A pinched nerve is a nerve that is under compression. The tissue around the nerve root can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in various parts of your body. Most pinched nerves start in the neck (cervical radiculopathy), upper middle back (thoracic radiculopathy), or lower back (lumbar radiculopathy). Pinched nerves can also occur in the hands and elbows. If it occurs in the wrist area, it will cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).1
What causes pinched nerves?
A pinched nerve occurs when the surrounding tissue applies too much pressure (compression) to the nerve. In some cases, such as when a herniated spinal disk pressing on a nerve root, this tissue may be bone or cartilage. In other circumstances, the condition could be brought on by a muscle or tendon. 3
In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), various tissues, including swelling of the tendon sheath within the tunnel, enlarged bone that constricts the tunnel, or thickened and degenerated ligaments, may be responsible for compression of the median nerve of the carpal tunnel. 3
Compression of nerve or nerve tissue can be caused by a variety of conditions, including: 3
> Injuries
> Hobby or sporting activities
> Obesity
> Rheumatoid or wrist arthritis
> Stress from repetitive work
If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there is usually no permanent damage. After the pressure is reduced, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure persists, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.3
What are the symptoms of pinched nerve?
Symptoms of a pinched nerve include: 1
> Muscle weakness.
> Tingling (“pins and needles” sensation).
> Numb
> Sharp or dull pain.
> The sensation that your hands or feet are asleep.
Pinched Nerve Diagnosis
You will undergo a physical examination first. Your healthcare provider will test your reflexes and your ability to feel things, check your ability to move your muscles. You may need to lie on your back and elevate your legs while keeping them straight or perform other movements. If you experience pain with certain movements, this can help with the diagnosis.2
You may also need:2
> Imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. This test, lets your healthcare provider see the structures in your neck or back. Your healthcare provider may also inject a contrast material (dye) into your spinal canal to help pinpoint problem areas.
> Nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG).
Treatment
In most cases, these simple steps can treat your symptoms:2
> Using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The healthcare provider, if needed, might prescribe narcotic drugs for more severe painand muscle relaxants.
> Lose weight, if necessary, with diet and exercise.
> Physical therapy or supervised home exercise program.
> For pinched nerves in the neck, wear a soft collar around your neck for a short time.
> Surgery is the last resort in treating a pinched nerve when non-surgical treatments have not reduced pressure on the nerve.1
Risk Factors
The following factors can increase your chances of experiencing a pinched nerve:3
> Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation, especially in your joints, can compress nerves.
> Diabetes increases the risk of nerve compression.
> Prolonged bed rest. Nerve compression risk can rise with extended lying down.
> Your nerves may become compressed as a result of the water retention and weight gain that come with pregnancy.
> Thyroid Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in those who have thyroid problems.
> Nerves may become more compressed by excess weight.
> Excessive movement.Work on an assembly line and other repetitive hand, wrist, or shoulder motion-intensive hobbies raise the risk of pinched nerves.
> Due to their smaller carpal tunnels, women are more likely to acquire carpal tunnel syndrome.
> Bone spurs may be brought on by trauma or a condition like osteoarthritis that thickens the bones. Bone spurs can limit the space where your nerves travel, stiffen the spine, and even compress nerves.
Prevention
The following steps can help you prevent a pinched nerve:3
> Maintain a good position – avoid lying in the same posture for an extended period of time or crossing your legs.
> Include flexibility and strength training in your daily exercise routine.
> Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive activities, and try to keep them to a minimum.
> Keep a healthy weight.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic medical professional. Pinched Nerves. Cleveland Clinic. Last review on July 04, 2020. Available at:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves
- Cedars Sinai Medical. Pinched Nerve. Cedars-Sinai. Last review on July , 2022. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/r/radiculopathies.html
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic. Last review on Januari 22, 2022. Available at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746