If the pressure on the nerve isn't relieved in a short amount of time, the nerve damage may become permanent, causing chronic pain and muscle weakness. One example of progressive nerve damage is cauda equina syndrome, a severe complication of pinched nerves at the base of the spinal cord.
Patients describe the pain as sharp, excruciating, and feeling like an electric shock. In many cases, the pain gets worse during certain physical activities or when you bend or rotate your spine in a specific direction.
A pinched nerve can become serious, causing chronic pain, or even lead to permanent nerve damage. Fluid and swelling can do irreversible damage to the nerves, so be sure to contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or don't improve after several days.
In some rare cases, a pinched nerve can get worse and lead to prolonged weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm, shoulder, or hand. In these cases, nerve restriction can lead to damage, which requires treatment to avoid permanent changes.
MRIs create images using a radiofrequency magnetic field, a technique that clearly shows pinched nerves, disc disease, and inflammation or infections in the spinal tissues. MRI is usually the preferred imaging for pinched nerves.
Surgery. If the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve.
Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden onset of numbness, weakness, or paralysis of an arm or leg that does not go away. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Loss of sensation in your genital or anal regions.
Numbness and tingling or weakness of the arms or the legs can also result from nerve irritation in the lower back. In the most severe cases, lumbar radiculopathy can lead to incontinence, sexual dysfunction or severe paralysis.
While treating a pinched nerve, it is also important not to overuse the nerve. Nerve damage can be made worse by overuse. A person with a pinched nerve should avoid any movements that irritate the nerve. They should also try to sleep in a position that relieves the pressure on the nerve.
Nerve pain often feels like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Sometimes it can feel as sharp and sudden as an electric shock. You may be very sensitive to touch or cold.
As you heal from a pinched nerve, the pain will weaken and may feel more like a dull, throbbing pain that occurs less often.
To determine whether you have a pinched nerve or something else, speak with a primary care doctor, neurologist or neurosurgeon. The doctor will ask you questions about your pain and medical history, and do a physical examination to determine if you have a pinched nerve or another issue.
Fortunately, non-surgical treatments are available to alleviate pain without the need for extensive surgery or downtime. For more severe symptoms, a spinal physician may recommend a surgical procedure if symptoms don't improve with non-surgical treatment. Learn how to heal a pinched nerve and promote spinal health.
Once the inflammation calms down, heat can help relax any tense muscles near the pinched nerve. Heat can also stimulate blood flow, which can aid in healing. Try using a heating pad or a warm compress. As with ice, you should protect your skin from direct heat.
See your health care provider if the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve last for several days and don't respond to self-care measures, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
The pressure affects the nerve's function and triggers symptoms ranging from sharp pain and numbness of the skin to weakness and tingling. If left untreated, a pinched nerve can cause severe complications, including permanent nerve damage.
Call a doctor if: You have persistent pain. If your pain from what you think is a pinched nerve lasts more than a couple of days, you should seek medical attention. Your pain is getting worse, despite trying the self-care treatment options mentioned above.
Pinched Nerve Diagnosis
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a doctor may take an X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to find the cause of the pinched nerve.
Chiropractic is a great way to relieve pinched nerves – and it's something we can do for you today. Professional Chiropractors have an intimate understanding of the body and the nerves, and know where to apply pressure to reduce pain, relieve tension, and hasten recovery.
Electromyography (EMG) is used to record the electrical activity in muscle. It can identify abnormalities in the muscles or nerves resulting from peripheral neuropathy, nerve degeneration or damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds the nerves in your brain or spinal cord.
The nerves in your back also control your bowel and bladder habits, so a pinched back nerve can also affect how your bowels and bladder work. Many patients with back problems experience bowel and bladder incontinence. This means that they don't have control over when they expel their bladder or bowels.