Pinched Nerve Specialist

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when tissue surrounding a nerve compresses or irritates it. You may develop a pinched nerve anywhere in the body. However, they often occur in the spine from disc problems like herniation.

A pinched spinal nerve may occur in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine). The compression occurs at the root of the nerve and may cause symptoms that radiate along the path of the nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is also a common pinched nerve condition. It causes hand pain because of compression of the median nerve when it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. 

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Symptoms of a pinched nerve vary and may depend on the location of the compression. 

For example, compression of a nerve in the cervical spine may cause a stiff neck and pain that radiates into your arms and hands. A pinched nerve in the lumbar spine may cause back pain that radiates into your legs. 

Sciatica is a painful set of symptoms that develop from a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine.

In addition to radiating pain, a pinched nerve may cause other sensations like numbness, burning, or tingling. It may also affect muscle movement, causing muscle weakness that affects balance or mobility.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

When you visit Doctors United with concerns about a pinched nerve, you can expect a thorough examination. The goal is to find the location of your pinched nerve and the cause to get you the right treatment.

Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and does a physical exam. They may also run tests such as a nerve conduction study (NCS), an X-ray, or an MRI.

How is a pinched nerve treated?

Doctors United is a multi-specialty practice with health providers from a wide range of disciplines, including orthopedics and neurology. Your provider customizes treatment for your pinched nerve based on location, symptoms, and underlying cause. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Nerve pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Activity modification
• Chiropractic care
• Behavioral counseling with a social worker
• Joint injection

Most pinched nerve symptoms improve with conservative care. However, if you have a pinched nerve in the spine that fails to improve with medical interventions or causes severe symptoms, an orthopedic specialist at Doctors United may discuss surgical options.

Do you have radiating pain, numbness, or burning? You may have a pinched nerve. Call Doctors United or schedule a consultation online today.