Do You Have Nerve-Related Pain?

Nerve pain can present in a variety of ways depending on which nerve is involved and how it is being affected.

You may be experiencing:

tingling or pins and needles in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
numbness or altered sensation
burning, sharp, or shooting pain
pain that follows a specific path down a limb
weakness or clumsiness in the affected area
symptoms that worsen with certain positions or movements

Understanding how your symptoms behave helps guide assessment and determine whether they may be nerve-related.

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Nerve-related pain occurs when a nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or sensitised. In many cases, symptoms are influenced by surrounding joints, muscles, posture, or movement patterns rather than a primary nerve disease.

Common contributors we assess include:

nerve compression or entrapment
reduced movement or stiffness in surrounding joints
muscle tension affecting nerve mobility
repetitive or sustained postures
work or activity-related loading
previous injury

Identifying contributing factors is important, as management varies depending on whether symptoms are local, movement-related, or influenced by the spine.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Nerve Pain

Chiropractic care for nerve-related pain focuses on reducing mechanical irritation, improving movement, and supporting normal nerve function where appropriate.

Care may include:

gentle spinal or joint mobilisation or adjustment (where appropriate)
techniques aimed at reducing nerve irritation
soft tissue therapy to reduce surrounding muscle tension
assessment of posture and movement patterns
rehabilitation exercises to support mobility and control
advice on activity modification and ergonomics

Care is tailored to the individual and adapted based on symptom severity, comfort level, and response to treatment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your nerve pain consultation is designed to provide clarity and reassurance.

This typically includes:

A detailed discussion of your symptoms and history
Physical and neurological screening where appropriate
Assessment of movement and contributing musculoskeletal factors
Explanation of findings in clear, plain language
Discussion of appropriate care options
A plan aligned with your goals and comfort level

Where indicated, we will discuss referral, imaging, or co-management with other health professionals.

Nerve Conditions We Commonly Help With

We commonly assess and manage nerve-related pain presentations such as:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Ulnar nerve entrapment (elbow or hand symptoms)
Radial nerve–related arm pain
Peripheral nerve entrapment
Arm or hand nerve pain

Some nerve-related pain, such as sciatica, involves the spine and requires a more specific assessment and management approach.

Nerve Pain and the Spine

In some cases, nerve pain in the arm or leg may be influenced by the spine rather than the nerve itself. Reduced movement or irritation in the neck or lower back can contribute to symptoms that travel into the limbs.

Assessment helps determine whether symptoms are peripheral, spinal, or influenced by a combination of factors.

Is Chiropractic Care Appropriate for Nerve Pain?

Chiropractic care is commonly used for certain types of nerve-related pain where musculoskeletal factors play a role. Treatment approaches are adapted to the individual and may range from very gentle techniques to more active rehabilitation strategies.

Your chiropractor will explain findings, options, and expected outcomes so you can make informed decisions about your care.

How Many Visits Are Usually Needed?

The number of visits required varies depending on:

the type and duration of symptoms
which nerve is involved
contributing movement or postural factors
work and activity demands
how your body responds to care

Some people notice improvement over a small number of visits, while others benefit from a short period of care combined with exercise and self-management strategies.