Nerve Compression

Relief for arm or leg pain, tingling & weakness caused by spinal nerve irritation

What Is Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy)?

Radiculopathy is the medical term for symptoms caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root as it exits the spine. When a nerve is compressed, it can disrupt normal nerve signalling, leading to pain, altered sensation and muscle weakness.

Radiculopathy can occur anywhere along the spine, but most commonly affects:

• Cervical spine (neck) → arm pain, shoulder pain, hand symptoms

• Lumbar spine (lower back) → leg pain, sciatica, foot symptoms

Nerve compression is a mechanical problem, not just inflammation — which is why treatments that reduce spinal pressure are often most effective.

Common Symptoms of Radiculopathy

Symptoms vary depending on which nerve is affected, but may include:

Pain

• Sharp, burning or electric pain

• Pain travelling down an arm or leg

• Pain worsened by sitting, bending or certain movements

Sensory Changes

• Tingling or pins and needles

• Numbness in the arm, hand, leg or foot

• Reduced sensation

Motor Symptoms

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced grip strength

• Difficulty lifting the foot (foot drop in severe cases)

• Loss of endurance

Reflex Changes

• Reduced or absent reflexes (identified during examination)

Symptoms may be constant or intermittent and often worsen with sustained postures such as sitting or driving.

What Causes Nerve Compression?

Disc Herniation

Disc material presses directly on the nerve root.

Bulging Disc

The disc protrudes outward, narrowing nerve space.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc thinning reduces room for nerves.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina.

Facet Joint Arthritis

Joint enlargement reduces nerve exit space.

Spondylolisthesis

Vertebral slippage compresses the nerve.

Postural Compression

Prolonged sitting or poor posture increases nerve load.

How Spinal Decompression May Help Radiculopathy

Spinal decompression therapy addresses the mechanical cause of nerve compression.

What does the research suggest?

Clinical research examining non-surgical spinal decompression has explored its potential role in managing radiculopathy caused by disc-related nerve compression.

Findings from published studies and case reports (including Arumugam et al., Carmona et al., Di Modica et al., and Kasimovich et al.) suggest that spinal decompression may be associated with:

✔ Increased space around nerve roots

Gentle, computer-controlled traction has been shown to temporarily increase intervertebral spacing, which may reduce mechanical pressure on affected nerve roots.

✔ Reduced disc bulge or herniation pressure

Negative intradiscal pressure observed during decompression protocols may assist in reducing disc-related compression in some cases.

✔ Improved disc hydration

Decompression has been reported to facilitate fluid exchange within intervertebral discs, supporting disc health and load distribution.

✔ Improved nerve circulation

By reducing compressive forces, decompression may help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to irritated nerve tissue.

✔ Reduced nerve irritation and inflammation

Lower mechanical stress may allow inflamed or sensitised nerves to settle over time.

Spinal decompression appears most relevant for radiculopathy where disc bulge, disc herniation or degenerative disc changes are contributing factors, rather than symptoms arising purely from muscular tension. Individual outcomes vary, and suitability must be determined through clinical assessment.

Referenced studies include Arumugam et al. (PMRJ), Carmona et al. (Spine Research), Di Modica & Sciarrone (JCDR), and Kasimovich et al.

Your First Visit: What to Expect

1. Detailed Neurological Examination

Your chiropractor will assess:

• muscle strength

• reflexes

• sensation

• nerve tension tests

• posture and movement patterns

2. Imaging Review

MRI or X-rays may be reviewed to confirm the source of nerve compression.

3. Candidacy Screening

Not all nerve compression cases require decompression. We determine whether it is safe and appropriate.

4. Personalised Treatment Plan

May include:

• spinal decompression

• gentle chiropractic adjustments

• nerve mobility exercises

• posture correction

• stabilisation exercises

Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression?

You may be suitable if you have:

• arm or leg pain from nerve compression

• disc-related radiculopathy

• numbness, tingling or weakness

• symptoms worsened by sitting or posture

• MRI-confirmed disc or foraminal narrowing

• symptoms not improving with standard care

You may not be suitable if you have:

• spinal tumours

• fractures

• infection

• severe instability

• advanced osteoporosis

All patients are carefully screened.

How Many Sessions Are Required?

Most radiculopathy programs involve:

• 2–3 sessions per week

• 6–10 weeks of care

Nerve healing is gradual and requires consistent unloading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is radiculopathy the same as sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve.

Can nerve compression heal?

Yes — many cases improve significantly with the right care.

Is decompression painful?

No. It is gentle and comfortable.

How long does nerve healing take?

Nerves heal slowly; improvement often occurs over weeks, not days.

Will I need surgery?

Most people with radiculopathy do not require surgery.

Book a Nerve Compression Assessment

If arm or leg pain, tingling or weakness is affecting your daily life, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for you.

➡️ Book Your 40-Minute Decompression Assessment Today

(Assessment + findings + first session if indicated)