Nerves exit the spine through small openings between the vertebrae before traveling throughout the body. Disc problems, arthritis, inflammation, abnormal spinal mechanics, or other structural changes can irritate these nerves, sometimes producing pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness into an arm or leg. This is commonly referred to as radiculopathy when a spinal nerve root is involved.
Chiropractic care is focused on identifying the mechanical factors that may be contributing to nerve irritation and improving the way the affected region moves and functions. Depending on the individual case, adjustments, decompression, flexion-distraction, corrective care, or other conservative approaches may be used to reduce mechanical stress on the affected area.