When surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, apply too much pressure to a nerve, it is called a pinched nerve. The nerve’s function is disrupted, resulting in pain, tingling, numbness, or weakening. Nerves branch and radiate outwards from your brain and spinal cord, carrying vital information all through your body. Your body may send you warning indicators such as pain if you have a pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression. A case of a pinched nerve might cause minor or severe damage. It may produce short-term or long-term issues. It is better to receive a diagnosis and treatment for nerve compression as soon as possible by a top neurophysician in Patna. In some cases the pinched nerve cure is difficult and damage is irreversible. Treatment, on the other hand, typically relieves pain and other symptoms.

Pinched Nerve Causes

When surrounding tissues apply too much pressure or compression to a nerve, it causes a pinched nerve. This tissue can be bone or cartilage in some situations, such as when a herniated spinal disc compresses a nerve root. Muscles or tendons may be the source of the problem in other circumstances. Repetitive motions could also be causing the pressure. It could also be caused by sitting or keeping your body in one posture for a long time, such as sleeping with your elbows bent. Neck or lower back pain can be caused by inflammation or pressure on a nerve root exiting the spine. There can be several reasons for a nerve to be compressed like:

  • Injury
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Stress from continuous work
  • Any sports activities or hobbies
  • Obesity
Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Sometimes the only symptom of nerve compression is pain. You could also experience other symptoms that aren’t related to pain. The following are some of the more prevalent signs and symptoms of a compressed nerve:

  • Decreasing sensation in the area which the nerve supplies
  • Sharp burning or aching pain radiating outwards like pinched nerve chest pain
  • Pins and needles sensations, also known as paresthesia
  • Muscle weakness in the area affected and tingling
  • Often feeling like your foot or hand has “fallen asleep”

When you try particular actions, such as rotating your head or straining your neck, your symptoms may get worse. It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified brain specialist doctor from Faridabad if you experience any of these symptoms.

Pinched Nerve Treatment

The amount of time it takes for symptoms to disappear varies from person to person. Depending on the severity and source of the nerve compression, different treatments are available.You may discover that simply resting the wounded area and avoiding any activities that aggravate your symptoms is really beneficial. In many circumstances, that is all that is required. Consult a neurologist doctor in Jaipur if the symptoms persist or the discomfort becomes unbearable. To decrease swelling tissue around the nerve, you may need some of the following treatments:

  • Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen
  • Oral corticosteroids: These can be used as pinched nerve pain medication and swelling
  • Steroid injections: These can be used to reduce swelling and cause recovery of inflamed nerves
  • Physical therapy: This helps to strengthen the muscles by stretching
  • Splint: Allows the muscles to rest by limiting motion
  • Surgery: May be needed for severe problems

Consult a neurophysician in Jaipur to find the best approach to treat your symptoms.

Pinched Nerve Risk Factors

The following factors may enhance your risk of getting a pinched nerve:

  • Sex: Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women, probably because their carpal tunnels are smaller.
  • Bone spurs: Bone spurs can be caused by trauma or a condition that promotes bone thickening, such as osteoarthritis. Bone spurs can harden the spine and narrow the space through which your nerves pass, squeezing them.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: It causes inflammation, which can compress nerves, especially in the joints.

Thyroid disease: Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in people who have thyroid problems.

Case Study on Pinched Nerve

Case Review

A 48 year old woman presented to our clinic with severe right shoulder and neck pain. She complained of the pain being continuous for 2-3 months. There wasn’t any case of an injury or known precipitating event. Our team of doctors led by the top neurosurgeon in Patna advised her about her condition and suspected a compressed or pinched nerve of a specific type known as cervical radiculopathy. She was treated and her symptoms were relieved after a few days.

Clinical Symptoms

The patient complained of severe and aching right shoulder and neck pain that became worse with shoulder and neck movement. She denied any numbness or tingling in her arm, and the pain seemed to stop at the middle of the arm. Our diagnosis revealed positive shoulder impingement signs and we decided to perform further tests.

Management

Immediately after the patient complained of the above symptoms that were suggestive of a neurological problem, our team of doctors handled the situation with care. Our diagnosis of a compressed nerve being the problem was validated after a few diagnostic tests and mildly positive shoulder impingements signs. The cervical radiculopathy in this case was caused by a herniated cervical disk compressing the nerve roots exiting the neck, which was causing the radiating pain. A shoulder abduction was performed which relieved the radicular signs by reducing tension at the nerve root. She was given pain medications and stayed at the clinic for physical therapy for 2 weeks. The patient’s symptoms were fully relieved within 6-8 weeks of treatment.

FAQs

What is pinched nerve meaning?

A pinched nerve takes place when a lot of pressure is applied on the nerve by surrounding tissues which could be bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure destroys the nerve’s function and leads to pain, tingling sensation, numbing or weakness.

What are some pinched nerve healing signs?

As the nerve regains feeling, you might feel pain occasionally. Some patients may feel pain or soreness in the muscle or incision site, but these symptoms are relieved with time.