A pinched nerve can result from injury or damage to a nerve. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body.
Anytime there is pressure against a nerve, it can result into what is known as a pinched nerve.
The spine consists of twenty four vertebrae with shock absorbing discs in between each one. These soft gel like discs provide a cushion between each vertabrae to prevent two vertabrae from touching each other.
Nerve and nerve roots surround the spinal canal. Muscle and tendons surround the nerves in order to protect them from being damaged.
When the disc between the vertebrae is damaged or ruptured, it can be the cause of a pinched nerve. This is because when the disc is ruptured, it presses on nerves and adds more pressure. The area of the body that is affected all depends on the location of the ruptured disc.
Pinched Nerve Symptoms
Pinched nerve symptoms are commonly in the part of the body that is affected. Pinched nerve symptoms include:
- A sharpness or burning pain that seems to be radiating outwards
- A decreased sensation or numbness in the nerve area
- Weakness in the muscle
- The pins and needle sensation or feeling of your hand or foot falling asleep
Pinched Nerve Diagnosis
When a doctor is diagnosing a pinched nerve, they will ask you about your pinched nerve symptoms and go over your experience with the pain. He may ask you when you began experiencing pain, or if you have begain a new sport or exercise activity. He will also ask you if you have suffered from any injuries recently or if you have had injuries in the past. You will likely need to describe the areas of the pain and what you are doing when the pinched nerve pain intensifies.
The doctor will also examine your neck movements and see if it is functioning as it should be. You will need to bend your neck and roll your head in various directions.
If your doctor has concluded that your pinched nerve symptoms are consistent when that of a pinched nerve, he may recommend surgery depending on the severity of the pinched nerve. Prior to this however, there well be less drastic treatment methods carried out. Surgery will only be carried out if there is no relief from other treatment methods.
The most recommended treatment option for a pinched nerve is to simply rest the area that is affected. This will include stopping any physical activity that may be aggrevating the pinched nerve.
You may require a splint or brace that will keep you from using the affected area depending on where your pinched nerve is located. For example, if your pinched nerve symptoms are coming from your arm or wrist, you may need to wear a splint during the day as well as during sleep.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be a good option for treating your pinched nerve because this will help releive pressure on the nerve by strengthening the surrounding muscle tissue. You physical therapist will reccommend that you stop all activities that may be aggravating the pinched nerve.
Medications
Medications like ibuprofen, motrin, etc. may also be recommended because they can help releive the pain and inflammation around the pinched nerve. If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe you with a stronger anti-inflammitory.
Another treatment option for a pinched nerve is Corticosteriod injections into the affected area. This can really help relieve the pain.
Surgery
If your pinched nerve symptoms do not improve after a few months of consistent treatments, surgury may be required to take the pressure off of the nerve. This may include removing bone spurs in the herniated spinal disc, or even cutting a ligament in your wrist to allow more room for the nerve to pass through.