Common Causes of Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding bone, muscle, or other body tissues place too much pressure on a nearby nerve. This pressure disrupts the normal functioning of the nerve. As a result, the individual can feel a variety of physical symptoms to indicate that there is a problem. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body. What are the symptoms of pinched nerves? Are there any effective treatments for this common problem? We will discuss the answers to these questions below.
Risk Factors for Pinched Nerves
There are a number of risk factors that can increase an individual’s likelihood of experiencing problems with pinched nerves. These risk factors include the following.
Gender
There are a number of risk factors that can increase an individual’s likelihood of experiencing problems with pinched nerves. These risk factors include the following.
Arthritis
The inflammation that accompanies arthritis can also put too much pressure on nearby nerves.
Previous Injuries
Suffering from previously sustained traumatic injuries can increase the risk of pinched nerves in those same areas. This is likely due to the bone thickening that many times results from traumatic injuries.
Diabetes
Diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing pinched nerves. Many people today deal with chronic pain from a wide variety of causes.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
How would an individual know if they’re suffering from a pinched nerve? The following five symptoms are the most common ones associated with this condition.
- Numbness in the Affected Area
- Sharp or Burning Pain
- Tingling Sensations
- Muscle Weakness in the Affected Area
- Feeling the Area Has Fallen Asleep
The pain, weakness, and tingling associated with pinched nerves can come and go. The symptoms may also be worse while sleeping or right after waking up. Depending on the area supplied by the nerve that is being compressed, the symptoms may be felt in the immediate surrounding area. Alternatively, the pain can also radiate to a different area of the body. Since the discomfort can be felt in other areas, it may be harder to determine where the pinched nerves are actually located.
Effective Management Techniques for Pinched Nerves
Once a medical professional has determined pinched nerves to be the cause of an individual’s symptoms, there are many viable treatment options available. Three of the most commonly utilized treatment options are detailed below.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are widely available over the counter. These medications can provide temporary relief from pain resulting from compressed nerves by reducing the surrounding swelling. Physicians may also opt to give patients corticosteroid injections if they’re suffering from a great deal of pain. These injections also serve to reduce surrounding inflammation, thereby taking pressure off of the nerve.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves are usually reserved as a last resort for those who don’t get relief from less invasive treatment options. Surgery can be useful for correcting herniated disks in the back, removing bone spurs that lead to pinched nerves, or relieving the pressure on the wrist for those suffering from carpal tunnel.
Whenever an individual suffers from a pinched nerve, it can lead to many distressing symptoms that affect their quality of life. No one wants to deal with pain, tingling, numbness, or other related issues on a continual basis. By trying some of the treatments listed here, most people are able to find relief from the discomfort associated with pinched nerves.
Are nerve problems holding you back from enjoying life on your own terms? Contact the experts at PMR today – your nerves will thank you!
