Pinched Nerve? Here’s What You Need to Know
Nerves extend from your brain into your spinal cord which, in turn, send signals throughout your body.
When a nerve is compressed (i.e., pinched), the damage can range from minor to severe depending on the location, cause, and complexity of the compression. Regardless of these factors, you should never dismiss pain possibly coming from a pinched nerve.
The earlier you get diagnosed and treated, the more quickly you will find relief from pain. Otherwise, you can suffer from complications like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and peripheral neuropathy.
A pinched nerve is a layman’s term for the compression or pressure on a nerve. The pressure comes from:
- Repetitive motions;
- Keeping a body part held in one position for prolonged periods (e.g., keeping elbows bent while asleep); and
- Changes in the spinal bones and discs (e.g., herniated disc).
The nerves most vulnerable to compression are those located in places there are very little tissues between the narrow spaces through which they travel. You are then more likely to have a pinched nerve in your bone, tendons, or ligaments.
For example, in any of the Healthpointe clinics (such as the Garden Grove clinic near Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster), many patients are diagnosed with a pinched nerve on the spine. The pain, which can be felt in the neck or lower back, is the result of a compression or inflammation on a nerve root in the spine.
Nerve compression can affect many other parts of the body aside from the spine. These include the neck, arm and legs, which can cause painful symptoms in other areas like the wrists, fingers, and elbow.
When left untreated for a prolonged period, a pinched nerve can also result in fluid build-up. This, in turn, destroys the protective barrier around the nerve that results in extra pressure, swelling and scarring. The nerve’s normal functions will be adversely affected by scarring.
Fortunately, most cases of pinched nerves can be treated. The type of treatment and the results will vary from one person to the next depending on the cause and severity of the nerve compression. You should avoid activities that can worsen your symptoms while recovering from a pinched nerve, too.
Ask our healthcare professionals at any of the Healthpointe clinics (such as the one in Irwindale near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, Mayflower Village), for more information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for compressed nerves.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Garden Grove, which is conveniently located by Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.