A pinched nerve is a condition that develops when excess pressure is exerted on a nerve adjacent to the tissues like bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This can result in intense pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. A pinched nerve can occur in many regions throughout the body including a herniated disk in the lower spine may exert pressure on a nerve root. This can result in pain that radiates down the back of the leg.
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With good rest and other conventional treatments, most patients recover from a pinched nerve within a few days or weeks. In a few cases, surgery is required to ease pain from a pinched nerve.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

  • Numbness or reduced sensation in the region supplied by the nerve
  • Piercing, aching or burning pain, that radiates outward
  • Tingling, pins and needles sensations
  • Muscle weakness
  • Usually, problems associated with a pinched nerve may aggravate while sleeping

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Causes

A pinched nerve develops when excess pressure is exerted on a nerve adjacent to the tissues. In a few cases, the tissue may be bone or cartilage that compresses a nerve root as in a herniated spinal disc. Muscles or tendons may also cause the condition.

In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome compression of the tissues may be caused by swollen tendon sheaths within the tunnel, enlarged bone that narrows the tunnel, and degenerated ligament.

Also Read: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Other conditions that may cause tissue to compress nerves include:

  • Injury
  • Rheumatoid
  • Stress from tedious work
  • Sports activities
  • Obesity

If a nerve is pinched for a short period, there’s generally no permanent damage. As the pressure is relieved, nerve functions return to normal. But if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent pain nerve damage can happen.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of experiencing a pinched nerve include:

Women are more prone to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, mainly due to smaller carpal tunnels.

Bone Spurs: Trauma or any condition that causes bone thickening like osteoarthritis can result in bone spurs, that can stiffen the spine as well as narrow space where nerves travel, pinching nerves.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can compress nerves, mainly in the joints.

Thyroid disease: Thyroid disease increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Also Read:  Tingling In Hands And Feet: Know the Underlying Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Other Risk Factors Include:

Diabetes patients are at higher risk of nerve compression.

Works or hobbies that require repetitive hand, wrist or shoulder movements, can increase the chance of a pinched nerve.

Being overweight can add pressure to nerves.

Water and weight gain linked to pregnancy can swell nerve pathways, compressing the nerves.

Long periods of lying in the bed can increase the risk of nerve compression.

Diagnosis

The healthcare provider will evaluate the patient’s symptoms and conduct a complete physical examination. If the doctor suspects a pinched nerve, then he may suggest a few tests, that include:

Blood Works: To measure fasting blood glucose or thyroid levels

Spinal Tap: A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the region surrounding the spinal cord is collected and analysed in the lab for any signs of inflammation or infection.

X-rays of the bones are taken to determine any narrowing or damage that causes a pinched nerve.

Nerve conduction studies measure the electrical impulses in the nerves to find out any damaged nerves.

Electromyography (EMG) monitors the electrical activity of muscles when they contract and at rest.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strong magnetic field is used to get a detailed picture of the body in several planes.

High-resolution ultrasound is useful for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment

The most common treatment recommended by doctors is giving rest to the affected region. Also, the patient would be asked to stop activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Based on the region affected, the healthcare provider may suggest a splint, collar or brace to help immobilize the region. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, then the doctor may suggest wearing a splint during the day as well as at night as the wrists flex and extend constantly during sleep. Other treatments include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Medications
  • Surgery

Prevention

Following some of the simple and effective measures may help you avert a pinched nerve:

  • Keep good positioning — don't cross your legs or lie in any one position for an extended period
  • Start doing strength and flexibility exercises regularly
  • Restrict repetitive activities and take frequent breaks, while doing these activities
  • Maintain a healthy weight