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Pinched nerves treatment in Dhakuria

Pinched nerves treatment

Pinched nerves treatment in Dhakuria

Nerves are bundles of fibre that transfer signals from the brain to other body parts. Their course runs from the brain to the spinal cord (the spinal nerve is situated in a channel-shaped by the vertebrae in the spinal column). The nerve root originates from the spinal cord and passes between the vertebrae to supply your trunk and limbs.

When adjacent bone, muscle, ligament, or cartilage presses on a nerve, it causes nerve compression, often called a pinched nerve. Individuals with a pinched nerve often experience numbness, aching, or burning sensations in the affected area. This condition can occur in any body part, especially the lower back and neck.  

Mild cases of a pinched nerve are managed with rest and necessary lifestyle modifications. However, in severe cases, you may have to take medications or undergo surgery. Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, provides the right treatment and guidance for patients dealing with pain and discomfort caused by pinched nerves. We offer personalised treatment plans based on your diagnosis and individual needs. 

Nerves are bundles of fibre that transfer signals from the brain to other body parts. Their course runs from the brain to the spinal cord (the spinal nerve is situated in a channel-shaped by the vertebrae in the spinal column).

FAQ's

A pinched nerve develops when a nerve or set of nerves becomes damaged due to compression, constriction, or stretching. The condition can develop anywhere in the body, but the tendency to develop pinched nerves is more common in the back, neck, elbow, and wrists. 
 

Pinched nerves predominantly give rise to the following conditions:

  • Radiculopathy: When a pinched nerve develops in the back, it is described as radiculopathy. The condition developing in the neck is called cervical radiculopathy, whereas a pinched nerve developing in the lower back is called lumbar radiculopathy.

  • Sciatica: A radiating pain in the leg develops when the sciatica nerve (the nerve connecting the spinal cord and leg) gets compressed. 

  • Carpal tunnel: The carpal tunnel is a nerve pathway located at the base of the wrist. It is made up of bones and ligaments and consists of a median nerve. If the ligament thickens and compresses the median nerve, it can give rise to carpal tunnel syndrome.

General symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

  • Pain
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Weakness
  • Disruption in nerve function

Depending on the nerve affected, the symptoms may differ.

In the lower back

  • Sharp pain in the back that radiates to the leg. The symptoms can worsen with coughing or sitting for too long.

  • Numbness in the foot or leg.

  • Loss of reflexes in the lower part of the body.

  • Pain or muscle weakness may develop in the lower back, buttocks, hips, legs, ankles, or feet.

In neck    

  • Numbness, weakness, sharp pain, or tingling sensation in the arm.

  • Sharp neck pain.

  • Headaches.

  • Cervical vertigo (the patient may develop dizziness or disorientation due to the pinched nerve).

  • Shoulder pain.

The symptoms may worsen when the individual moves in a specific way.

The cause depends on the nerve affected. The nerve often gets squeezed between the bones, muscles, tendons, or scar tissue. This painful condition often results from an injury, overuse, or ageing. Other causes include swelling, tight shoes or equipment, staying in one position for too long, or having conditions like arthritis.

The doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination, depending on the area in which you have symptoms. They will also take your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and ask about your hobbies or work to get a clue on the cause of your pain. The exam will include watching how you move, checking your reflexes to see how the nerve functions, and determining if there are any muscle weaknesses. Depending on the examination results, your doctor may prescribe further tests, which include:

  • Nerve tests determine how fast the nerves send electrical signals to the muscle.

  • An X-ray uses a high-energy beam to get a picture of your bone. The imaging helps the doctors determine if you have fractures or arthritis.

  • MRI or CT scan imaging studies help visualise what’s putting pressure on the nerve.

Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the location affected. Possible treatment options for a pinched nerve include:

  • Getting enough rest

  • Taking pain relief (anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid shots)

  • Gentle stretching exercises

  • Massage 

  • Providing support to the affected area by wearing braces or orthotics

  • Surgery (Bone Spur Removal and Spinal Fusion, Artificial Disc Replacement, and Carpal Tunnel Surgery)

  • If you develop a pinched nerve, seek a doctor’s guidance on the pinched nerve and follow their instructions on rest, level of activity, and stretching exercises to follow.

  • Take pain relievers as advised by the doctor.

  • You may apply a heat or ice pack to reduce pain. You may use ice for cold applications, whereas for a heat pack, you can use a heat pad set to a low temperature or a warm cloth. Put a thin cloth between the pack and the skin, and use the pack for 15 to 20 minutes on the sore area.

  • Avoid sitting in one position for a long time, and take short breaks to move around or change positions.

  • Avoid changing positions in such a way that the symptoms may worsen.

Most cases of pinched nerves resolve on their own with adequate rest. However, to reduce the inflammation caused by pinched nerves, you may have to take oral-inflammatory drugs or undergo physical therapy.
 

Generally, a pinched nerve may take anywhere from a few days to 4 weeks or longer to resolve. However, recovery time depends on the type of treatment being offered.

You must seek emergency medical care in the following cases:

  • A sudden onset of pain that is severe.

  • Immediately after a car accident or injury, you develop neck or back pain.

  • You have other symptoms such as jaw pain, chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, or fever.


 

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