What is Pinched Nerve?
- Occurs when there is pressure on a nerve
- Pressure can be caused by being pressed between bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons
- Can occur in several sites throughout the body
Your body contains a network of nerves. They extend from your brain to your arms and legs, sending messages to muscles and skin. Peripheral nerves attach from your spine to your extremities. Pinched nerves occur as an outcome of frequent movements of the same nature, and can cause neck pain and low back pain. When they are pressed (pinched) they may cause pain that spreads from the origin into the shoulder and arm (cervical radiculopathy). The pain may also spread to the leg and foot (sciatic nerve pain).
Our Treatment Approach
Our back and spine specialists are experts in a variety of treatment options. Once your physician has an accurate diagnosis, an effective treatment plan will be created. Preferred treatment depends on what kind of pain you are experiencing, acute or chronic. Acute pain generally can be relieved with conservative treatment such as over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cold packs, stretching and correct posture. Chronic back pain may or may not require surgery. Non-surgical treatments include hot or cold packs, exercise, prescription or over-the-counter medications, injections and complementary approaches such as acupuncture. If you have a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral fractures or degenerative disk disease, surgery may be the best option. Because our focus is on minimally invasive approaches, recovery times are generally quicker and patients often experience pain relief sooner rather than later.
Cause
A pinched nerve can be caused by:
- Herniated disk
- Bone spurs
- Spinal arthritis
- Other injury or disease that would cause pressure on a nerve by surrounding tissue
Symptoms
- A pinched nerve in the low back generally results in radiating pain in the area of the pressed nerve, which can include the neck or low back.
- A shooting pain down the arm or leg may also be experienced, often accompanied by muscle spasms, will create significant neck or back pain.
- Pinched nerves can also create numbness and weakness in the arm or leg without causing pain.
- Other symptoms include tingling, burning or “pins and needles”, a feeling of and a hot/cold sensation.