already have an MRI, bring the report. If not, imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats pinched nerves at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is pressing on your nerve
Start with a full exam, a review of your imaging and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.