The human body’s nervous system has more than 7 trillion nerves running through it. Considered the body’s electrical wiring, its function is to transmit signals between different parts of the body.
Unfortunately, different things can cause one of those nerves to get pinched, producing pain. How can we find relief from pinched nerve pain? Let’s consider the following:
- What are some of the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
- What causes a pinched nerve?
- What to do if I have a pinched nerve
What are some of the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve can have various effects on your body. These include:
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling feeling
- Burning sensation
- Pain
- Feeling like a hand/foot is falling off
What causes a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve happens when a nerve receives too much pressure from its surroundings. The cause can be the bones, muscles, tendons, or cartilage.
Nerve Root
In the case of numbness and tingling, the culprit is usually pressure on the nerve’s root. Constant pressure on a nerve root will bring loss of sensation to the affected area. Tingling feelings, also known as paresthesia, will feel like tiny pins and needles poking you repeatedly.
Consistent improper posture
When a part of the body is in the same position or performing the same movement consistently, this can cause different, painful conditions.
- Tennis elbow. A condition when the tissue that connects the elbow to the forearm becomes swollen.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A condition when the wrist is constantly performing the same activity, like typing.
Trauma
When we are involved in an accident, we can suffer trauma in the form of whiplash, back pain, or neck pain. The trauma causes nerve damage and conditions that include:
- Peripheral Neuropathy. A condition that affects the peripheral nervous system; the nerves outside of the spinal cord and brain.
- Cervical Radiculopathy. A condition that has inflamed or damaged a nerve in the cervical spine area radiating pain into the chest or arm.
- Sciatica. A condition when the muscles compress on the sciatic nerve casing, some times due to a spinal disc herniation.
Other Causes
Pinched nerves can also be the result of uncontrollable factors like:
- Diabetes. High levels of sugar and fat lead to nerve damage
- Degenerative bone diseases. As the bones experience wear and tear, they can react by creating boney growths that eventually could pinch a nerve.
- Exposure to toxins. Toxins that can cause nerve damage include lead, mercury, arsenic, and thallium.
What to do if I have a pinched nerve
In some cases, a pinched nerve can be a result of temporary pressure to a nerve. Resting and sleeping a bit more can relieve the pressure on the nerves in the affected area.
Physical therapy might be another excellent recommendation. Stretching, applying pressure gently, and appropriate exercises will reduce pain and stress.
Swelling and inflammation of the body’s tissue cause pressure on the nerves. Using an ice pack and alternating with a heat pack will help reduce the swelling and provide relief.
Spine Health and Wellness
Anytime you experience pain, your body is telling you something isn’t right. If your pain persists, you should look for professional medical help. At Spine Health and Wellness, we treat various conditions that can cause pinched nerves.
Request an appointment, and we would be glad to assist you.