If you’re struggling with pain, numbness or tingling that won’t go away, you might be dealing with a pinched nerve. It’s a common issue that can affect your neck, back, arms or legs, and it often leads people to search for natural solutions that don’t involve medication or surgery. That’s where chiropractic care comes into the picture.

Chiropractic treatment can help address the root cause of the compression, easing pain and promoting healing without the need for more invasive procedures.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve, also called a trapped nerve, happens when surrounding tissues like bones, muscles or discs put too much pressure on a nerve. This compression can interfere with the nerve’s function, causing pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Common causes of a pinched nerve include:

A herniated disc, where the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on a nearby nerve
Poor posture, particularly from sitting or standing in the same position for long periods
Spinal misalignments, also known as subluxations
Inflammation or swelling from injury or overuse

Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include:

Tingling or “pins and needles”
Numbness
Burning or sharp pain that radiates
Muscle weakness in the affected area

Whether the issue is in your neck, lower back, shoulder or wrist, a pinched nerve can seriously interfere with your day-to-day comfort.

Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve?

In many cases yes, a chiropractor can help fix a pinched nerve. Chiropractors are trained to identify the underlying cause of nerve compression and use non-invasive techniques to relieve pressure.

A pinched nerve chiropractor focuses on correcting spinal misalignments and restoring proper joint movement. By adjusting the spine and improving alignment, they aim to take the pressure off the nerve and reduce inflammation, which helps ease pain and restore function.

For many people, seeing a chiropractor for pinched nerve treatment offers an alternative to relying on painkillers or considering surgery.

Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerve Relief

Chiropractic care for pinched nerves doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment plans are built around your symptoms, physical condition and what’s causing the nerve to become compressed in the first place.

Common chiropractic techniques used to treat pinched nerves:

Manual spinal adjustments – Realigning the vertebrae to reduce nerve pressure
Spinal decompression therapy – Gently stretching the spine to create space and improve nerve function
Soft tissue therapy – Targeting tight muscles and fascia that may be contributing to the problem
Stretching and mobility exercises – Improving flexibility and helping support spinal health long-term

These treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, restore motion, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. Most patients report a reduction in pain, along with improved movement and function over time.

Chiro or Physio for a Pinched Nerve?

If you’re trying to decide between a chiropractor or physiotherapist for a pinched nerve, the answer depends on what’s behind the problem.

A chiropractor may be more suitable if your pinched nerve is linked to spinal misalignment, disc issues or restricted joint movement. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the structural causes of nerve compression.

A Physio (or physiotherapist) may be more appropriate if your main issue is muscle weakness or post-injury recovery. Physio often centres around rehabilitation and strengthening.

In some cases, combining both approaches gives the best results. Many patients start with a chiropractor for trapped nerve treatment and then transition to physio for long-term support.

What to Expect When Seeing a Chiropractor

At your first appointment, the chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, ask about your symptoms, and carry out a physical examination. Depending on your case, they might recommend imaging (like an X-ray or MRI) to better understand what’s happening inside your spine.

From there, they’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This usually involves a series of sessions spaced out over several weeks, with regular reassessments to track your progress.

You may feel some relief after the first adjustment, though more often it takes a few sessions to notice a real change.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time from a pinched nerve can vary depending on the location of the nerve and the severity of the compression. In mild cases, improvement may begin within a week or two. However, more serious issues, such as those involving disc herniation, may require several weeks or even months of consistent care.

The key to a successful recovery is consistency. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with any home exercises your chiropractor recommends, will help give your body the best chance to heal properly.

Is It Safe? Can a Chiropractor Make a Pinched Nerve Worse?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Chiropractic care is considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Your chiropractor will carry out a full assessment before any treatment, and they’ll adjust their approach based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

In rare cases, people might feel some soreness or discomfort after a session, similar to what you might feel after a workout but serious complications are uncommon. If your condition needs medical or surgical attention, a reputable chiropractor will refer you to the right specialist.

When to See a GP or Specialist Instead

There are times when it’s best to see your GP or a specialist first. Particularly if you’re experiencing:

Sudden, severe weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms that aren’t improving at all after several weeks of treatment

Chiropractors often work closely with GPs, physiotherapists and other healthcare providers, and can refer you if your condition falls outside their scope.

Chiropractors for Pinched Nerves

Chiropractic care provides a natural, non-invasive approach to relieve nerve pressure and improve mobility. For those dealing with discomfort, chiropractic treatment can offer relief and support.

With over 40 years of experience, Dr Michael and Dr David Black of Black Chiropractic see many patients with conditions such as lower back pain, sciatica, and pinched nerves. They offer personalised care, bulk billing for eligible patients, and can arrange X-rays if needed for accurate diagnosis.

As BUPA Members First Providers, Black Chiropractic also offers savings for BUPA clients. For more information or to discuss your options, feel free to contact us at (03) 9509 7691.