What Is Peripheral Nerve Entrapment?

Peripheral nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve outside the brain and spinal cord becomes compressed, irritated, or injured, often where it passes through narrow spaces in muscles, bones, or soft tissue. These nerves control muscle movement and relay sensations to the brain, so when one is trapped, you may experience symptoms like:

• Pain (sharp, burning, or stabbing)

• Tingling or numbness

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of sensation, especially in the feet or hands

In some cases, symptoms develop gradually, which can delay diagnosis. For example, a person may lose feeling in their feet and not notice until balance issues or non-painful foot sores develop — a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.

What Causes Nerve Entrapment?

Peripheral nerve entrapment can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Anatomical variations (like an extra cervical rib or tight muscle structures)

• Repetitive motions from work, exercise, or posture (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)

• Injuries or trauma, which can lead to inflammation or scar tissue pressing on nerves

• Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early recognition is key to preventing long-term damage. Watch for:

• Localized pain (worse with movement or touch)

• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensations

• Muscle weakness or difficulty performing specific movements

• Loss of balance or coordination, especially in the feet

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment and function of the spine and joints, which play a direct role in nerve health. If your symptoms are caused or worsened by joint misalignment, inflammation, or muscle tension, chiropractic treatment can relieve pressure on the affected nerve and promote healing.

Here’s how we help at Well Adjusted:

• Comprehensive evaluation: We assess posture, joint movement, and nerve function.

• Gentle spinal and extremity adjustments: These restore alignment, relieve nerve compression, and improve overall function.

• Soft tissue therapy & stretching: Helps reduce muscle tension and inflammation that can trap nerves.

• Rehabilitation exercises: Strengthen supportive muscles to prevent recurrence.

• Lifestyle guidance: We’ll help you modify activities or postures that may be contributing to the issue.

Unlike medications that simply mask the symptoms, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of the problem and supports your body’s natural ability to heal.

Take the First Step Toward Relief