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. Here are some examples of what can lead to a pinched nerve:
Repetitive Movements
Certain repetitive motions or activities, like typing on a computer for an extended period, can lead to pinched nerves. Repetitive stress can cause nearby muscles and tendons to become inflamed, resulting in compressed nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment are two examples of this.
Injury
Accidents or injuries, such as falls or sports-related impacts, can cause also cause a sudden compression or trauma to the nerves, resulting the pain, tingling, and numbness of a pinched nerve.
Poor Posture
Living with poor posture over time can exert too much pressure on nearby, especially in the neck and spine. Slouching or hunching can change the natural alignment of your spine, leading to aggravation, compression, and a pinched nerve.
Herniated Discs
Spinal discs serve as cushions between vertebrae in the spine. When a disc herniates or ruptures, the gel-like substance inside can protrude and press against nearby nerves, leading to pinched nerves and associated symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness.
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 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.
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 include spine specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more who work together to provide you with an effective treatment plan for a pinched nerve.