A pinched nerve might be small in size, but it can cause huge discomfort and disruption to daily life. Pinched nerves occur when nearby tissues apply too much pressure on a nearby nerve. Understanding the causes and consequences of pinched nerves is essential for effective management and prevention of further complications. Here’s what you need to know about how a pinched nerve happens, what a pinched nerve can cause, and the best treatment options for you.
How a Pinched Nerve Happens
Pinched nerves can occur in various parts of the body, most commonly in the spine, neck, wrists, elbows, and hips. When a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, it can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Understanding what leads to a pinched nerve can help with both prevention and treatment. Here are some examples of what can lead to a pinched nerve.
Repetitive Movements
Repetitive motions or activities that involve continuous strain on a specific part of the body can increase your risk of developing a pinched nerve. Activities like typing on a computer for extended periods or playing a sport like tennis desk can lead to pinched nerves. Repetitive stress can cause nearby muscles and tendons to become inflamed, resulting in compressed nerves.
Two common conditions related to repetitive movements and the potential for a pinched nerve include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed due to swelling from repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as typing, tennis, golfing, or playing an instrument.
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Commonly associated with leaning on the elbow or repetitive arm movements, this condition results in tingling and weakness in the ring and pinky fingers. It can also cause similar symptoms to the experience of “hitting your funny bone.”
Injury
Accidents or direct injuries can also cause sudden compression or trauma to the nerves. Falls, sports-related impacts, car accidents, or even minor injuries can lead to inflammation, swelling, or structural damage that puts pressure on nearby nerves. This compression can cause symptoms such as:
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the affected area
For example, a sports-related shoulder injury could result in a pinched nerve in the brachial plexus, causing pain and limited mobility in the arm and hand. Similarly, a sudden fall on the tailbone may cause sciatic nerve compression, resulting in pain that radiates down one leg.
Poor Posture
Sitting, standing, or sleeping with poor posture for an extended period can place excessive strain on the spine and surrounding structures, leading to nerve compression.
Common bad posture habits that contribute to pinched nerves include:
- Slouching while sitting at a desk or looking at a screen
- Sleeping in awkward positions, leading to neck or shoulder nerve compression
- Hunching over a phone or tablet for extended periods (sometimes called “tech neck”)
Poor posture can change the natural alignment of the spine, putting too much stress on nerves, especially in the neck and lower back. Over time, this may lead to conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, a pinched nerve in the neck, or sciatica, a pinched nerve in the lower back affecting the lower body.
Herniated Discs
The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by soft, gel-like discs that act as cushions to absorb shock. When one of these discs herniates or ruptures, the inner material can push out and press against nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve due to a herniated disc include:
- Pain radiating down the arms or legs
- Tingling or numbness in the affected area
- Muscle weakness due to nerve compression
Herniated discs can happen because of aging, improper lifting techniques, or sudden trauma to the area. In severe cases, medical intervention such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery may be required to relieve the compression.
Bone Spurs
Conditions like osteoarthritis can lead to bone spurs, which are small bony growths that can put pressure on nerves. This often occurs in the spine and can contribute to nerve compression and discomfort in the area. Bone spurs are most commonly found in:
- The spine, where they can contribute to nerve compression and conditions like spinal stenosis
- The shoulders, where they may affect the rotator cuff
- The hands and feet, potentially impacting movement and nerve function
As we age, our joints experience wear and tear, which may increase the likelihood of developing bone spurs. While some cases remain asymptomatic, others may require treatment ranging from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications or, in severe cases, surgical removal.
Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
In general, pinched nerves can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Sharp, aching, or burning pain
- Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation
- Numbness in the affected area
- Muscle weakness
- Increased pain when moving the affected body part
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinched Nerves
Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness?
While pinched nerves typically manifest with symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness, they can occasionally lead to dizziness, although it’s less common. Pinched nerves in the cervical spine (neck region) may affect blood flow or nerve signaling to the brain, potentially resulting in feelings of lightheadedness or vertigo. Additionally, if a pinched nerve causes muscle weakness or imbalance in the neck or upper back, it could contribute to postural changes that trigger dizziness. However, dizziness is more commonly associated with other conditions, so a thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause.
Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Headaches?
