A Pinched Nerve: Causes

A pinched nerve is caused when a nerve or group of nerves is compressed or pinched by the surrounding muscle or a bone. Due to the abnormal compression or pinching, proper signals could not be sent and received from the brain thereby disrupting the normal function of the nerve. Injury, pregnancy, stretching, overdose of action or a disease can also cause a pinched nerve. A very common example of a pinched nerve is a Carpal syndrome that occurs due to the continuous pressure in the surrounding wrist muscles and becomes swollen due to repeated action.

A Pinched Nerve: Symptoms

The symptoms related to a pinched nerve, depends on what nerve is affected. A pinched nerve can occur anywhere a nerve travels. Some common areas and their related symptoms would help us identify a pinched nerve. 1. Pinched nerve in the back: Numbness in toes, pain along the either side of the legs 2. Pinched nerve in the neck: pain in the arms, stiffness or pain in the neck 3. Pinched nerve in the wrist: affects the fingers, reduction in the grip. Some common symptoms that help in easy identification of a pinched nerve are: Numbness, Tingling (pins or needles), pain and weakness of the muscles along the nerve path.

Diagnosing a pinched nerve

Once you get the symptoms of a pinched nerve, consult a doctor immediately. He might ask you various questions such as where the pain occurs, nature of work, family history (I.e. medical history) etc. These questions help him identify the causes and the area of pain. The doctor would then examine the parts to test the strength, level of pain in the muscle etc. In case the doctor suspects a pinched nerve or needs some additional inputs for treatment, he may recommend additional tests such as X-ray or a scan to carry out further treatments for a pinched nerve.

Treating a Pinched Nerve

Most cases of a pinched nerve are treated with Ice and some rest. This is when the pinched nerve is very mild and when detected in early. Anti- Inflammatory medicines are given to cure the swollen areas of a pinched nerve. Use of braces for a short period of time is also recommended, as this limits the moment around the nerve and provides rest to the arms. If the muscles have become weak due to a pinched nerve, physiotherapy exercises are given to strengthen the muscles. If all the above does not give relief to the patient, the doctor may even recommend a surgery to cure a pinched nerve.

Exercises for a Pinched Nerve

Staying active is best recommended for a pinched nerve. Lying still or inactive reduces the ability of the heart to maintain its blood circulation. When you exercise, blood flows to all parts of body also to the pinched nerve, and helps heal faster. Aerobics, Yoga or stretch exercises can also be taken up. Meditation helps in relaxing the body and mind and helps cure a pinched nerve.