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Pinched Nerves Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Pinched Nerves Treatment

Pinched Nerves Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Pinched nerves, also known as cervical radiculopathy or nerve compression, occur when a nerve in the spine or other regions is compressed due to pressure from surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. Common causes for pinched nerves could be due to ‘wear and tear’ and arthritis, whereas in young people, herniated discs result in nerve compression. Orthopaedic specialists at Manipal Hospitals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are extremely skilled in addressing pinched nerves by using advanced procedures and interventions in pinched nerve treatment, post-treatment care, and management.

Pinched nerves are often treated by employing Physiotherapy or medications such as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or Corticosteroids. In extreme or severe cases, Surgery is the only option to relieve the pressure.

FAQ's

Common signs and symptoms that indicate pinched nerves include:

  • The presence of numbness in the area that is supplied by the nerve.

  • Sharp pain that is present in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, or back.

  • Tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation.

  • Weakness in muscles due to affected nerve.

  • A sensation was similar to a hand or foot that has ‘fallen asleep’.

Your specialist will initially examine your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and wrists to determine the location of the pinched nerve. They will evaluate for signs of muscle weakness and changes in reflexes and enquire about your medical history, general health, history of accidents or injuries, current symptoms, and any unusual sensations you may be experiencing. As pinched nerves generally impact only one side of the body, your specialist will compare the sensations experienced on the affected side of the body with those on the opposite side. Moreover, pinched nerves are difficult to identify due to the chances of misdiagnosis, and therefore, imaging tests are recommended to obtain a precise and accurate diagnosis.

To get an exact diagnosis after a physical examination, specialists recommend the following imaging tests:

  • Spine X-rays: X-rays of the cervical spine are taken to evaluate pain present in the neck and upper extremities.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI enables specialists to visualise abnormalities present in soft tissues, such as herniated discs and compressed nerves.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is used to diagnose traumatic injuries resulting in symptoms of pinched nerves.

  • Electromyography (EMG): EMG assesses muscle response or electrical activity when a nerve stimulates the muscle. The examination aids in determining the normal functioning of nerves.

Treatment of pinched nerves differs based on the severity and underlying cause of nerve compression. Generally, a common treatment that is recommended for a pinched nerve is complete rest for the area that is affected. Other non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments include:

  • Physical Therapy: Specialists might suggest physical therapy by teaching certain exercises, thereby strengthening and stretching the muscles to relieve nerve pressure. Employing physical therapy helps to minimise pain in individuals.

  • Medications: Certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and other drugs, reduce swelling and pain.

  • Steroid Injections: Steroidal injections are administered into the epidural space to reduce inflammation resulting from pressure on the nerve caused by disc herniation.

In severe cases of pinched nerves, or if symptoms do not subside after several weeks to a few months, surgery is recommended.

Surgeries that address severe forms of pinched nerves include:

  • Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Spine Fusion (ACDF): The surgery involves the removal of discs or bone spurs that compress the nerves from the spine and subsequently stabilise the spine by connecting the vertebrate, forming a single, solid bone.

  • Artificial Disc Replacement: The injured or affected disc is replaced by an artificial disc, providing support and flexibility to the spine.

  • Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy: The lamina, a bone arch, is located on the backside of the spinal canal. The surgery involves trimming the lamina to create more space, thus improving access to nerves and eliminating bone spurs that cause nerve compression.

  • Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Two surgical options are employed to address carpal tunnel syndrome. The first surgical option involves open surgery, where a single, 2-inch incision is made. The second surgical option is Minimal Invasive Endoscopic Surgery, which involves making 1 or 2 half-inch incisions. Both surgeries aim to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Home-based remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of a pinched nerve are:

  • Ensuring adequate sleep to allow self-repair and minimise symptoms of the pinched nerves.

  • Correcting poor posture habits, thus reducing nerve compression.

  • Using ergonomic equipment such as chairs, desks, and tables and adjusting workstation setups to reduce pressure on nerves during prolonged sitting or typing.

  • Using over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs.

  • Incorporating gentle stretching and yoga to relieve tension and pressure.

  • Massaging or implementing physical therapy exercises to promote relaxation and muscle flexibility.

  • Wearing a splint on affected areas, thereby preventing damage and relieving pressure.

  • Elevating legs by placing the pillow under the knees to reduce pressure on the nerve at the back.

  • Applying ice and heat therapy to minimise inflammation and enhance circulation. 

  • Adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. 

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