What is a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. In some cases, this tissue might be bone or cartilage, such as in the case of a herniated spinal disk that compresses a nerve root. In other cases, muscle or tendons may cause the condition. A disease of the root of a nerve, such as from a pinched nerve or a tumor. Back to conditions page.
Symptoms
- Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
- Muscle weakness in the affected area.
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
- Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward.
Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
Treatments
- Anticonvulsant medications may also be used
- Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort and may be told to use a cervical collar for a brief period of time, as well as a cervical pillow while you sleep
- Corticosteroid
- Epidural glucocorticoid injections are sometimes given for persistent pain.
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- People with a pinched nerve can have a positive outlook for recovery
- Physical therapy, range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises can help make your pinched nerve treatment successful
- Pinched nerve treatment almost always begins with conservative therapies
- Surgery is not usually considered for pinched nerve treatment unless the pain has not eased with six to eight weeks of conservative therapy, you experience increasing difficulty moving, or there is evidence of spinal cord compression
