Pinched nerve causes

A pinched nerve in the spine is typically caused when surrounding tissues are putting pressure on the nerve. These tissues could consist of surrounding bone, cartilage, muscle, tendons or any other tissues that are inflamed or that have otherwise invaded the nerve’s space. As a result, the nerve’s signals can be both interrupted and amplified, manifesting as tingling, numbness, muscle spasms or shooting pains that travel from the location of the pinched nerve to other areas of the body.

There are many conditions of the neck and back that can result in nerve impingement. Examples of specific pinched nerve causes in the spine include:

• Spinal arthritis
• Bulging disc
• Bone spurs
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet disease

Several factors can increase a person’s chances of pinching a spinal nerve. For example, individuals who are obese carry excess weight that puts added pressure on the spine, and this can accelerate the weakening of the spine’s discs, which occurs naturally during the aging process. Displaced spinal disc tissue is a common cause of pinched nerves. As spinal degeneration, which leads to pinched nerves, can also be caused by repetitive movements, someone with a profession that requires frequent, repetitive motions may also be at risk.

Pinched nerve treatment can vary depending on the underlying condition. Once your physician has confirmed that a pinched nerve is causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend special exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications or corticosteroid injections to minimize the effects of a pinched nerve.

If you have tried these treatments for a few months and you are not experiencing relief of your symptoms, your physician might suggest the possibility of pinched nerve surgery. The purpose of this surgery is to remove any tissue in the spinal column that is impinging on the affected nerve. Whereas traditional open spine surgeries might require checking into a hospital for several days, USA Spine Care specializes in minimally invasive outpatient procedures. Using state-of-the-art technology, the surgeons at USA Spine Care access the spine and decompress a pinched nerve using a less than 1-inch incision. For more information about our outpatient treatment of underlying pinched nerve causes, contact us today.

Our caring team can provide a free MRI Review* to help determine if you are a candidate for our minimally invasive procedures.

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