Pinched Nerves in the Neck

A “pinched nerve” in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) happens when a misaligned vertebra, bulging disc, or tight muscle irritates a nerve root as it exits the spine. The result can be sharp, burning pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into your shoulder, arm, or hand. At The Bridge Chiropractic in Clairemont, our chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies work together to relieve nerve pressure, restore proper alignment, and get you back to pain-free movement.

What Is a Pinched Nerve in the Neck?

Intervertebral discs and facet joints guide smooth neck motion. If a disc bulges or the joints lose normal glide, it can narrow the nerve’s exit tunnel (foramen) and create compression. Common causes include:

Poor posture (“tech-neck”)
Degenerative disc changes
Whiplash from auto accidents
Repetitive overhead activity

Signs & Symptoms

Radiating Pain: Sharp, stabbing or burning sensations that travel down the arm.
Numbness & Tingling: “Pins and needles” in the fingers or hand.
Muscle Weakness: Difficulty gripping or lifting light objects

Early intervention prevents ongoing nerve damage and chronic pain patterns.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Help

Nerve Decompression: Gentle realignment of cervical vertebrae restores space around the nerve root.
Disc Rehydration: Improved joint motion encourages nutrient exchange in the discs, reducing bulge over time.
Muscle Relaxation: Adjustments paired with soft-tissue work ease spasms in tight neck and upper-back muscles.
Postural Correction: By restoring proper spinal curves, we decrease abnormal stress that can pinch nerves.

Supportive Therapies

To maximize relief, we often combine adjustments with:

Therapeutic Ultrasound: Deep-heat to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve.
Electric Stimulation: Pulsed currents that calm nerve-related pain and retrain surrounding muscles.
Rehabilitative Exercises: Specific stretches and strengthening drills to stabilize your cervical spine.
Ergonomic Coaching: Simple workstation and sleep-posture tips to prevent recurrence.

What to Expect During Your Care

Thorough Evaluation: We’ll assess your posture, spinal alignment, neurological function, and symptom patterns.
Customized Plan: A series of chiropractic adjustments targeted to the affected levels, with adjunct therapies as needed.
Home-Care Guidance: Easy-to-follow exercises and ergonomic tweaks to support healing between visits.
Progress Tracking: We measure pain levels, strength, and range of motion so you see clear improvements.

Benefits of Chiropractic for Pinched Nerves

Drug-Free Relief: Minimize reliance on pain medications.
Improved Function: Restore full, pain-free motion and strength.
Faster Recovery: Addressing mechanical causes speeds up nerve healing.
Long-Term Prevention: Postural correction and exercise reduce future flare-ups.

Ready to free your neck from nerve pain?
Call The Bridge Chiropractic at (858) 247-1214 or click Book Now on our website to schedule your pinched-nerve assessment. Let us help you restore comfort, mobility, and confidence—without surgery or drugs.