A pinching nerve usually occurs when the surrounding tissues, such as tendons, cartilage, bones, or muscles, apply excessive pressure to a nerve. This too much pressure can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain, especially in the upper middle back (thoracic radiculopathy), neck (cervical radiculopathy), or lower back (lumbar radiculopathy). In most cases, pinched nerves are caused by a herniated disk that may be out of place between vertebrae in the lower spinal cord and putting pressure on the spinal nerve root. This may cause pain to radiate down to the back of the leg. In this article, we will look at the possible treatments for Roswell pinched nerve.

What Are the Symptoms of Pinched Nerves?

The symptoms related to a pinched nerve tend to be worse when sleeping. The following are some of the common symptoms of pinched nerves:

•       Muscle weakness in the affected area
•       A sensation that your foot or hand has fallen asleep
•       Tingling sensation
•       Dull or a sharp ache
•       Wrist arthritis or rheumatoid
•       Injury
•       Numbness or decreased sensation in the region supplied by the nerve

If the nerve is pinched for a short period, the damage is usually temporary, and once the pressure is relieved, your nerve function becomes normal.

What Are the Risk Factors of Pinched Nerves?

Below are some of the common factors that may increase your risk of experiencing a pinched nerve:

• Rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation caused by this condition can exert more pressure on the nerves, especially in your joints.
• Bone spurs. Trauma or osteoarthritis that causes bone thickening can lead to bone spurs.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to experience pinched nerves.
• Sex. Women are at a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome due to having smaller carpal tunnels than men.
• Pregnancy. Weight gain linked with pregnancy can lead to the swelling of nerve pathways, causing compression.
• Thyroid disease. People diagnosed with thyroid disease are at an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Obesity. Excess weight can lead to nerve compression.
• Prolonged bed rest. Extended periods of lying down can lead to nerve compression.
• Overuse. Hobbies or jobs involving the repetitive wrist, shoulder, or hand movements can lead to nerve compression.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

If your pinched nerve problem is not responding to conservative treatment at home, it would be best if you consult your healthcare provider. To locate the source of your compressed nerve, you may be asked to undergo any of the following procedures:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is used to show if the damage to the soft tissues is causing nerve compression.
• Electromyography (EMG). This helps check the electrical impulses of your muscles, along with nerve conduction, to help determine if your nerve is working normally.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This test is used to show 3D images and more details of the spinal cord.
• X-ray. This is used to show the changing alignment and narrowing of the spinal cord and fractures.

How is a pinched nerve treated?

Non-surgical medical management is the first recommended form of treatment for compressed nerves. This includes:

• Splints and cervical collars. You may be advised to wear a soft neck collar or hand splint to limit your motion as you recover.
• Ice and heat. Apply ice and heat to the affected area for temporary relief.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help treat compressed nerves.

At Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, we provide safe and effective spine care treatment for various spine conditions such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Get started today and schedule an appointment or call our offices today.