Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Pinched Nerve Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
Sharp pain, tingling, numbness or weakness can signal an irritated nerve. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Devine looks for where the nerve is being compressed or irritated, whether in the neck, low back, shoulder or wrist. This page explains how we approach a pinched nerve and links to related arm and leg pain care on our main clinic site.
What a pinched nerve can feel like
- Sharp or burning pain in the neck, back, arm or leg
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in the hand, foot or fingers
- Weakness or a heavy feeling in a limb
- Pain that changes with posture or movement
Where the problem often starts
Nerves can be irritated in the spine, at a disc, or where they pass through tight muscles and joints. Neck problems can send symptoms into the arm and hand, while low back and pelvic problems can send symptoms into the leg. Wrist compression, like carpal tunnel, is another common source. Read more about carpal tunnel and sciatica.
How Dr. Devine evaluates it
The exam looks at spine and joint motion, posture, muscle tension and nerve signs such as strength, sensation and reflexes where appropriate. The goal is to find what is compressing the nerve instead of masking the symptom. When imaging or another provider is needed, we refer you.
What care can include
Care may include gentle spinal and joint adjustments, soft tissue work, home stretches and movements, and advice on workstation setup and daily habits. See also our pages on neck pain, sciatica and shoulder pain, and our spinal care overview.
Prevention and daily habits
Keeping the spine and joints moving, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, and setting up your workstation so your wrists, neck and low back stay neutral all reduce nerve irritation. Strengthening the core and hips gives the spine support. If you notice symptoms returning, early evaluation usually makes care simpler.
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your nerve symptoms began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer.
When to get medical care first
Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, symptoms in both arms or legs, or numbness and tingling after a serious injury.
Common questions
Is a pinched nerve the same as sciatica?
Sciatica is a pinched or irritated sciatic nerve in the leg. Pinched nerves can occur in other areas too, including the neck and wrist.
How long does a pinched nerve last?
It depends on the cause. Your exam helps estimate it, and your plan is adjusted as you respond.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Gentle movement usually helps, while positions that provoke symptoms should be limited. Dr. Devine will guide you.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: sciatica, neck pain, herniated disc and shoulder pain. Read more on the main clinic site: telling nerve pain from a pulled muscle. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.