While a nerve may be pinched in a specific place and cause symptoms there, it also has the potential to send pain signals to other areas of the body. Pinched nerves can really happen anywhere, but they most commonly occur in the spine. And the pain from pinched nerves in the spine can travel throughout the body.
Pinched nerves can affect several areas of your body: A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can give you a stiff neck, and the pain and numbness can affect the shoulder and arm. A pinched lumbar nerve in the lower back can cause pain in your back, hips, buttocks and legs.
Its effects can range from mild to severe. You can, however, have more than one pinched nerve, which could cause symptoms in several locations. It is also possible to have symptoms of weakness as well as a reduced sensation to pain in different areas of the body.
Once treated, a pinched nerve will likely go away unless the same body tissues press against the affected nerve again. Chronic compression may lead to permanent nerve damage, so it's important to help take preventive measures when you can.
Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden onset of severe pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis of an arm or leg that does not go away. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Loss of sensation in your genital or anal regions.
Pinched nerves are common, though, and the older you get the more likely you'll get one. “That's because the degenerative changes that contribute to most pinched nerves gradually worsen with normal wear and tear of the spine,” Dr.
Common causes of neuropathic pain include nerve pressure or nerve damage after surgery or trauma, viral infections, cancer, vascular malformations, alcoholism, neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. It may also be a side effect of certain medications.
If nerve compression lasts a long time, a protective barrier around the nerve may break down. Fluid may build up, which may cause: Swelling.
If nerves are pinched and muscles are tight, it is going to lead to a tremendous power drain. This is going to make the person feel fatigued or overly tired. Even though some may not assume that exercise and better posture could lead to more energy, you might find yourself surprised at the results.
Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.
In rare cases when symptoms have not responded to 6 or 12 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, or you have severe weakness or intractable pain, surgery may be considered. Visit a doctor if you have symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiate into the arm or leg.
Nerve pain often feels like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Sometimes it can be as sharp and sudden as an electric shock. People with neuropathic pain are often very sensitive to touch or cold and can experience pain as a result of stimuli that would not normally be painful, such as brushing the skin.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “pinched nerve” is not a medically precise term, but doctors and patients often use it to encompass a wide variety of conditions that may cause you pain. The underlying conditions can include: Herniated disc. Spinal stenosis.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder that involves nerve swelling and irritation (inflammation) that leads to a loss of strength or sensation.
Is your entire body suffering from a stabbing, throbbing or numbness that even the simple act of walking becomes like an everyday chore? If so, this pain you are feeling is known as neuropathy pain, which is nerve pain as the result of a lack of blood flow to the heart.
Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.
If you believe you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, you should always visit an orthopedic surgeon near you to ensure that is the problem and rule out any more serious spinal issues. These doctor visits can also help determine if a more chronic ailment, like spinal arthritis, is to blame.
Nonsurgical Treatments
You can often get relief from your symptoms by adding medication to your treatment for a pinched nerve in the neck. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help the pain caused by nerve inflammation. Over-the-counter muscle relaxers can also provide a certain degree of relief as well.
A chiropractor can use adjustments to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of the issue. This can help someone recover without requiring invasive procedures or medications that could otherwise lead to side effects.
After light stretching, consider low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming. These activities will increase blood circulation to the damaged nerve, facilitating healing and reducing the pain associated with a pinched nerve.