A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve is put under too much pressure. The pressure can be from bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage. A compressed nerve cannot function properly. It may result in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Pinched nerves may occur anywhere in the body, but are most common in the neck, back, wrists, and elbows.
Herniated discs, bone spurs, injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, or inflammation can cause a pinched nerve. Many people ignore early signs such as occasional tingling, mild discomfort, or weakness. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause spinal complications. This makes it challenging to perform daily activities. When you recognize the early signs of a pinched nerve, you can seek prompt treatment.
An expert spine surgeon will evaluate your condition and suggest the best course of action during your consultation. Proper treatment of a pinched nerve can ease the pain, improve your quality of life, and prevent further complications.
Causes of a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves result from pressure on a nerve, which interrupts normal function. Several factors cause nerve compression. They include:
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Discs are cushions that absorb shock in the spine and allow it to move freely. A bulging or herniated disc can press against nerves. The pressure can cause symptoms like:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
Herniated discs are prevalent in the neck and lower back. In the neck, nerve compression can cause radiating pain. In the lower back, it may cause sciatica and leg pain. Common causes of disc herniation include:
- Natural wear and tear is part of aging. As you age, spinal discs lose flexibility and hydration, which increases the risk of herniation.
- Sudden twisting. Sudden twisting of your body can dislodge a disc or cause damage.
- Repetitive spinal stress from work or sports. Engaging in vigorous physical activity can damage the discs, which, in turn, can compress the spinal nerves.
Back or neck pain accompanied by tingling should prompt medical evaluation. Ignoring the symptoms of a herniated disc can worsen the condition. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause weakness or limited mobility. Treatment for a herniated disc ranges from rest to surgery, depending on the extent of damage. You can lower the risk of developing a herniated disc by:
- Maintaining good posture
- Strengthening your spinal muscles
- Avoiding improper lifting
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are extra growths of bone that develop due to aging or joint degeneration. These growths can form where bones rub against each other. Common locations include the spine, hands, shoulders, knees, and feet. When a bone spur grows near a nerve, it may compress it and cause discomfort or loss of function.
Bone spurs in the spine can narrow the spaces where nerves exit. This may result in neck, back, arm, or leg pain. Bone spurs in the hands or wrists can contribute to nerve compression syndromes. Factors that increase your risk of developing bone spurs include:
- Osteoarthritis or other forms of joint degeneration
- Repeated stress or injury to a joint over time
- Inflammation in the surrounding tissues
You may experience the following symptoms if you have a bone spur:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness in the affected area
Bone spurs develop gradually. If you have bone spurs, your doctor can recommend treatments like:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgical removal of the spurs
You could reduce the risk of developing bone spurs by preventing unnecessary joint stress.
Injury or Trauma
Physical injury or trauma can also cause a pinched nerve. Trauma may cause swelling, bruising, or bone and soft-tissue displacement. Pinched nerves can result from injuries such as:
- When you fall and twist the spine, wrist, or ankle, the injury can cause a pinched nerve.
- Sports injuries. During vigorous sports, you could suffer shoulder dislocations or sprains.
- Car accidents. The back-and-forth motion from an auto accident can strain your neck and cause whiplash. Injury to the neck can compress nerves near the cervical vertebrae.
When inflammation develops after an injury, you may experience irritation in the nerves. The symptoms of a pinched nerve may appear immediately after the injury or develop gradually. The location and extent of the injury can influence the symptoms. Protecting yourself from injuries will help reduce the likelihood of a pinched nerve.
