Nerves are responsible for sending important messages from your brain to all parts of your body at lightning speed. When you are thirsty and reach for the bottle of water in front of you, your brain sends nerve signals to your muscles groups in your arm and to your fingers and hand to reach, grasp, and bend to bring the water to your mouth. Then, your nerves help you drink and swallow – without you thinking about it. Nerves also help you to see, taste, smell, and touch – allowing you to experience the world around you.
Causes of Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve occurs when there pressure on the nerve interfering with its signal.
Nerves are most vulnerable to injury or being pinched in narrow places in your body and where they have little soft tissue to protect them.
Pain from a pinched nerve can also be experienced in other parts of the body – this is called referred pain. For example, a pinched nerve in the low back can cause pain foot, or a pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain the arm.
Symptoms of pinched nerves include:
- Pain in the area of compression – such as the neck or back
- Radiating pain, typical in pain due to sciatica or bulging disc
- Numbness, tingling, or sensation of pins and needles
- Weakness in affected limb
Treatment options for pinched nerves vary and depend on the severity of the compression and the location of the nerve.
Contact Omega Rehabilitation and Spine today. James L. Carlisle, MD can evaluate and help plan effective treatment for occasional or chronic pain. If pain is a persistent or long-lasting problem in your everyday life, you shouldn’t wait a minute longer. Call today.