Elevate Sport and Spine

Chiropractor for a Pinched Nerve in Kingsport, TN

A "pinched nerve" usually means a nerve root is irritated where it leaves the spine, by a disc, a bone spur, or swelling around a stiff joint. In the neck, it causes pain, tingling, numbness or weakness down the arm (cervical radiculopathy). In the low back, it causes the same down the leg, usually called sciatica. At Elevate Sport and Spine in Kingsport, Dr. Preston Douglas, DC, CCSP (Tennessee License #3451) maps your symptoms to the nerve involved, tests strength, reflexes and sensation, and uses gentle, nerve-friendly care, while watching closely for signs you need imaging or a surgeon.
When to get urgent medical care

Go to the ER or call 911 for weakness that's getting worse quickly, trouble walking or clumsiness in both hands, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, or symptoms in both arms or both legs. Sudden numbness on one side of the body with face drooping or trouble speaking can be a stroke. Pinched nerve or something else? Symptom pattern Likely source Neck pain plus pain, tingling or numbness down one arm into the hand Nerve root in the neck Low back pain plus pain below the knee, sometimes into the foot Nerve root in the low back (sciatica) Numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, worse at night Often carpal tunnel at the wrist Tingling in the ring and pinky fingers, worse with elbows bent Often the ulnar nerve at the elbow Achy pain in the shoulder blade or buttock without numbness Often referred pain from a joint or muscle, not a nerve

What causes a pinched nerve?

  • •A herniated disc, the most common cause in people under about 50
  • •Bone spurs and narrowing of the opening where the nerve exits, more common with age
  • •Swelling around a stiff, irritated spinal joint
  • •Posture and load: long hours looking down, heavy overhead work, or a sudden lift or twist

How chiropractic care may help a pinched nerve

  • •Gentle chiropractic adjustments or mobilization, chosen to avoid aggravating the nerve; Activator and drop table are options when a manual adjustment isn't a good fit
  • •Positions and movements that ease arm or leg symptoms, practiced at home
  • •Nerve glide exercises and soft tissue work for guarded muscles
  • •Graded strengthening for the neck and upper back, or trunk and hips, once symptoms settle (corrective exercise)
  • •Posture, sleep and work changes that take pressure off the nerve

Most nerve root pain improves with conservative care over weeks to a few months. Clinical guidelines on cervical radiculopathy note that many patients improve without surgery, and that surgery is considered when symptoms are severe, progressive, or don't respond.

What to expect and when we refer

Your first visit runs 30 to 45 minutes and includes a full nerve exam: strength in specific muscle groups, reflexes, sensation and nerve tension tests, plus a check of your neck or back movement. X-rays are available on site; MRI is recommended when weakness is significant or worsening, or symptoms aren't improving. Progressive weakness gets an early surgical referral. More on your first visit.

Is chiropractic care safe with a pinched nerve?

After a careful exam, gentle chiropractic care is considered reasonable for most people with nerve root pain and no red flags. Forceful techniques are avoided while the nerve is irritable. Tell us right away if numbness spreads or new weakness appears.

Common Questions

Clinical Sources & Guidelines

  1. Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, et al. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy from degenerative disorders. The Spine Journal. 2011;11(1):64-72.
“Pain that radiates down an arm or leg is often a nerve asking for room — the exam is how we find where it's pinched.”

Ready to be seen?

Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.

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