What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, whether bone, disc, or muscle, compresses a nerve and disrupts its normal function. Depending on which nerve is involved, symptoms can include sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the areas the nerve supplies. Cervical nerve compression causes symptoms into the arm and hand. Lumbar nerve compression typically causes symptoms into the buttock, leg, and foot.

Common Causes We Treat

  • Herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve root
  • Spinal stenosis narrowing the nerve canal
  • Facet joint hypertrophy in arthritic spines
  • Muscle tightness compressing a peripheral nerve (e.g. piriformis on the sciatic nerve)
  • Poor posture creating sustained nerve tension
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

How Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Help

Chiropractic adjustment restores proper joint mechanics and creates space for the nerve root by reducing compression at the intervertebral foramen. Physiotherapy uses neural mobilization techniques to reduce nerve sensitivity and tension, targeted exercises to restore strength, and postural retraining to prevent recurrence. Together they address both the source of compression and the nerve’s response to it.

Book Pinched Nerve Treatment in Vancouver

Available at all four Physiolab Vancouver locations. Direct billing to most extended health plans. ICBC and WorkSafeBC accepted.

The pain, numbness, or tingling you feel may be far from where the nerve is actually being compressed.

Book a pinched nerve assessment at Physiolab in Vancouver. Chiropractic and physiotherapy targeted at the source. Book today.

Book Now

What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
I have been going to Physiolab for years and have had stellar experiences with the entire team. I've had work from physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. The depth of integrated service here is genuinely impressive.
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Bianca LC
★★★★★
Seven months ago I found myself in need of a physiotherapist. Chris at the Hastings Sunrise location has been excellent in helping me recover my mobility, strength, and confidence in a methodical and well-paced manner.
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Chris Merchant
★★★★★
I've been experiencing ongoing pain in my lower back that radiates down my left leg. I came in barely able to walk without a limp and I now walk completely normally. Thank you Jackson.
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Catherine Lee
★★★★★
Can't say enough good things about Jackson Lam. I'd had chronic pain in my lower back for way too long and after our first few sessions I was pain free for the first time. His easy going nature and broad treatment skills make this the place to go.
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Adam Parent

FAQs

Common questions about pinched nerve treatment, symptoms of nerve compression, and how chiropractic and physiotherapy help in Vancouver.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Symptoms include sharp, burning, or shooting pain along the path of the nerve, numbness and tingling, weakness in the muscles the nerve controls, and in some cases a feeling of the limb falling asleep. Symptoms are often felt far from the site of compression.

Can chiropractic fix a pinched nerve?

Chiropractic can be very effective for pinched nerves caused by joint dysfunction or disc compression. Adjustments restore joint mechanics and create more space for the nerve root, reducing compression and allowing the nerve to heal.

How long does a pinched nerve take to heal?

Mild nerve compression can improve within a few weeks of treatment. Significant nerve irritation may take 6 to 12 weeks or longer to fully resolve. Numbness and tingling often persist longer than pain as the nerve heals.

Can physiotherapy help a pinched nerve?

Yes. Neural mobilization techniques reduce nerve tension and sensitivity. Targeted exercises restore strength and postural retraining reduces the mechanical factors driving the compression.

When is a pinched nerve an emergency?

If you experience sudden severe weakness in a limb, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin area, seek emergency care immediately. These may indicate more serious nerve compromise.

Can massage therapy help a pinched nerve?

Yes. Massage can reduce the muscle tension that compresses peripheral nerves and improve circulation around the affected area. It works well alongside chiropractic and physiotherapy.

Is pinched nerve treatment covered by extended health insurance?

Yes. Physiotherapy and chiropractic for nerve compression are covered under most extended health plans. Physiolab offers direct billing.

Can a pinched nerve cause weakness as well as pain?

Yes. When nerve compression is significant, it can affect the nerve’s ability to transmit motor signals, resulting in weakness in the muscles it supplies. Weakness alongside pain or tingling should always be assessed promptly.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.