Pinched Nerve

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when one (or multiple) nerves are compressed by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, cartilage, or tendons. Over time, the pressure affects your nerve’s ability to function, resulting in pain, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Often, a pinched nerve responds to rest and other conservative treatments. If your pain gets worse, or it prevents you from going to work, make an appointment with the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

• Numbness
• A sharp aching or burning pain
• Pins-and-needles sensations
• Muscle weakness

If the pinched nerve is in one of your hands or feet, you might also experience the sensation of the affected limb “falling asleep.” 

When should I see an orthopedic specialist about a pinched nerve?

Make an appointment with the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center if you experience the symptoms of a pinched nerve for more than a few days. That’s especially true if your symptoms get worse or fail to respond to conservative treatments like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication.

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve can occur for various reasons, including:

• Injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Repetitive stress injuries (overuse)
• Hobbies, sports, or other physical activities

You’re also more likely to experience a pinched nerve if you’re overweight.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

To diagnose a pinched nerve, your Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Next, they conduct several tests, including a nerve conduction study and electromyography (EMG).

A nerve conduction study measures the electrical nerve impulses and functioning of your muscles, while electromyography evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles when they’re contracting and at rest. If your provider suspects nerve root compression, they might also order an MRI.

How is a pinched nerve treated?

If a pinched nerve goes untreated, it can result in more serious issues like swelling, pressure, or scarring. 

Once your Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center provider determines the source of your discomfort, they develop a custom treatment plan. Depending on your age and medical history, that plan might include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Oral corticosteroids
• Corticosteroid injections
• Epidural steroid injections

If your pain gets worse, your provider might recommend surgery. There are several types of minimally invasive surgery that can treat a pinched nerve, including discectomy, laminectomy, and laminotomy.

If you’re suffering from a pinched nerve, make an appointment at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. Call the nearest office to speak with the administrative staff or click the online booking feature.