What's actually happening with a pinched nerve
A pinched nerve happens when surrounding tissue — bone, disc, muscle, or cartilage — puts pressure on a nerve, disrupting its normal function.
It can happen almost anywhere: the neck, low back, wrist, or elbow are common spots. The sharp, burning, or electric sensation you feel is often further from the actual compression than you'd expect, which is why chasing the sensation itself rarely works — we trace it back to where the pressure is actually happening.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Sharp, burning, or "electric" pain in a specific spot
- Numbness or tingling that follows a clear path down an arm or leg
- Weakness in the muscles the nerve controls
- Symptoms that change with position — better or worse depending on how you're sitting or sleeping
- A sensation that comes and goes rather than staying constant
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: We trace the nerve's path to find exactly where it's being compressed, not just where the sensation shows up.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to reduce the pressure and calm the irritation around the nerve.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Rehab and strength work to correct the postural or mechanical pattern that let the compression happen.
Transformation
Live without limits: The sharp, radiating pain stays gone because the compression that caused it isn't building back up.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Pinched nerve, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
What's the difference between a pinched nerve and sciatica?
Sciatica is actually a specific type of pinched nerve — compression of the sciatic nerve in the low back that radiates down the leg. "Pinched nerve" is the broader term and can happen at the neck, low back, or anywhere a nerve passes through tight or restricted tissue.
How do you find where the nerve is actually compressed?
A hands-on exam that traces the sensation back along the nerve's path, combined with testing strength, reflexes, and range of motion at each likely spot.
Can a pinched nerve get better without surgery?
In most cases, yes — reducing the mechanical pressure and correcting the pattern that caused it resolves the large majority of pinched nerves without surgical intervention.
When should I be concerned about a pinched nerve?
Significant or progressive weakness, or numbness that's spreading, are signs to get assessed promptly — we'll refer you out if anything needs imaging or a specialist.