Repetitive Movements
Repeating the same activity can cause nerve irritation. Repetitive strain injury occurs in activities such as work, hobbies, or play. The activities include:
- Typing or using a computer mouse for extended periods
- Lifting, twisting, or bending repetitively
- Playing musical instruments
- Playing sports that require repeated movements
These motions can cause inflammation in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Swelling around nerves increases pressure and can lead to nerve compression. The symptoms of repetitive strain injury can develop gradually, and they include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Weakness in the affected area
Ignoring the signs of repetitive strain injury can result in chronic pain and prolonged nerve damage. Treatment options for this condition can include physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the injury. Additionally, healthcare providers may recommend the following techniques to prevent injuries associated with repetitive motion:
- Taking regular breaks to stretch and rest your muscles
- Using ergonomic setups at work or at home
- Alternating tasks to avoid overuse
Obesity or Inflammation
Excess body weight can increase pressure on the spine and joints. Chronic inflammation in tissues can further aggravate nerves. Weight and inflammation raise the risk of nerve compression, especially in the lower back and legs. Some of the factors that increase your risk of a pinched nerve include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Diets high in inflammatory foods
- Medical conditions that promote inflammation
The symptoms of nerve compression from weight or inflammation may include:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
The discomfort can worsen or move when you stand for long periods. You can avoid a pinched nerve related to weight by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Reducing inflammation with anti-inflammatory foods or medication
- Strengthening your muscles to support the spine and joints
Poor Posture
Poor posture is another common cause of a pinched nerve. When your body is misaligned, the bones can exert unnecessary pressure on nerves and muscles. Poor posture can arise at work, during sleep, or during leisure activities. For example, sitting at your desk for a long time without back support can cause this condition. Nerve compression caused by poor posture can manifest in the following symptoms:
- Neck and back pain
- Shoulder tension
- Numbness in the arms or hands
The symptoms of nerve compression develop gradually. When you fail to address the root cause of the problem, the symptoms can worsen and affect your mobility. You can reduce the risk of a pinched nerve by keeping your spine straight and relaxing your shoulders. When sleeping or resting, you should keep your head properly balanced. Good posture can help relieve pressure on your nerves. Also, it can improve your overall spinal health.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces inside the spine become narrow. The narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. Over time, the pressure can lead to pain and other symptoms. Spinal stenosis often develops slowly and is more common in older adults. A common cause of spinal stenosis is the normal wear and tear of the spine. As discs dry out and joints thicken, the spinal canal may become smaller.
When nerves are compressed, you may feel pain in the neck or lower back. The pain can travel down the arms or legs. Some people notice numbness or tingling, while others feel muscle weakness. Spinal stenosis can affect the neck or the lower back. If you experience symptoms of spinal stenosis, you should seek medical evaluation.
The doctor can diagnose your condition and recommend the correct treatment. Pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery are common treatments that can ease your pain and improve daily functioning.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can cause several noticeable symptoms. They include:
- Sharp or Burning Pain
Pain is the most common sign of a pinched nerve. The pain may feel sharp, stabbing, or burning. Some people describe it as electric, and it travels along the nerve's path. For example, a pinched nerve in the lower back can send pain down the leg. The discomfort may worsen when you move or stand for a long time.
- Tingling Sensation
Tingling feels like “pins and needles.” Sometimes the sensation can spread through the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Tingling happens because the nerve cannot send signals properly. Tingling comes and goes, and it may develop before numbness.
- Numbness
Numbness means you lose feeling in a specific area. The skin may feel dull or less sensitive to touch. You may also not notice temperature changes. Numbness can increase the risk of injury. This is because you may not feel pain immediately after trauma.
- Muscle Weakness
A pinched nerve can affect the muscles nearby. You might feel weaker than usual, and doing simple tasks can be difficult. Muscle weakness can indicate a lack of communication between the nerves and muscles.
- Radiating Pain
The pain from a pinched nerve does not always stay in one place. It can radiate from the source to other parts of the body. For example, compression of the nerves in the neck can cause shoulder and arm pain.
- Increased Sensitivity
Some areas affected by the pinched nerve may be more sensitive to light touch or slight pressure. Also, the skin may feel irritated from rubbing by clothes.
- Muscle Spasms
Irritated nerves can trigger muscle spasms. Muscle spasms happen in the back or neck and can cause limited mobility.
Treatment for a Pinched Nerve
The following treatment options can work for your pinched nerve:
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
A pinched nerve causes sharp pain in the affected area. To ease the pain and manage discomfort, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication. You should always follow the recommended dosage on the label. Taking more than advised can cause stomach, kidney, or liver problems. Medications only provide short-term relief. Therefore, if the pain lasts longer than a few days, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
Corticosteroid Injections
When the pain from a pinched nerve does not improve with basic treatment, your doctor can recommend corticosteroid injections. These injections deliver strong anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the irritated nerve. Doctors recommend them when the pinched nerve is a result of:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Severe nerve root inflammation
Corticosteroid injections are administered on an outpatient basis. A doctor uses imaging guidance to place the needle accurately. This improves the safety and precision of the procedure. The medication reduces swelling and calms the inflamed nerve tissue. As inflammation decreases, symptoms like pain and numbness improve.
