Pinched Nerve

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when ligaments, bones, or cartilage surrounding a nerve compress or irritate it. The compression affects nerve function and may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, burning, or a tingling sensation. 

In addition to the physical symptoms, a pinched nerve may also affect motor function, causing muscle weakness. 

You can develop a pinched nerve anywhere in your body, including your hands, feet, or spine. 

What are pinched nerve conditions?

There are many conditions that develop from a pinched nerve, including carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the sensation and function of your hand.

Herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) may compress or irritate your spinal canal or nerve roots as they exit the spine, causing lumbar or cervical radiculopathy.

Lumbar radiculopathy

With lumbar radiculopathy, you have a pinched nerve in your lumbar spine (lower back). Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy

With cervical radiculopathy, you have a pinched nerve in your cervical spine (neck).

You can develop radiculopathy anywhere along the spine. However, it most often affects the lower back. With radiculopathy, your pinched nerves cause symptoms that radiate to your extremities, including your legs or arms.

What happens during a pinched nerve evaluation?

When you visit Apex Spine and Neurosurgery with concerns about a pinched nerve, the team conducts a comprehensive evaluation so they can develop the most effective treatment plan.

During your exam, your provider reviews your specific symptoms, when they started, and the activities that exacerbate your discomfort. They also conduct a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Testing may include:

• Blood work
• X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan
• Nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)

Based on the information gathered during your evaluation, the experts at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery develop your personalized treatment plan. 

How is a pinched nerve treated?

Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the area of the body affected, the underlying cause, and the severity of the symptoms. Though the physicians at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery are expert neurosurgeons, they may first take a conservative approach to help you get relief from your symptoms.

Conservative treatments may include:

• Activity modification
• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Splinting or bracing
• Injections

When these measures fail to relieve your symptoms or your symptoms worsen, the neurosurgeons may recommend surgical intervention, such as spinal decompression, microdiscectomy, disc replacement, or spinal fusion, to address the root cause of your problem.

The doctors at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery are skilled at minimally invasive spine surgery and traditional surgical techniques, and they use the methods that provide the best possible outcomes for you.

For management of your pinched nerve, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online today.