What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve is caused when it is damaged or injured because it is being compressed and therefore unable to properly conduct its signal. The compression that is "pinched" interrupts the electrochemical signal that travels along the nerve path and can result in chronic back pain. A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs or spinal stenosis, and, only in the case of the lower back, sciatica.

Pinched Nerve Symptoms 


The most common symptoms are numbness and tingling, as if your body part has "fallen asleep", chronic back pain or muscle weakness in the affected area. These symptoms can be felt at the localized area, or any location further down the path from the affected nerve. Such a condition in the neck, or cervical spine, can cause neck pain or stiffness, along with symptoms down the arm. This condition in the lower back or lumbar spine can also cause stiffness, chronic back pain and leg aches.

Where Does a Pinched Nerve Develop?

Nerve compression can occur in many locations throughout your body. Typical sites include your lower spine, also known as the lumbar region,  and your neck, also called the cervical spine. . A pinched nerve in the back often results in sciatica, or pain that radiates down to the back of your legs. A pinched nerve in the neck or back may cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Pinched Nerve Treatment Options

Correctly diagnosing your condition is the first step in treatment. At our comprehensive spine center, we will devise the treatment plan that best suits your condition—and it’s severity. Whether that be surgical or non-surgical, our board certified physicians and staff will guide you through every step of the treatment process.

Non- Surgical

The most effective and commonly used treatments for a pinched nerve include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and oral pain medications and muscle relaxants.

Surgical

If necessary, an endoscopic foraminotomy procedure can treat the condition. This low risk procedure requires minimal recovery time. However, because it involves the spine, it is strongly recommended that a board certified spinal surgeon performs the procedure. Every physician at our comprehensive spine center is a board certified spinal surgeon.