Pinched Nerve In Your Neck Or Lower Back
Nerve impingement is a commonly experienced physical problem
, and becoming more common over the years. A pinched nerve occurs when the nerve no longer is able to function as the result of being pressed or pinched between bone and ligament (or in other ways). Pinched nerve symptoms include symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. Pinched nerves are associated with issues such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, herniated discs, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and some types of arthritis.
Pinching impairs the function of nerves, slowing or stopping signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. The effects of a pinched nerve can last for a short period of time, in which no serious damage occurs, of over a longer period of time, in which case, permanent damage can occur that results in chronic pain and weakness. One common manifestation of a non serious pinched nerve is felt when we experience a limb (falling asleep), because of pressure on the nerve that controls that area of the body.
Carpal tunnel is a familiar form of pinched nerve and are caused by overuse of the affected body arms, typically the hands, wrist and arms. Carpal tunnel is a compression of the medial nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
Sciatica is a classic example of the impinged nerve, and creates pain in the lower back and legs. Tennis elbow is another common manifestation. This results from an injury to the outer elbow that causes pain in the forearm and wrist. Golfer elbow is very similar to this.
Ulnar nerve entrapment is a compression of the ulnar nerve in the arm caused by a sudden or repetitive trauma. There is also tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is foot pain cause by damage to the tibial nerve.
Nerve impingement can also be caused by peripheral neuropathy, tumors, scar tissue, inflammation and use of crutches.
Impinged nerves are diagnosed in a number of ways, including nerve tests and imaging tests, such as X ray, CT scan, MRI and EMG.
Nerve impingement treatment centers around getting the nerve free of the impingement, and includes rest so that any inflammation around the area has a chance to subside. Corticosteroids are given to help reduce inflammation as well. Most issues associated with pinched nerves resolve themselves within a few days.
However, sometimes surgery is required. This is not unusual for more serious cases of carpal tunnel, when spinal bone spurs are pressing nerves, and when scar tissue is causing the problem. Other forms of treatment include physical therapy, manipulation therapy, thermotherapy, splints, braces, and simply avoiding the activities that were causing the issue.
Education is an important component to the treatment of many types of nerve impingement, as many are caused by activities that are within our control. Computer use is a prime example. That being said, there are some good questions to go over with when talking with your medical professional. Such as...
How can I recognize the signs of an impinged nerve?
Are there other possible explanations for the symptoms?
What tests are required and what do those tests show?
What is the precise cause of my impinged nerve?
What can I do different to ensure this no longer happens?
Do I need medication?
If so, what are the risks and side effects of those drugs?
Will exercise and or physiotherapy therapy help?
Do I need a splint?
What are all the options for treatment, and how can I best evaluate them?
What will happen if I do not treat the situation?
Are there other sources of information on this condition that you can recommend I read?
What is the typical recovery process like and how long will it take?
How effective is acupuncture for relieving my symptoms?
Research has shown us that recovery from illness and injury is greatly enhanced when the patient is well informed about the cause and treatments of their conditions. It is important to understand the pinched nerve is sometimes the result of an underlying issue that often must be addressed separately from the treatment of the pinched nerve itself. Many pinched nerves in the back, for example, are caused ultimately by a misalignment of the spine and lack of symmetry between adjoining groups of muscles.
So, in the case of sciatica for example, longer term relieve can be achieved by exercising muscles so that they are of equal strength and flexibility. This will promote better alignment of the spine and will in turn help to ensure that there is not further development of the condition when set into motion a series of adjustments that resulted in sciatica.
Never impingement, in one form or another, is experienced very frequently. And the severity of its implications range considerably. From the simple experience of having a limb fall asleep, to permanent loss of motion and sensation to chronic pain, the implications of damage caused by pinching of nerves ranges from the harmless to the life altering.
Symptoms include symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, and the range of conditions that follow pinched nerves include spinal stenosis, sciatica, herniated discs, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and some types of arthritis. Treatment options are available, so if you are experiencing these symptoms, consult with a medical professional.
by: Johnathan Lim
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