Have you been recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, or do you believe you might have one? Learn what your symptoms mean, and find out if a herniated disc could be the cause.
When tissues that surround a nerve apply too much pressure, the result is a pinched nerve, which can result in pain, tingling, numbness, and other symptoms.
There are many reasons why nerves can become compressed. For example, if you feel pain in your lower back, it could be due to a slipped disc that’s pushing against a nerve. Or if you work a job that involves a lot of repetitive movements, you could put too much stress on your tissues and cause your nerves to become compressed.
At Premier Spine Institute in The Woodlands, Humble, and Baytown, Texas, orthopedic surgeon Bonaventure Ngu, MD, has treated many patients with pinched nerves. In this blog, Dr. Ngu explains what could be causing your symptoms and how you can find relief.
Nerves can get pinched or compressed in many areas of your body, including your neck, back, elbows, and wrists.
If you have a pinched nerve in your back, you may experience stiffness and pain that radiates to your shoulders. A pinched nerve in your lower back may cause pain that radiates to your hips and legs.
Nerves often become pinched due to herniated discs, inflamed muscles and tendons, bone spurs, and scar tissue.
In most cases, pinched nerves go away on their own after a few days and can be treated with over-the-counter medications and rest. However, if the symptoms persist, consider seeing a medical specialist.
Nerves become pinched and painful due to compression. You can avoid this by doing the following:
Certain conditions, such as diabetes, can also increase your likelihood of developing a pinched nerve. Therefore, the better control you have over your blood sugar levels, the less your chances will be of getting a pinched nerve.
There are many reasons why your nerves could be compressed. Dr. Ngu will perform a physical and look at your medical history to get a better understanding of what could be causing your symptoms. He may also use an X-Ray or other imaging techniques to determine what tissues are pressing on your nerves.
Depending on your diagnosis, he may recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral corticosteroids, physical therapy, or epidural injections. If a herniated disc is compressing your nerve, he may recommend removing the problematic disc and replacing it with an artificial one.
If you’re suffering from a pinched nerve and the symptoms aren’t going away with rest, Dr. Ngu can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Spine Institute today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Have you been recently diagnosed with a herniated disc, or do you believe you might have one? Learn what your symptoms mean, and find out if a herniated disc could be the cause.
Lower back pain stops countless people from living life to the fullest don’t — be one of them. Learn what increases your risk for sciatica, a condition characterized by pain in the lower back and legs, so you can avoid it if possible.
Do you have spinal stenosis? Are your symptoms worsening even though you’re undergoing conservative treatments? If so, laser surgery may be able to help you. Read on to learn more.
Pinched nerves can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Read on to find out some of the top causes of pinched nerves.
Does your back pain persist despite resting and taking pain medication? Find out when back pain could be an indicator of an issue that needs medical attention.
Do you have persistent stiffness or pain in your shoulder? You could be suffering from a condition called frozen shoulder. Read on to learn about the signs of a frozen shoulder and the available treatments for the condition.