Dr. Zackary Byrd
Hip, Knee
“I would just like to say thank you very much for helping me with my back issues and that you were all very pleasant and made me feel relaxed about the journey I’m going to have to have on my back. It is very appreciated and thank you so much.” — Jennifer D.
Sharp pain can stop us in our tracks. Sometimes this pain can develop because of nerve compression or having a pinched nerve.
If you are experiencing pain, visit our experts at JIS Orthopedics to see if a pinched nerve is the source. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio where we can help provide pain relief. Schedule an appointment with us today!
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding bones, discs, or ligaments. Pinched nerves are also referred to as radiculopathy.
Since pinched nerves can occur throughout many areas in your body, they can also be categorized by the location of symptoms experienced:
Cervical radiculopathy — This term is used when the pinched nerve is located in your neck or cervical spine. This compression of your nerve roots causes pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm.
Lumbar radiculopathy — This is the term used when the pinched nerve originates in your lower back—your lumbar spine. It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your leg.
There are multiple conditions that can cause tissue or bone to compress a nerve, resulting in painful symptoms. These include:
The symptoms of having a pinched nerve are often very distinct and can include:
Diagnosing nerve compression syndromes involves your doctor performing an in-depth examination to find the source of the pinched nerve.
During this examination, they will look for:
They will also ask about the different sensations you have been feeling. If necessary, they may order the following imaging tests:
These tests help your doctor to identify if your symptoms are caused by pressure on your spinal nerve roots or if the nerve damage has been caused by another medical condition.
Generally, simple, non-surgical treatment is first used to treat a pinched nerve. These non-surgical treatments include:
Surgical treatment for pinched nerves is the last resort when it comes to treating a pinched nerve and is only used when conservative treatment has not relieved the pressure on the nerves.
The type of surgery you undergo will be determined by the cause and location of the nerve.
While pinched nerves originate from various conditions and not all can be prevented, the following steps can be taken to lower your risk:
Many have successfully managed the symptoms associated with having a pinched nerve, and you can be too!
Medicines like NSAIDs can be used to ease your pain and reduce inflammation. Complying with the guidelines your therapist provides will also be beneficial in managing your pain.
If necessary, losing weight may also help you reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Nerve root compression is not an incurable condition! If you have severe pain from your nerves being compressed, schedule an appointment with our experts at JIS Orthopedics, conveniently located in New Albany & St. Clairsville, OH. Our specialists are ready to help give you the pain relief you’re looking for.
Medically reviewed by Derek Snook, MD
Even if you follow steps to help protect your spine, injuries can still happen. When they do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Derek Snook at JIS Orthopedics! Scheduling an appointment earlier can help shorten your recovery and get you back to the thins you love. We want to help you live without limits!
Hip, Knee
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