PINCHED NERVE
Signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
-
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)
-
Muscle weakness in the affected area
-
Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
Symptoms of a pinched nerve may worsen when sleeping.
-
In cases of a herniated disc, bone or cartilage compresses a nerve root and leads to symptoms of a pinched nerve. In other cases, muscle or tendons may cause the condition.
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may have swollen tendon sheaths within the tunnel, enlarged bone that narrows the tunnel, or a thickened and degenerated ligament.
Other conditions that may cause tissue to compress a (nerve or nerves) include:
-
Injury
-
Obesity
-
Rheumatoid or wrist arthritis
-
Stress from repetitive work
-
Hobbies or sports activities
If symptoms of a pinched nerve go unaddressed, patients may experience chronic pain and permanent nerve damage.
-
Certain factors increase the risk of experiencing a pinched nerve:
-
Being female
-
Bone spurs
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
-
Thyroid disease
-
Diabetes
-
Overuse
-
Obesity
-
Pregnancy
-
Prolonged bed rest or lying down
-
At Premier Urgent Care, patients diagnosed with a pinched nerve can experience lasting pain relief and begin their recovery after treatment with injections and pain management techniques.
A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, epidural injections, piriformis injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out which joint and soft tissue injection could help ease their pain.
Pain management techniques can also help patients experience pain relief through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve and the type of pain, patients may need a customized pain management plan incorporating multiple techniques and therapies.
Severe cases of a pinched nerve may require advanced treatment that may include chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment for a pinched nerve.
Individuals may experience a pinched nerve if bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons apply too much pressure to a nerve.