Causes And Treatments For Pinched Nerves

The tingling sensations or sharp pain in your foot or hand may be due to a pinched nerve. Though most pinched nerves resolve with home remedies, others may cause chronic discomfort if not treated. You may find relief at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery if you are struggling with Roswell pinched nerve symptoms.

When to consult your doctor

A pinched nerve occurs when the ligaments, cartilage, or bones surrounding a nerve exert too much pressure on it, causing numbness, pain, weakness, or tingling sensations. In most cases, pinched nerves are due to a herniated disc protruding out between the vertebrae in your spinal cord and compressing the nerves. You may experience pinched nerves on several parts of your body, including your wrist, hand, and elbow.

A pinched nerve can be excruciating, but it often resolves with physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, and adequate rest. Other symptoms of pinched nerves include frequently feeling that your hand or foot has fallen asleep and aching or sharp that radiates outward. These symptoms may worsen when you are sleeping, lowering your sleep quality. Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies.

Factors contributing to pinched nerves

Several medical disorders can result in pinched nerves, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Repetitive work and injuries are the most prevalent causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have this disorder, the sheaths in which your hand nerves pass through may compress major nerves, become inflamed and limit motion in your wrist. The symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include pain that radiates up your arm, clumsiness or weakness in your hand, and tingling sensations. Easy tasks such as buttoning your shirt may become difficult with the disorder. When detected early, your provider may recommend noninvasive approaches like splints, but they may deteriorate over time, requiring surgery.

• Herniated disc

The discs are the small cushions that separate the vertebrae in your spine. When the jelly-like nucleus inside your disc protrudes out, it is known as a herniated or slipped disc. This disorder can compress the surrounding nerves, resulting in weakness, tingling, and numbness. If not treated, a herniated disc can limit mobility in your spine.

• Bone spurs

Bone spurs can occur on any bone but are more prevalent in the joints. This malformation can lead to pinched nerves and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated.

Treatment options for pinched nerves

During your initial appointment, the team may discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. They may also use X-rays, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography to obtain accurate results. Your treatment plan will rely on the underlying cause of your pinched nerves. The Apex Spine and Neurosurgery physical may take a conservative approach to relieve your symptoms before advancing to more aggressive techniques. Your treatment plan may include injections, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modification, and splinting or bracing. If these approaches fail, your doctor may suggest surgical procedures like disc replacement, spinal fusion, spinal decompression, or microdiscectomy. The team uses minimally invasive techniques that will provide the best possible results.

For comprehensive care of your pinched nerve, call the Apex Spine and Neurosurgery office or schedule an appointment online.