Effective Pinched Nerve Treatment in Freehold & Monroe Township, NJ

Reviewed by AOSMI’s Fellowship-Trained, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Justin Elkrief.

A pinched nerve is a common cause of neck, shoulder, and back pain. But, what causes a pinched nerve? Many sensitive nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord to efficiently convey movement instructions and sensory information between the brain and the rest of the body. If a spinal nerve root becomes pinched, or compressed, its normal function may be impaired or disrupted, resulting in pain and related symptoms.

How Can a Spinal Nerve Root Become Pinched?

As nerve roots exit the spinal cord, they must pass through tiny openings in the spinal bones (foramina). The space within the spinal canal is tight, and the foramina are situated in close proximity to many spinal structures, such as discs, ligaments, and joints. If one of these structures shifts even slightly out of place, it can potentially press on a nerve root, pinching it and causing it to generate painful and unpleasant symptoms. Some common sources of pinched spinal nerves include:

• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Thickened spinal ligaments
• Inflamed facet joints
• Spinal bone spurs (osteophytes)
• Vertebral fractures

What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?

Depending on the specific location of the pinched nerve and where it is causing pain, such as the neck, back, or shoulders, it can produce a number of uncomfortable symptoms. For instance, in addition to neck or back pain, spinal nerve compression can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations that travel down an arm or leg (radiculopathy). A common type of radiculopathy is sciatica, which affects the lower body and occurs when the large sciatic nerve is pinched.

How Is a Pinched Nerve Treated?

If a pinched nerve causes mild to moderate discomfort, conservative therapies such as medications, massage, chiropractic care, and physical therapy can be effective. While spine surgery can be an option to treat severe pinched nerve symptoms in certain cases, it is usually not considered unless the pain is debilitating or a medical emergency is present, such as a loss of bladder or bowel control.

RECEIVE PINCHED NERVE TREATMENT AT AOSMI’S FREEHOLD & MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ OFFICES

At Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, offers a comprehensive range of conservative and surgical pinched nerve treatment options. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine doctors are highly trained in pinched nerve pain treatment and will evaluate your diagnosis to recommend an individualized treatment plan. Contact us to schedule a consultation today at our Freehold or Monroe Township, New Jersey offices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pinched Nerves

What causes a pinched nerve?
Can a pinched nerve cause dizziness?
How long does a pinched nerve last?
Can a pinched nerve cause headaches?
Can pinched nerves heal on their own?

Frequently Asked Questions About Pinched Nerves

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage. Common causes include poor posture, repetitive movements, injury, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. The pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Can a pinched nerve cause dizziness?

While pinched nerves typically manifest with localized symptoms, such as pain or numbness, they are not a common cause of dizziness. Dizziness is more often associated with issues related to the inner ear, blood pressure changes, or vestibular system disturbances.

How long does a pinched nerve last?

The duration of a pinched nerve varies widely based on factors such as the underlying cause, the severity of compression, and the treatment provided. Mild cases might resolve within a few days to weeks with rest and conservative measures. More severe cases or those without appropriate management might persist for several weeks or longer.

Can a pinched nerve cause headaches?

While headaches are not a direct symptom of a pinched nerve, certain types of pinched nerves, particularly in the neck or upper spine, could contribute to referred pain that may be perceived as a headache. However, headaches can have various causes, including tension, migraines, and other medical conditions.

Can pinched nerves heal on their own?

In many cases, mild pinched nerves can heal on their own with rest and conservative measures, such as activity modification, pain management, and physical therapy. However, severe or persistent cases may require medical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerve and promote healing. It’s important to address pinched nerves promptly to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.