Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
Symptoms of a pinched nerve can be difficult to diagnose, but knowing the cause of the pain can help you get relief. There are many ways to diagnose a pinched nerve, including a physical exam and MRIs. There are also treatments and prevention methods that can help you keep the pain at bay.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include pain in the neck, arm, or lower back, along with tingling, numbness, and weakness. While these symptoms can be a sign of a serious condition, they can also be a temporary occurrence. In some cases, the numbness and tingling are caused by inflammation, which can be treated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pinched nerves can be caused by a variety of factors, including the misalignment of the spine, rheumatoid arthritis, or a herniated disc. These conditions can cause a buildup of inflammation, which can in turn cause compression of the nerve.
The best way to treat a pinched nerve is to rest. You can also apply cold and heat to the affected area. These methods will help reduce swelling and accelerate healing. A soft cervical collar will also help immobilize the affected area.
If the symptoms of a pinched nerve are severe, you should see a doctor. In some cases, surgery might be needed. In other cases, medications or physical therapy can treat the symptoms.
A physical exam will be performed to determine whether the nerve is causing the symptoms. Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your lifestyle and habits. They may also order an X-ray to identify the affected area. They will also perform a test called a nerve conduction test. This test will show whether the nerve is functioning properly.
You can also try stretches to relieve the symptoms of a pinched nerve. These exercises will help strengthen the muscles in your neck and reduce pressure on the nerve. You should also avoid bending your neck too far forward for too long. This could lead to more aches and pains.
Another good idea is to try a chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor will be able to remove the pressure on the nerve and restore proper function to the affected joints. This can prevent future problems and discomfort.
In addition to rest, there are over-the-counter medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of a pinched nerve. You can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. You can also opt for the prescription steroid medication to help reduce inflammation.
Diagnosis
During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will look at your movements to determine if you have a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve is caused when the nerve gets irritated and cannot transmit the signal properly. The resulting symptoms include numbness, pain, or paresthesia. The doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.
When your pinched nerve is more serious, your health care provider will perform diagnostic tests to determine the root cause. These tests include x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and EMG tests. These tests can identify a pinched nerve and the exact site of the lesion. Depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove material pressing on the nerve.
There are two types of nerves: spinal nerves and peripheral nerves. The spine contains many bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of the bones. The nerves go from the spinal cord to the skin, muscles, and other parts of the body.
The first signs of a pinched nerve can include a sharp, piercing pain down the leg or arm. You may also feel a prickling, tingling sensation. In more severe cases, the pinched nerve can cause complete loss of muscle function. If you have symptoms on both sides of your body, you could be experiencing a more serious problem.
Pinched nerves can occur in the shoulder, neck, hip, or lower back. Usually, these areas will respond to conservative treatments. You can also try postural training and a physical therapy regimen. You should also avoid repetitive motions.
When your symptoms have not responded to these methods, you will be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. Often, you will need to take blood tests to check your thyroid level.
Your doctor may also order a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid can be sent to a lab for analysis. If the fluid has a high level of inflammation, you may be diagnosed with an infection.
Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid injection to kill the pain. You can also try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain.
Treatment options
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for pinched nerves. These range from rest and restorative activities to surgery and medication. The best treatment plan depends on the individual’s symptoms, as well as the condition’s severity. If you’re looking for the right treatment for your pinched nerve, contact your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
The most obvious treatment for a pinched nerve is rest. Many physicians will recommend a regimen of rest and exercise, which can lead to significant improvement. However, if the pain is still present after a few days of rest, you may want to see a doctor.
If you’re dealing with a more serious case of pinched nerves, you may need to undergo more extensive testing to determine the exact cause of your pain. Imaging tests can help show how your spine is positioned and what damage has been done to your nerves.
Physical therapy may also be considered if your doctor believes it will improve your condition. A physical therapist can design exercises for your specific situation. These exercises can help strengthen muscles that surround the affected area, as well as open spaces where nerves can exit the body.
If your symptoms persist, your doctor may suggest a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. This type of test produces a high-resolution image of your spine. X-rays can also provide similar results, though they do not have as much detail.
Aside from rest, you can also use a splint to limit your motion. You can even take naproxen sodium to help reduce your pain.
In some cases, your doctor will prescribe a stronger form of the above-mentioned drug. A steroid injection can also relieve the inflammation in your nerve. These medications are often used in conjunction with physical therapy, which can help to regain the normal functioning of your nerves.
Acupuncture can also help to relieve pressure on a pinched nerve. Acupuncture uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves in the brain, which helps to relieve pain and muscle stiffness. You can also ice your affected areas to ease the sting.
Prevention
Whether you’ve been hit by a car or fell while playing tennis, pinched nerves can cause pain and swelling. These problems can interfere with your daily activities and affect the quality of your life. The good news is that you can prevent these painful conditions from affecting you.
The best way to avoid a pinched nerve is to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Also, be sure to eat a healthy, nutritious diet and get plenty of sleep.
You may need to undergo imaging tests to find out why you’re experiencing pain. These tests can show whether you have damage to the spinal cord or nerves.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you take corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve your symptoms. You can also do light exercises to help alleviate the pain.
You may also need to undergo surgery to repair damaged vertebrae. A procedure called anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion is one option. This involves cutting out a part of the disk that is pressing on the nerve root. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also need to fuse the vertebrae together.
In some cases, you may need to wear braces to keep your pinched nerve from causing further damage. You should only wear a brace during the day.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try to keep your head up and your shoulders back. You should also take frequent breaks during the day. If you must lie down, place a pillow between your flexed legs. This will allow your body to relax and heal.
Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help you reduce the pain. These types of treatments can include yoga, Pilates, and core-based exercise routines.
In addition to undergoing treatment, you can help your nerve heal on its own by resting the affected area. A pinched nerve may be caused by improper posture or lifting heavy objects. To prevent these issues, make your desk and workspace ergonomically correct.
You can also stretch your neck and back to release pressure on your nerve. You can also use ice packs and heat packs to help ease your pain.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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