How Pinched Nerves Affect Your Back

Feeling persistent pain in your back? You might be one of the many people who are experiencing discomfort due to pinched nerves. Understanding how pinched nerves cause back pain is an important first step in identifying and managing the issue. By breaking down the connection between pinched nerves and back pain, you can start to determine how best to treat your chronic aches and pains.

What are Pinched Nerves?

A pinched nerve is the result of excessive pressure on a single nerve, restricting its ability to function. The pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including tissue swelling or tightness in the muscles surrounding the affected area due to repetitive motions. Pinched nerves can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling.

Causes

Some conditions can cause tissue or bone to compress a nerve and cause symptoms. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints that may pressure nearby nerves.
• Aging leads to “wear and tear” on the spine and its discs. Over time spinal discs can lose water content and flatten. The vertebrae (bones in the spinal cord) move closer together, and in response the body forms growths of bone. These bone growths, or spurs, can compress nerves.
• Sudden injury from sports or an accident can result in a pinched nerve. Awkward lifting, pulling, or twisting movements can cause a herniated disc.
• Repetitive motion tasks, like extended periods of typing on a keyboard, can cause stress in your wrist and hand. This may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (tendon inflammation pressuring the median nerve in your arm).
• Obesity: Excess weight can swell your nerve pathway, putting pressure on nerves.
• Pregnancy: The extra weight can result in compressed nerves.
• Diabetes: High glucose (sugar) levels in the blood damage your nerves.

Symptoms

Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include:

• Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
• Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward
• Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
• Muscle weakness in the affected area
• Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”

How Pinched Nerves Affect Your Back

Pinched nerves in the back can cause pain that radiates throughout the area, including into your legs, hips, and arms. Depending on where the nerve is pinched, you might experience different types of discomfort ranging from a pins-and-needles feeling to intense burning or sharp pains. In some cases, the pain caused by a pinched nerve can be debilitating and make daily tasks difficult. When they affect your back, pinched nerves can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to move or stand for extended periods.

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 we can’t completely eliminate

Treatment Options

Pain relief is the primary goal of treatment for a pinched nerve. For some people, bed rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to relieve discomfort and inflammation caused by a pinched nerve. Physical or occupational therapy may also help to reduce nerve pain and inflammation. In more advanced cases, injections of corticosteroids or other medications might be used to provide stronger relief. If the pinched nerve is severe, surgery may be considered as a last resort option.

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

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you think you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, it is important to make an appointment with a qualified medical professional. Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain caused by pinched nerves. Our team will provide personalized care to help you find relief and regain your quality of life. Contact us today to make an appointment!