Nerve compression, or a pinched nerve, occurs when a structural part of the body applies large amounts of pressure on a nerve or a group of nerves. This condition causes affected nerves to stop functioning normally, resulting in pain and discomfort in the surrounding area.
Although it can occur anywhere in the body, the most common areas affected by nerve compression are around the neck, shoulder, elbow, and the lower back area. Bad posture, obesity, repetitive movements, and/or genetic makeup can increase the risk of experiencing nerve compression.
Nerve compression symptoms do not usually pinpoint the accurate location of the pinched nerve because the pain can radiate into connected nerves all over the body. In many serious cases, this condition could potentially cause permanent damage. The most common pinched nerve symptoms may include:
- Spasms
- Arm and leg weakness
- Severe pain
- Numbness
- Less sensitivity to pain and temperature
- Tingling sensation
- Movement restriction
The type of treatment Burak Ozgur, MD recommends depend on which nerves are affected. Dr. Ozgur recommends non-surgical and conservative methods during the early stages, like exercising, refraining from high-risk activities, medication, non-surgical injections, or physical therapy.
However, if symptoms continue to progress after using non-surgical methods, patients may be recommended to undergo minimally invasive surgery to decompress affected nerves.
For more information on nerve compression or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (949) 383-4190 or toll free 888-64-SPINE.