What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding tissues, causing pressure that disrupts nerve function and causes pain, tingling, burning, numbness or weakness.
What causes a Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerves can be caused by a number of reasons, including:
• Injury
• Bulging disc, other spinal problems
• Poor posture
• Repetitive motions, like at work
• Arthritis
• Obesity
What are some symptoms of Pinched Nerve?
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
• Pain in the area of compression
• Radiating pain
• Tingling, burning, pins-and-needles sensation
• Numbness
• Weakness
Symptoms tend to occur more at night, making sleeping difficult.
What are some risk factors for a Pinched Nerve?
Risk factors for a pinched nerve include:
• Poor posture
• Bad habits with leaning on elbows or crossing legs
• Bulging, herniated or degenerative disc
• Arthritis
• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy (fluid retention and weight gain)
• Overuse/repetitive motions (through work, sport or hobby)
• Diabetes
• Genetics/family history
• Obesity
What treatments are available for a Pinched Nerve?
There are several ways to treat a pinched nerve:
• Medication — Anti-inflammatories, narcotics, steroid injections
• Exercise — Physical therapy and healthier lifestyle choices
• Orthotics/braces — To ease compression or improve body positioning, like with carpal tunnel syndrome
• Surgery — To remove scar tissue, disc material, bone spurs