Can a Chiropractor Help With Nerve Pain?

While some forms of nerve pain can be relatively harmless—like the quick jolt of hitting your funny bone or the fleeting “pins and needles” in your foot—other types can be incredibly uncomfortable and even debilitating. Chronic nerve discomfort can interfere with everything from getting a good night’s sleep to performing the simplest everyday tasks.
But can a chiropractor help with nerve pain?
In the sections ahead, we’ll explore how chiropractic care may offer relief from nerve pain, the benefits of chiropractic care, the types of nerve-related issues chiropractors often see, and what to expect during treatment.
Whether you’re dealing with mild irritation or more persistent aches and tingles, it’s worth understanding how a holistic approach can play a role in managing—or even alleviating—nerve pain.
What Is Nerve Pain?
Ever had that strange tingling, burning, or numb feeling that just won’t go away? That’s nerve pain (also called neuropathic pain)—basically, any discomfort tied to an issue with your nervous system.
Sometimes it’s a quick, annoying jolt; other times it can be a more serious, long-term problem. It all depends on what’s causing the nerve to misfire, whether it’s a misaligned joint, ongoing inflammation, or even a bigger condition affecting the peripheral nerves (the ones that branch out from your spinal cord to the rest of your body).
Below are some of the most common types of nerve pain you might come across:
- Neuropathy – Catch-all term for nerve damage, like diabetic neuropathy.
- Sciatica – Radiating pain down one (or both) legs, often from the lower back.
- Pinched Nerves – When a nerve gets “trapped” by bones or soft tissue (check out our pinched nerve blog post if you suspect this).
- Peripheral Nerve Issues – Problems with nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (think hands, feet, and everything in between).
- Inflammatory Neuropathies – Conditions where the body’s immune system or inflammation attacks the nerves.
Because there’s no single “one-size-fits-all” reason for nerve pain, figuring out the root cause is key to getting real relief. And that’s where chiropractic care can step in, offering a way to address potential triggers—like compression from a misaligned joint—while giving your nervous system the support it needs to function at its best.
We Offer Same-Day Appointments
Chiropractic Care & The Nervous System
Think of your nervous system like the body’s master communication network. It starts with the central nervous system (CNS)—your brain and spinal cord—and connects to the peripheral nerves that branch throughout your body. These nerves carry signals back and forth, handling everything from voluntary movement (wiggling your toes) to involuntary processes (keeping your heart beating at a steady clip).
When your joints slip out of alignment, it can put pressure on nearby nerves or cause inflammation. This is called “nervous system interference”—basically, the signals between your brain and body aren’t flowing as smoothly as they should.
That’s where chiropractic adjustments come in: by gently realigning these joints, chiropractors help relieve tension on the nerves, restoring the normal flow of information.
But it’s not just about fixing an achy back. Proper alignment can have benefits that extend beyond the musculoskeletal system. Research even hints that chiropractic care might influence the autonomic and parasympathetic nervous systems (those that handle stress response and relaxation), potentially helping with issues like mood or fatigue. One study found a link between chiropractic adjustments and improved depressive symptoms—possibly because better nerve function means your body can balance itself more effectively.
So while most people think about chiropractic care for their back or neck pain, there’s a growing appreciation for how these adjustments might help the body operate at its best—physically as well as emotionally.
Benefits of Chiropractic for Nerve Pain
Chiropractic care doesn’t just address the symptoms of nerve pain; it often tackles the source.
Here are some of the benefits of seeking chiropractic care for your nerve pain:
- Pain Relief (Without Heavy Meds): Rather than just masking discomfort, chiropractic adjustments aim to resolve underlying issues (such as misalignment or nerve compression), potentially cutting down on the need for pills or prescriptions.
- Better Range of Motion: When your spine and joints are properly aligned, it’s easier to bend, twist, and reach without that nagging stiffness or pinching pain.
- Less Inflammation: Chronic inflammation around irritated nerves can prolong or intensify your discomfort. Chiropractic treatments may help reduce swelling, which in turn eases nerve irritation.
- Enhanced Daily Function: Whether you’re walking the dog or carrying groceries, healthy nerve communication can make everyday tasks feel more comfortable—and boost your overall sense of well-being.
Chiropractic care focuses on releasing tension and restoring alignment, helping you address nerve pain at its source. If you’re looking for a more natural approach—one that supports your body’s ability to heal itself—chiropractic could be a key piece of the puzzle.
Take Back Your Life!
Chiropractic care offers a targeted approach to nerve pain by addressing the root causes—like misalignment or excess pressure on the nerves—rather than just masking the symptoms. By improving spinal alignment, releasing tension, and supporting overall nervous system health, you stand a better chance of finding lasting relief.
At Oviedo Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive view of nerve pain. Your care plan might include a combination of spinal adjustments, medical massage, e-stim treatments, and flexion-distraction therapy.
Whether you’re dealing with mild tingling or more persistent discomfort, our team is here to evaluate your needs and design a personalized treatment plan. Call us today or book online to learn how we can help you find relief from nerve pain.
We look forward to helping you feel your best—so you can get back to living life on your terms.