How do I know if I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, develops when excessive pressure is placed on a nerve. This pressure limits blood flow and disrupts your nerve function, which can lead to:
- Pain, burning, and tingling in your arms and legs
- Widespread weakness or difficulty holding objects
- Decreased sensation in the affected area
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Pins and needles sensations
Having a pinched nerve can also make it feel like you have a hand or foot that has just fallen asleep even though you didn’t do anything to cause the sensation.
What causes a pinched nerve?
A nerve can become compressed or pinched because of pressure from surrounding cartilage, soft tissues, or a bone. This can happen because of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Trauma or injury
- Bone spurs
- Obesity or being overweight
- Overuse or repetitive motions
Sometimes pinched nerves resolve on their own. But if you’re continuing to experience symptoms, you need to get treatment right away. Otherwise, you can wind up with permanent nerve damage.
What is the treatment for a pinched nerve?
With their expertise in innovative pain solutions, the team at Metro Pain and Vein Centers offer several proven treatments for pinched nerve issues. After having a thorough evaluation and discussing your symptoms with your pain specialist, they will design a plan to treat your pinched nerve. Treatment may include:
- Stellate ganglion or nerve blocks
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Steroid or epidural injections
- Intrathecal pain pump
- Oral corticosteroids
- Radiofrequency ablation
If your pinched nerve stems from joint or cartilage compression, you may benefit from physical therapy, too. Physical therapy for a pinched nerve involves performing specific exercises and stretches that are designed to relieve inflammation, improve range of motion, and strengthen muscles. In many cases, the team of pain specialists at Metro Pain and Vein Centers will combine two or more therapies to help resolve your pinched nerve pain as quickly as possible.
Book an appointment at Metro Pain and Vein Centers online or over the phone to see how the team can treat your pinched nerve discomfort.