Some patients feel better for weeks or even months. However, the effect of corticosteroid injections is temporary. Because repeated steroid use carries risks, doctors limit the frequency of the treatment.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for a pinched nerve. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pressure on the nerve and improve flexibility. A physical therapist begins by assessing your posture, movement, and muscle balance.
Treatment includes exercises that strengthen and stretch targeted muscles. Gentle exercise may reduce stiffness and increase circulation. Your physical therapist can also teach you proper body mechanics. You can learn how to sit, stand, and lift without straining your muscles.
Your physical therapist can schedule multiple therapy sessions depending on the extent of your condition. Most people notice gradual improvement over several weeks. Physical therapy reduces pain and prevents the pinched nerve from returning.
Surgical Treatments for a Pinched Nerve
When all the conservative treatments for a pinched nerve fail, you may need spine surgery. Also, your doctor can recommend this option if you experience severe weakness or nerve damage. The goal of spine surgery is to relieve the pressure on the nerves and restore function. Common surgical treatments for a pinched nerve include:
Discectomy
A discectomy is a procedure that removes part of a herniated disc. When a disc ruptures or bulges, it can press on the nerves. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the disc to reduce pressure and allow the nerve to heal. The rest of the disc remains in place. Some discectomies are done using minimally invasive techniques.
Minimally invasive discectomy involves small incisions above the affected area. For this reason, you can experience faster recovery and a lower risk of complications. Most patients experience significant pain relief after a discectomy. As part of recovery from surgery, your doctor can recommend physical therapy. This helps restore strength and flexibility.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy removes part of the vertebra called the lamina. The lamina forms the back wall of the spinal canal. In conditions like spinal stenosis, this area narrows and compresses nerves. The surgeon creates more space by removing the lamina. A laminectomy reduces pressure inside the spinal canal and gives the nerves room to function normally.
A laminectomy can be done in the back and neck. Sometimes surgeons combine it with other surgeries. Some patients go home the same day after surgery, while others may stay in the hospital briefly. After the procedure, the pain and numbness from a pinched nerve can improve gradually.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae together. Your surgeon may recommend the procedure when instability contributes to nerve compression. Conditions like severe arthritis or degenerative disc disease may require this procedure.
During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged disc and place a bone graft material between the vertebrae. To hold the bones in place, the surgeon places screws or rods. Over time, the bones fuse into a single unit. Fusion prevents abnormal movement, which could irritate the nerves. Recovery from a spinal fusion may take longer than other procedures. This is because the bone needs time to heal.
Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that enlarges the foramen. The foramen is the small opening where nerve roots exit the spine. Bone spurs or thickened ligaments can narrow this space, causing nerve compression. During a foraminotomy, the surgeon removes bone or tissue blocking the opening. This widens the passage and allows the nerve root to move freely.
Foraminotomy is less invasive than spinal fusion. The procedure focuses only on the area causing pressure. Many patients notice improvement in radiating pain, tingling, and numbness after a foraminotomy.
Find Expert Spine Surgery Treatment Near Me
A pinched nerve can disrupt your daily life by causing pain, tingling, and numbness. Over time, the pain can become sharp, persistent, and limiting. Simple tasks like walking, typing, or lifting objects can become difficult when you have a pinched nerve. Conditions like a herniated disc, bone spurs, and trauma can compress the nerve and cause this condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, you should speak with a healthcare professional. Your doctor will use various diagnostic tests to evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Standard treatment options for a pinched nerve include medications, therapy, and surgery. You may be a good candidate for spine surgery if conservative treatment does not work for you.
Surgical procedures like laminectomy, foraminotomy, and spinal fusion aim to relieve the pressure on the nerves and restore function. At LAMIS, we offer safe and effective spine surgical services to our patients in Los Angeles, CA. Call us at 310-734-6088 to schedule an appointment.
