vital advice

How can I treat a pinched nerve? Edited by ADAM BIBLE

a CHIROPRACTOR says: a ROLFER says: a TCM PRACTITIONER says: You feel the pain of a pinched or A pinched nerve is often a sign that What many people describe as a compressed nerve when a nerve is your body is out of alignment. It can “pinched nerve” may actually be a inflamed (the condition is known as also be caused by soft tissue that has knot of muscular tension, knotted neuritis) due to a misalignment in become tight, a compressed joint, or a qi (energy), or poor blood flow. Neck the body’s system. vertebral disc pressing on a nerve root. pain, specifically, can come from an TREATMENT: A chiropractor will treat Something in your body needs to be emotional, physical, or spiritual rigidity, your pain by realigning your body, returned to its “original blueprints.” and an inability to relax. which might involve manipulation TREATMENT: A Rolfer will manually TREATMENT: Traditional Chinese of your spine, or legs, arms, and neck, manipulate your joint connections Medicine practitioners might use a with chiropractic adjustments. You’ll and soft tissue—including muscles, form of Asian Bodywork Therapy such also be treated with rehabilitative connective tissue (myofascia), as tui na or shiatsu to reduce tension exercises or physiotherapy (using tendons, ligaments—using hand in tight muscles and tendons. A hands- ultrasound treatment, electrotherapy, and finger pressure, or occasionally on physical treatment, tui na seeks or ice packs) to reduce inflammation, elbows or knuckles. The aim is to to regulate the proper flow of qi and pain, or muscle spasms. It may require increase your range of motion, reduce blood through a painful or stagnant more than a single treatment to get chronic tightness, and eliminate any area. Herbal formulas may also be long-lasting results. impingement of the nerves. prescribed to help balance your body’s MANAGEMENT: Maintain a balanced MANAGEMENT: The best way to systems and create more internal ease. diet and healthy weight, and stay prevent a pinched nerve is to keep The amount of treatment needed active. Be sure to avoid prolonged the body aligned, decompressed, and varies by person, but it usually takes inactivity. Your chiropractor might use functioning at its highest potential. one or two treatments to bring relief. flexion distraction, a decompression A complete Rolfing program—it’s MANAGEMENT: A diet based on technique that requires a specially traditionally performed in a series of organic, whole foods, regular exercise designed table, to take pressure off ten 60- to 90-minute sessions—can like qigong, Asian Bodywork Therapy,

your spine and help with alignment. If help. The goal is not simply to alleviate and periodic acupuncture can be p m

your bone structure predisposes you to your pain, but to change and organize beneficial. Meditation can help you u j /

developing a pinched nerve, you’ll be a the structure of your body and muscles identify any attitudes that may be y candidate for ongoing care. so you don’t need constant treatment. contributing to the problem. To find a ve —Robert Hayden, D.C., Ph.D., R.N., See rolf.org for more. TCM practitioner, go to nccaom.org. Georgia delegate to the American —Benjamin Shield, Ph.D., a craniosacral —Bryn Clark, Dipl. O.M., New Harmony tiane

Chiropractic Association therapist and Rolfer in Los Angeles Center for Health & Wellness, Beverly, Mass. kris

26 | NATURAL HEALTH OCTOBER 2008 | naturalhealthmag.com