01/05/2026
Nerve root impingement
Spinal cord impingement
Possible Symptoms of Cervical (Neck) Nerve Compression
Pain, numbness, or weakness in the hands, face, and head
Issues with vision or hearing
Discomfort in the ears, nose, and throat
Symptoms may be present even when no clear cause is found
Lumbar (Lower Back) Nerve Compression
Affects the lower body, including:
Lower back
Buttocks
Legs
Excretory system (urination, bowel movement)
Reproductive system
Causes of Nerve Compression
Spinal misalignment
Bone overgrowth (bone spurs, spinal stenosis)
Herniated disc
Important Note
The presence of bone spurs or a herniated disc on an MRI does not necessarily mean there is nerve compression.
If the protruding bone spur or disc material does not press on a nerve, the patient may have no symptoms at all.
Due to long-term stress, the human spine naturally undergoes aging and degeneration. Almost everyone develops bone spurs over time, but most people do not experience symptoms. This is because there is space within the spinal canal, and protrusions do not always compress the nerves.
Why Can Spinal Adjustment Relieve Nerve Compression?
There is space within the spinal canal. By creating separation between the vertebrae and reducing pressure, and since the spine has some mobility, even a slight repositioning of a bone spur or disc may relieve pressure on the nerve.
Challenges of Spinal Adjustment
Spinal adjustment itself is not difficult, but the challenge is that there is no “fixed screw” to hold the spine in place.
The spine tends to return to its habitual position due to imbalanced muscle and ligament tension. Even after adjustment, it can easily shift back, leading to renewed nerve compression.
After spinal adjustment, patients should avoid testing their limits or excessively twisting their body, as this may undo the progress.