Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve — nerve root compression — causes sharp radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve's pathway. SOT chiropractic removes the structural cause of compression to give lasting relief.

What Is Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues — bones, discs, tendons, or muscles — apply excessive pressure to a nerve root as it exits the spinal canal. In the lumbar spine, pinched nerves cause sciatica-type pain radiating into the leg. In the cervical spine, they cause arm pain and weakness. The compression irritates the nerve, creating the characteristic combination of sharp, burning, or electric pain with numbness and weakness in the distribution of that nerve.

Common Symptoms

Sharp or burning pain radiating along the arm or leg
Numbness and tingling in a specific pattern following nerve distribution
Muscle weakness in the affected extremity
Pain that worsens with certain neck or back movements
Reflexes diminished at the affected spinal level
Neck or lower back pain at the level of compression

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Herniated or bulging disc pressing on the nerve root
Bone spurs narrowing the intervertebral foramen
Spinal subluxation reducing foraminal space
Muscle spasm compressing the nerve (piriformis for sciatica)
Postural distortion increasing nerve root tension
Degenerative disc disease collapsing disc height

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerve

SOT chiropractic directly addresses the structural cause of nerve root compression. By correcting spinal misalignments and restoring proper disc mechanics, the intervertebral foramina are widened and nerve root pressure is relieved. Dr. Foss identifies the exact level and mechanism of compression and applies category-appropriate protocols to decompress the affected nerve. Flexion-distraction and specific pelvic blocking restore disc height and reduce annular pressure. Most patients experience significant reduction in radiating pain within the first few visits.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Pinched Nerve?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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