If you get a pinched nerve in the neck, it can sometimes lead to tension headaches or what’s known as cervicogenic headaches. Your neck houses what’s known as the cervical spine, featuring the first 7 vertebrae labeled C1-C7. The compression of nerves or surrounding tissues in the neck can cause muscle tension and irritation. This can lead to pain that radiates into your head and results in headaches. Additionally, pinched nerves can disrupt the brain’s ability to effectively send signals through the nerve, potentially triggering headaches or even making existing issues with headaches worse.
Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Chest Pain?
Pinched nerves in the thoracic spine, the mid-back area, can sometimes lead to chest pain. However, chest pain from a pinched nerve is less common than other symptoms, like pain or numbness in the arms or back. When nerves in the thoracic spine are compressed or irritated, this can result in the body sending out pain signals that can seem like chest discomfort. It is also possible for a pinched nerve to affect your body’s automatic processes like heart rate or blood pressure, potentially leading to symptoms that mimic cardiac-related chest pain. However, chest pain can have various causes, including cardiac issues, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Numbness?
Yes, one of the hallmark symptoms of a pinched nerve is numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected area. When a nerve is compressed or irritated, it can disrupt sensory signals, leading to numbness or tingling in the area controlled by the affected nerve. Numbness and tingling caused by a pinched nerve is sometimes referred to as “falling asleep,” like when your leg falls asleep when you’ve had your legs crossed for too long. Numbness from a pinched nerve can vary in intensity and duration, depending on how severely the nerve is pinched.
Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Nausea?
While pinched nerves primarily affect your sensations and movements, it is also possible to indirectly cause symptoms such as nausea in some cases. Pinched nerves in the cervical spine, or neck area, may disrupt nerve signals that signal feeling like trapped nerve nausea, potentially making you feel queasiness. However, nausea is more commonly associated with other conditions, which is why it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional like your Snellville chiropractor for proper evaluation and management.
Additional Risk Factors for Pinched Nerves
Beyond the primary causes of a pinched nerve, several additional health and lifestyle factors can contribute to nerve compression:
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional strain on bones, joints, and nerves, which can increase your risk for nerve compression.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and weight gain can lead to swelling, which may put pressure on nerves, particularly in the lower back and wrists.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and make them more susceptible to compression.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to conditions that lead to nerve compression, such as spinal abnormalities or joint disorders.
Pinched Nerve vs. Trapped Nerve
A pinched nerve and a trapped nerve are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle distinctions. A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, apply excessive pressure to a nerve, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. This compression disrupts the nerve’s function, often causing radiating discomfort along the nerve’s pathway. A trapped nerve, on the other hand, is a more general term that describes a nerve being compressed or restricted in movement, often in a confined space such as a joint or between muscle layers. While all pinched nerves are technically trapped, not all trapped nerves can cause the same symptoms or severity as a pinched nerve. Essentially, a pinched nerve refers specifically to nerve compression affecting function, while a trapped nerve can describe any restriction in a nerve’s movement or position.
Treatment Options for a Pinched Nerve
Treatment for pinched nerves aims to alleviate symptoms like pain, tingling, headaches, dizziness, and more. You also want a doctor who will treat the underlying cause of your nerve compression. One of the most important things you can do with a pinched nerve is to rest the area. Avoid things that may make your symptoms worse, and embrace things that can help alleviate pressure on the nerve while you heal. In addition to resting, these are some other options to consider when treating a pinched nerve:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can also offer relief from pinched nerve symptoms with an all-natural and non-invasive approach to treatment and care. Your Snellville chiropractor can use chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and joints and reduce pressure on nearby nerves. Your chiropractor may also recommend exercises and techniques that can help improve your strength, flexibility, and posture.
Medications
Certain types of medication may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation caused by a pinched nerve. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or oral steroids to alleviate side effects like muscle spasms and excessive inflammation.
Bracing or Splinting
Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, wearing a brace or splint may help you to immobilize and support the affected area. Bracing or splinting can also help by reducing pressure on the nerve and promoting healing.
AICA Snellville for Pinched Nerve Relief
Don’t let the symptoms of a pinched nerve keep you from enjoying your life! Visit AICA Orthopedics in Snellville for comprehensive treatment and care. Our team of doctors includes spine specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more who work together to provide you with an effective treatment plan for a pinched nerve.