Pinched Nerves

Nerves in the spine carry messages to muscles and skin throughout the body. When the nerves are pinched, they can cause various uncomfortable and painful symptoms.

Referred pain is a term used to describe pain that is felt a distance from its actual origin, and this is frequently the case when spinal nerves are pinched. This may occur as a result of spinal stenosis, which involves a narrowing of the spine; bone spurs, which can occur as a result of spinal arthritis; or a herniated disc, which involves vertebral disc tissue squeezing out of place.

Radiculopathy refers to a problem that occurs at or near the root of a nerve — in this case, along the spine. Instead of feeling pain where pressure is applied to nerves, pain, numbness, tingling, or other sensations can radiate along the nerve's path. A person with pinched nerves in the back or neck frequently feels the effects in the legs or arms, respectively. In severe cases, a person can lose muscle control.

The following conditions are among the most common causes of pinched nerves and related pain. At our offices in Melbourne and Titusville, Florida, we provide state-of-the-art lumbar radiculopathy, cervical radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis treatment, as well as a complete range of other treatments to address all forms of spine disease and injury.We utilize the very latest diagnostic, therapeutic, and, when necessary, surgical techniques to treat pain from pinched nerves.

Causes - Disc Conditions

Disc conditions are the most common sources of back and neck pain. When a portion of disc tissue lying between the vertebrae is squeezed out of place, it can press against sensitive nerves of the spine. This can, but does not always, lead to back or neck pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal cord narrows, compressing the nerves within it. The condition is most often a result of the natural aging process, which can include a certain degree of spinal degradation. Spinal stenosis can result in neurogenic claudication, which, in lay terms, is the presence of cramping or pain as a result of pinched nerves. Because spinal stenosis can occur virtually anywhere along the length of the spine, the location of these symptoms can vary as different areas of the body receive nerve signals from different parts of the spine. At our practice with offices in Melbourne and Titusville, Florida, spinal stenosis treatment is provided by leading spine care specialists and surgeons.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

The lumbar is the lower region of the spine. Radiculopathy refers to a condition in which one or more nerves are affected and are not functioning properly. Nerves in the lumbar region carry electrical signals from the brain to the legs; both leg and back pain can therefore occur as a result of this condition. Lumbar radiculopathy is many times referred to more generally as sciatica.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy involves the pinching of nerves in the neck and the subsequent effect on arms and other parts of the upper body. When nerves in the neck are pinched, peripheral nerves branching off from the spine with signals from the brain to the arms can lose their ability to function. This can lead not only to pain and numbness, but also to a loss of muscle control.

Treatment - Surgery for Pinched Nerves

Surgical treatment for pinched nerves or spinal stenosis, includes the most state-of-the-art option available- minimally invasive endoscopic laser spine surgery. The pinched nerve is repaired while retaining the herniated disc and mobility of the patient. Without surgery, the nerve root may become permanently damaged causing weakness, numbness, paresthesias, pain or even atrophy of muscles.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is a proven effective surgical treatment of pinched nerves or nerve root impingement. Learn about this OUTPATIENT treatment here.