5 Signs You Might Have a Pinched Nerve and What to Do About It

If you’re experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness in your arm or leg, you may have a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve can be very painful and can interfere with your daily life. In this blog post, we will discuss the five most common signs of a pinched nerve and what you can do about it. We will also talk about the treatment options available to you if you are suffering from a pinched nerve.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve is a condition that occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as posture, muscle strain, or injury. A pinched nerve can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

Pinched nerves are common; every year about 85 out of 100,000 adults in the United States are affected by pinched nerves. People of any age can experience pinched nerves, but those aged 50 and older are most likely to have them, due to arthritis and degeneration in the spine and other parts of the body.

Causes

Mayo Clinic explains that a pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues.

In some cases, this tissue might be bone or cartilage, such as in the case of a herniated spinal disk that compresses a nerve root. However, other times, muscle or tendons may cause the condition.

In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a variety of tissues may be responsible for compression of the carpal tunnel’s median nerve, including swollen tendon sheaths within the tunnel, enlarged bone that narrows the tunnel, or a thickened and degenerative ligament.

Conditions

A number of conditions may cause tissue to compress a nerve or nerves, including:

• Injury
• Rheumatoid or wrist arthritis
• Stress from repetitive work
• Hobbies or sports activities
• Obesity

If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there’s usually no permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.

Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

There are a few different signs and symptoms that can indicate you have a pinched nerve. These include:

• Pain: You may feel a sharp or dull pain in the affected area. This pain may be constant or it may come and go.
• Tingling: You may feel a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in the affected area.
• Numbness: You may feel a loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Weakness: You may feel weak or unable to move the affected body part.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a pinched nerve, our team will ask about your medical history and symptoms. We will also do a physical examination. During the physical examination, Dr. Bart Atencio or another member of our team may check your muscle strength and reflexes. We may also check your range of motion.

In some cases, we may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or X-ray, to get a better look at the structures in your body that might be causing the pinched nerve.

Treatment

If treated properly and at an early stage, most pinched nerves are relatively easy to resolve if they are caused by a simple misalignment or sprain. Our team in the Austin area will provide treatments that include:

• Chiropractic alignment if your issues are related to a spinal curve or spinal dysfunction
• Massage therapy to relieve swelling and release the pressure irritating the nerve
• Changes to your routine to eliminate repetitive movements and strain
• Stress reduction techniques
• Pain control through massage and stretching to help you avoid medications or surgery

Risks

This kind of compression can interfere with the function of a major nerve root. A badly pinched nerve may require treatment within a few days or you could develop complications like:

• Swelling of the nerve and surrounding tissue due to fluid build up
• Worsening pain and other symptoms
• Permanent pain due to scarring and damage
• Numbness that can’t be completely eliminated
• Impaired muscle function

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you believe you’re experiencing a pinched nerve, the first step is to schedule an appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. We will perform a thorough examination and review your medical history in order to develop a customized treatment plan that’s right for you. Don’t suffer from a pinched nerve any longer, contact us today!