Millions of men and women suffer from pinched spinal nerves, a relatively common problem that can cause an array of uncomfortable symptoms.
Also called nerve compression or radiculopathy, pinched spinal nerves typically affect the nerves in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine), but you can experience symptoms in other areas, too.
A leading provider of spinal nerve treatments in Roseville, Minnesota, David Chang, MD-PhD, DABNS, uses advanced techniques to identify the cause of spinal nerve conditions, tailoring every treatment plan for maximal relief and healing.
In this post, we explain why spinal nerve compression happens and how Dr. Chang can help relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.
Quick facts about pinched spinal nerves
Your spine is composed of a series of vertebrae, bones that have a hole or opening in the center (like a misshapen, bony doughnut). When these bones line up in your spine, the holes line up, too, creating your spinal canal.
The canal contains your spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that run from your brain to every other part of your body.
These nerves exit your spine at specific locations, traveling to your arms and hands, legs and feet, and all your organs. Sometimes, a spinal nerve is compressed or pinched inside the canal or, more commonly, where it exits the spine.
Compression can happen for different reasons, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal tumors
- Spine conditions, like stenosis or spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Spinal injuries
- Repetitive bending and heavy lifting
- Poor posture
Pregnancy or obesity can also cause pinched nerves by throwing your spine out of alignment.
A compressed nerve may cause dull aching or pain around the spine, but it can also cause symptoms anywhere along the nerve pathway. These symptoms can include:
- Sharp pain
- Electricity-like bursts of pain
- Dull aching
- Numbness
- Pins-and-needles sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Problems coordinating movements
Severely compressed nerves in your lower back can interfere with bowel and bladder function, too.
Treating pinched spinal nerves
Typically, treatment begins with conservative options, like rest and activity modification, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and ice and heat therapy.
Physical therapy can be very helpful in reducing inflammation and promoting healing, while also teaching you ways to avoid pinched nerves in the future.
When these options don’t provide relief, Dr. Chang may recommend injections to alleviate pain and inflammation. Implanted pain pumps are another option that allows you to adjust pain medication as needed.
For more severe pain or symptoms that aren’t relieved with the above options, Dr. Chang may suggest surgery.
Depending on the cause of your nerve compression, he may use surgery to trim or remove bulging or damaged discs, fuse an unstable part of your spine, or widen the part of your spine where the affected nerve exits.
Dr. Chang is skilled in advanced spine surgery techniques, including complex spine surgery for more complicated issues.
Pinched spinal nerves aren’t just uncomfortable — without prompt care, they can cause permanent nerve damage and disability. To find out what’s causing your nerve symptoms and how we can help, call 651-219-7292 or request an appointment online with Dr. Chang today.