When to Seek Treatment for Your Pinched Nerve

Nerves run from your brain and spinal cord into the rest of your body. Their job is to send important messages about sensations in the areas of skin or internal organs they’re around. They also stimulate some of your muscles and organs to work as they should. 

When one of your nerves (or a group of nerves) is compressed or pinched by the tissues, muscles, bones, or fluid surrounding it, it can malfunction, triggering unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. 

You can experience these symptoms in any part of your body the pinched nerves serve. For example, if you have a pinched nerve in your lower back, you could experience pain or tingling in your hips, buttocks, or legs in addition to your back. 

While home remedies and rest can sometimes address pinched nerves, other times, professional treatment is needed to prevent severe and permanent nerve damage. 

At Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Colleyville, Texas, pain management specialist Don Enty, MD, and the rest of our team want you to understand when a pinched nerve requires our experienced care. This month’s blog explains common causes and symptoms of pinched nerves and when it’s time to seek professional care from our team.

What causes pinched nerves?

You can develop a pinched nerve anywhere a nerve exists in your body. However, it happens most often in areas where a nerve goes through a narrow passageway. Some of the more common areas where pinched nerves happen are in your neck, lower back, wrist, elbow, thigh, and heel. 

While the single cause of pinched nerves is nerve irritation and compression, these conditions are very likely to increase your risk of developing nerve issues such as a pinched nerve:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative joint disease
• Physical injury, especially to the back, neck, or legs
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

If you’re born with a narrowed spinal column, you’re also at a higher risk for developing pinched nerves. 

Treating pinched nerves

When you notice symptoms of a pinched nerve, start treating it at home immediately to prevent it from worsening. Rest as much as possible, ice the affected area, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications, and perform gentle stretches. 

However, if after a week or two, your symptoms aren’t getting any better and you’re still in a lot of pain, don’t wait to book an appointment with our team to get a complete examination and effective treatment plan. Getting professional treatment reduces your risk of permanent nerve damage. 

Physical therapy, steroid injections, and nerve blocks are common treatments for pinched nerves that can reduce bodily inflammation and encourage healing. 

Look no further than our Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine team for pinched nerve relief. Call our office or use our online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.