Pinched Nerve Overview
When a nerve of the spine is compressed or “pinched” due to a change in the disc that is supposed to cushion the spine in that particular area. This pinching causes inflammation and pain.
Pinched nerves can cause radiating symptoms in other areas of the body other than the neck or back. Symptoms often also occur in the arms, legs, hands, and buttock since the extremities are connected to nerves that travel from the spine.
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Symptoms of Pinched Nerve
Symptoms of a pinched nerve can be felt quite a distance from the point of pressure. For instance, a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine may produce pinched nerve symptoms in the calf. Symptoms of a pinched nerve typically include:
- Sharp, aching pain
- Pain that Worsens at night
- Tingling, weakness that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs.
- Tingling, weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and arms.
- Numbness, Tingling or Stiffness at or near the site.
- Burning Sensation.
- Muscle weakness.
- Sensation of extremities falling asleep
Pinched Nerve Causes
A pinched nerve is often cause by a bulding or herniated disc pressing against the nerve causing pain. Other causes of a pinched nerve may include:
- Engage in too much or too strenuous exertion
- Recent Injury or Fall.
- Excessive Body Weight
Pinched Nerve Treatments
A pinched nerve is a compressed nerve that is causing pain signals in the spine or areas radiating from the area of the spine where the nerve is compressed. Sometimes rest and over the counter medications may help.
If the condition becomes more chronic or the pain is just not controlled with home therapies, a doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments: