Typical symptoms of a pinched nerve are pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
These symptoms may be felt anywhere in the body that is served by the nerve.
This article explains the symptoms of pinched nerves, what causes them, and how they are diagnosed.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
It also discusses possible complications and treatment options.
Nerves also stimulate certain muscles and organs so they function properly.
Symptoms may be milder or more severe depending on your physical position.
Impaired Physical Functions
Sometimes, a pinched nerve can affect specific body functions.
This is usually associated with pinched nerves of the lower spine.
Its effects can range from mild to severe.
Causes
Your nerves can become pinched when surrounding tissues become inflamed or compressed.
Inflammation causes swelling that can crowd the area around a nerve.
These foramina are located in your vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spine.
The narrow passage of the spinal foramen is a common location for nerve compression.
When a spinal nerve is compressed as it leaves the foramen, the condition is calledradiculopathy.
Nerve passageways throughout your body can also become inflamed, placing pressure on a nerve.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a pinched nerve begins with a careful history and physical exam.
Your physical examination will include assessments of your sensation, reflexes, and motor strength.
Symptom Evaluation
Some nerves are prone to compression due to their location.
This helps your medical team determine whether you have nerve damage and if so, how severe it is.
These tests are mildly uncomfortable, but they usually aren’t painful and only take a few minutes.
For some, needle EMG tests may be more painful than NCS tests.
This helps in directing your treatment plan.
Treatment
Thetreatment of a pinched nerveis focused on reducing symptoms and preventing it from worsening.
If weight gain is the cause of your pinched nerve, losing weight may relieve the symptoms.
(Note: A pregnancy-associated pinched nerve is often relieved after delivery.)
Steroids may be used orally (by mouth) or byinjectionto reduce inflammation around a compressed nerve.
Cervical tractionis a technique in which the head is gently pulled so that stretch the neck.
This is can be done by a physical therapist, either using their hands or a special gadget.
Cervical traction can open up space where the nerves exit the spinal cord.
Splinting
Splints may be used to reduce motion and decrease inflammation around the nerve.
This can be an especially effective treatment for ulnar nerve compression.
A TENS unit is a small gadget with electrodes that apply mild electrical impulses to the painful area.
These therapies are used primarily to reduce pain.
They do not appear to have a significant role in reducing nerve compression on their own.
Summary
A pinched nerve can be painful, but usually temporary.
Symptoms includetingling, numbness, and weakness.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for reducing the risk of permanent damage.
Treatment can include physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications.
AdventHealth Medical Group.Cauda equina syndrome.
AAOS OrthoInfo.Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve).
2019 Jun 10. pii: pnz127.
2019 Jun 1;20(1):265. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2639-4
