Headaches & Nerve Pain
Double-Crush Syndrome
The idea that a nerve compressed at two points along its path may become symptomatic sooner.
Also called: Dual nerve compression.
Double crush describes a situation where a nerve is irritated at more than one point along its course — for example, near the neck and again at the wrist or elbow. Neither point alone might be enough to cause symptoms, but together they can.
This concept is used as a way of thinking through a case, not as a diagnosis in itself, and it varies in relevance depending on how many possible compression points a person's history and exam suggest.
Why this matters
It helps explain why addressing only the wrist or only the elbow sometimes gives partial relief, and why looking at the whole pathway from the spine outward is worthwhile even when the symptom is localized to the hand.
People with a known entrapment at one site who also have neck findings are often the ones for whom this idea is most relevant to discuss.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
This is one of the clearest reasons to evaluate the spine and the full nerve pathway when the symptom shows up somewhere further out, like the hand, rather than examining only the area where symptoms are felt.
Sensory, motor, and reflex testing at multiple points along the pathway are used to see whether more than one site appears to be contributing.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Cervicogenic Headache — Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.