PINCHED NERVES

Are you wondering if the pain or tingling you are feeling in your body is from a pinched nerve?

Let us show you the best ways to relieve pain and other unpleasant symptoms in your:
  • Neck
  • Arms
  • Lower Back
  • Legs
Find the relief you need from pinched nerves.

WHAT IS CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY (PINCHED NERVE)?

We understand that having painful sensations shooting through your body can be worrisome. Let us shine some light on this condition to better inform you and to lessen any fears you might be having.

Your body is made up of numerous nerves that serve to transmit impulses to the brain and spinal cord. These messages then get relayed to the muscles and organs to produce the proper function as it responds to the body’s needs.

A misalignment or the narrowing of the body structure can create a nerve compression (pressure on the nerve or nerves), which will inhibit the proper functioning of the nerves.

A pinched nerve or cervical radiculopathy happens when too much pressure is applied on a nerve by surrounding tissues like bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles or tendons. The compressed nerve pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Pinched nerves are also related to carpal tunnel syndrome and can cause muscle weakness and weakness in the soft tissues.

To relieve pain from a pinched nerve, most people resort to physical therapy, especially if the pain deals with the spinal cord.If you experience neck pain, we will provide a pain management and treatment plan that will penetrate the nerve roots, relieve symptoms, and ease the radiating pain.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?
  • Pins and needles, or a tingling sensation
  • Shooting or sharp pain
  • A burning feeling
  • Numbness
If you answered yes to any of these, then you may be experiencing the symptoms of a pinched nerve.

WHAT CAUSES A PINCHED NERVE?

As discussed, a pinched nerve is the result of pressure being applied to a nerve. So, what causes the pressure?
  • Arthritis and inflammation of facet joints can restrict the pathway of the nerves
  • Bone spurs, which are the tiny off-shoots of a bone, can protrude into a nerve
  • Overuse from repetitive motions can lead to carpal tunnel (a pinched nerve in the wrist), pain in the neck, in the lower back and radiating down your leg, or other areas
In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a variety of tissues may be responsible for compression of the carpal tunnel’s median nerve, including swollen tendon sheaths, enlarged bones that narrow the tunnel, or degenerated and thickened ligament. The pressure on the nerve roots is usually caused by the surrounding tissues.

If a nerve is pinched only for a short time, there is usually no permanent damage. As soon as the pressure is relieved, nerve function goes back to normal. However, if the pressure goes on, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage may happen.

RISK FACTORS

There are some factors that increase your risk of experiencing a pinched nerve
  • Sex. Women are more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome because they have small carpal tunnels.
  • Bone Spurs. This refers to a condition or trauma that causes bone thickening. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs. Bone spurs can make your spine stiff and also narrow the space where your nerves travel thus pinching nerves.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease. It causes swelling, inflammation, and pain in and around the joints and can affect other body organs.
  • Thyroid disease. People who have thyroid disease have a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of pinched nerves.
  • Excessive physical activities. Jobs that entail hard repetitive work tend to overuse nerves and risk higher chances of nerve compression.
  • Obesity. Excess weight can increase your chances of a compressed and pinched nerve.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to gain more weight and water which can lead to swelling of nerves.
  • Prolonged bed rest. Long periods of resting can increase the chances of pinched spinal nerve roots. Make sure to stay as active as you can.

PREVENTION

The following measures may help you prevent a pinched nerve:
  • Maintain good posture — don’t cross your legs or lie in any one position for long periods.
  • Incorporate strength and flexibility exercises into your regular exercise program.
  • Limit repetitive activities and take frequent breaks when engaging in these activities.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

COMMON AREAS AFFECTED BY A PINCHED NERVE

You have many nerves running throughout your body. That means you are susceptible to feeling symptoms of a pinched nerve at many sites related to the area of the nerve compression.

At VISP, we specialize in treatment options for pinched nerves that stem from the back. Nerve damage can occur when the spinal cord is out of alignment with a slipped, bulging, or herniated disc. The spinal column can also become narrowed due to inflammation caused by arthritis.

Pressure on the spinal nerve root can occur in the following areas causing specific symptoms:
  • A pinched nerve in the Cervical Spine can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and/or arms.
  • A pinched nerve in the Thoracic Spine can cause pain in the middle of the back, chest, or abdomen.
  • A pinched nerve in the Lumbar Spine may cause severe pain in the lower back and legs. Shooting pain down your leg is also known as sciatica.
  • A pinched nerve in the Thoracic Spine may affect the intercostal nerves as well, and this can cause discomfort in the ribs.
If you feel like you have tried every pain-relieving method, including OTC pain meds, or physical therapy, consult your trusted vein and nerve specialist.

Source: vispdocs.com