Arm and leg pain often doesn’t start in the arm or leg itself—it commonly originates in the spine. This type of pain is called radiculopathy, which occurs when a spinal nerve is irritated or compressed as it exits the spine. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae and then travel through nerve networks called plexuses to supply sensation and muscle control to the arms and legs.
Understanding the Anatomy: Nerves and Plexuses
- Cervical spine (neck): Nerves from the neck form the brachial plexus, which supplies the shoulders, arms, and hands. Compression here can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
- Lumbar spine (low back): Nerves from the lower back contribute to the lumbar and lumbosacral plexuses, which supply the hips, legs, and feet. Irritation in this region can lead to sciatica, hip pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the leg or into the foot.
Common causes of nerve irritation include joint restriction, disc bulges or herniations, inflammation, muscle tightness, postural strain, or repetitive stress that narrows the space where nerves travel.
How Chiropractic Addresses These Issues
Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal motion, reducing mechanical stress on nerves, and restoring healthier movement patterns. Through targeted spinal adjustments, chiropractors work to improve joint alignment and mobility, which can reduce pressure and irritation on affected nerves. Soft tissue techniques help relax tight muscles that may be pulling on the spine or compressing nerve pathways, while movement guidance and exercises support long-term stability and healing.
By addressing the source of nerve irritation—rather than just the symptoms in the arm or leg—chiropractic care aims to decrease pain, improve sensation, restore strength, and prevent recurring flare-ups. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, based on exam findings, symptom patterns, and how the condition affects daily activities