Pinched Nerve

What Are The Symptoms Of A Pinched Nerve?

The words "pinched nerve" are an apt description for a condition that causes numbness, weakness, tingling or pain somewhere in your body.

The symptoms are caused by a nerve that has literally been pinched somehow. In other words, pressure has been exerted on the nerve by surrounding tissue to the degree that the nerve's function is disrupted.

As with many kinds of nerve conditions or injuries, the origin of the problem is not always the same place where the discomfort is felt. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a good example.

With carpal tunnel syndrome, there's pressure on the nerve in your wrist, but pain is mainly felt in the hands and fingers.

A pinched nerve is likely to become inflamed. Short term abnormal pressure usually causes no permanent damage. The nerve returns to normal as soon as the pressure is gone. But extended pressure can result in chronic pain and possibly permanent damage.

A pinched nerve can happen anywhere in the body.

Pinched nerve causes

Many pinched nerves are caused by poor posture. When your elementary school teacher told you to sit up straight, she knew what she was talking about. This is especially true in the Internet age when many people spend hours slouched in front of their computer.

But pinched nerves also result from injuries that occur during sports competition or accidents.

A pinched nerve can also be caused by other health conditions, particularly osteoarthritis.

Individuals who are obese are prone to pinched nerve problems because sometimes their weight places more pressure on a nerve that it was designed to bear.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve

Someone with a pinched nerve would probably experience the following symptoms.

Sharp or burning pain that may intensify with certain movements
Numbness and lowered sensitivity somewhere along the pathway of the nerve
A tingling feeling that many people describe as being like "pins and needles." The medical term for this feeling is paresthesia
Weakness or twitching in muscles near the area

These symptoms may seem worse while you're trying to sleep.

Getting relief

A pinched nerve is one of those conditions that often gets better with rest and time. Sometimes, however, treatment or therapy may be necessary. This is especially true if symptoms go on for more than a few days.

Typically, a sprint or brace is the first option. This immobilizes the nerve so no pressure is placed on the nerve by movement.

You can alternate between hot and cold compresses on the affected area. Switch between them every 20 minutes or so. Place a towel between the source of heat or cold to make sure you don't damage your skin.

Physical therapy is also an option. A physical therapist can show you some exercises that will help strengthen and stretch muscles in the area. This may relieve some pressure on the nerve.

In some cases, a massage may give you some relief.

Your doctor may decide to prescribe medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs will relieve pain. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen, which are available under many different brand names.

NSAIDs reduce inflammation, which is one of the major causes of pain. Many are available over-the-counter. If your pain is particularly severe, your doctor may recommend a stronger prescription-strength NSAID. Corticosteroids are another group of anti-inflammatory drugs that help minimize pain and inflammation. These are often given in injection form.

Surgery is a possibility if other options have failed and the pinched nerve doesn't improve after a period of several weeks to a few months.

The type of surgery would depend on the location of the pinched nerve.

Also see nerve pain and neuralgia.