Nerves are bundles of fibers that extend from our brain and spinal chords, using signals to communicate senses or movement throughout our bodies. When a pinched nerve occurs, too much pressure is being applied to the nerve, and pain is caused. This pressure may be caused by a variety of things such as holding your body in one position for too long (such as leaning on elbows), poor posture, or repeated motions. Since nerves are the least protected in areas where they have little soft tissue and space to travel, pressure often occurs when nerves are pressed between ligaments, tendons, or bones. Common body parts where pinched nerves occur are elbows, hands, wrists, and fingers.
SIGNS OF A PINCHED NERVES INCLUDE:
Numbness
Sharp, aching, or burning pain
Tingling sensations – “pins and needles”
Muscle weakness in area of pinched nerve
Neck stiffness
Foot or hand “fallen asleep” feeling
Although pinched nerves can’t be fully prevented, there are ways to help the pain caused by them. Exercise, rest, and weight loss are good for releasing pressure from a nerve. Injections and over-the-counter medicines are also beneficial, yet it is ultimately best to seek medical care if these symptoms haven’t improved over several days with the help of pain relievers or rest.
Physical therapy can be most effective for pinched nerves in the neck or lower back. Ultimately, pinched nerves can potentially worsen into permanent nerve injury, so seeking a second opinion is your next best move. If you’d like to take this step, our Dr. Matthew Phinney and staff over at The Chiropractic Doctors of Cascade, MI would be happy to schedule you an appointment, answer your questions, and ultimately relieve your pain. Feel free to give us a call at (616) 432-3103 for further direction.