Do You Think You Have A Pinched Nerve?

You might if you have had pain, muscle weakness, tingling, a burning sensation, numbness or pain radiating out from an injured area.

Pinched nerve pain usually lasts for the period of a few days, and over the counter pain relievers don’t give relief.

A pinched nerve is the description given to a type of nerve damage or injury.The injury could have been caused from such things as constriction, compression or even stretching.

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body.

For example, a herniated disc in your lower back could be putting pressure on a nerve root, which could radiate pain down the back of your leg . Pinched nerves in your wrist is often a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pinched nerves can be almost anywhere including neck, shoulders, or elbows to name a few.

What causes a pinched nerve?

1. Posture – Poor posture can lead to pressure on your spine or nerves.
2. Overuse – Activities that require repetitive movements of your hand, wrist or shoulders can lead to pinched nerves.
3. Obesity – The pressure of excess weight increases your chances of having a pinched nerve.
4. Osteoarthritis – Bone spurs, which are created by this condition, can pinch the nerve.
5. Heredity - Some people appear to have genetic tendencies toward pinched nerves.

Pinched nerves can lead to other conditions such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and Peripheral Neuropathy. Early diagnosis is important for getting the proper treatment to prevent further damage or complications.

What can be done to avoid pinched nerves?

• Maintain Good Posture
• Minimize repetitive activities, when possible take frequent breaks or periodically change the way you are performing certain tasks.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Have a regular exercise program that incorporates flexibility and strength training

The Bellevue Pain Institute is having great success using Spinal Decompression, a non painful, non-invasive treatment, to treat pain and symptoms  from Pinched Nerve Pain.

This article is not intended to diagnose, but rather to help pinpoint your symptoms so that you can seek professional treatment.

**originally published 1/12/11