5 Signs and Symptons of Pinched Nerves

Experiencing a pinched nerve is no laughing matter. The spine is made of disks of bone stacked on top of each other, creating a channel to protect the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves connecting the lower extremities to the brain. Between those bones are disks of cartilage. They cushion the bones and protect the nerves. Sometimes, due to aging or injury, the tissue around the cord becomes inflamed. When that happens, unnatural pressure is put on the nerves, pinching them and causing an array of problems. Common sense dictates that the symptoms can disappear on their own with self-help methods and anti inflammatory medication, but any unexpected condition should be shared with your doctor for proper diagnoses and treatment.

1. Tingling feeling or numbness

Also known as the “pins and needles” feeling, tingling and numbness can be a problem. If you can't properly feel your extremities, you can't properly use them. In some cases, the numbness is experienced in the feet or hands and it can feel like they have “fallen asleep.”

2. Weakness when performing certain tasks

Often, the pinched nerve causes an inability to properly control the body parts they connect to. This can cause an inability to use hands or to walk or sit for very long. It is important to not force your body to perform, because further injury could occur.

3. Radiating pain

Because the pinched nerve causing the pain starts in the neck or back and runs through the legs or arms, the pain can radiate from the source in the spine, down the length of the nerve, through the arms or legs.

4. Pain in the neck or lower back

It is said that in most cases, spinal issues occur in the lower back or neck. They can happen due to a traumatic and sudden injury, such as whiplash or falling. Other times, they are the result of maintaining incorrect posture for too long, or simply through aging.

5. Symptoms worsen when you move

Because of the nature of the spine, the pressure on the pinched nerve due to the injury can increase if moved. That pressure could increase swelling. It is often best to rest as much as possible, and only make easy, slow movements until the pain subsides.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about a pinched nerve in the Seguin, TX, area, visit GRMC.