Understanding Pinched Nerves: Causes and Treatments

Nerves in the spine carry messages to muscles and skin throughout the body. When the nerves are pinched in the neck or back, they can cause various uncomfortable and painful symptoms. A pinched nerve may be limited to one location, but still be felt in different parts of the body including arms, legs and shoulders. 

Pinched nerves in the back or neck can cause pain and other 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. 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 severe pain from pinched nerves in the neck and back.

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 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.

Lumbar Radiculopathy
The lumbar is the lower back 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 referred to more generally as sciatica.

Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy involves the pinching of nerves in the neck and the subsequent effect on arms, shoulders, 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.

When exercises and physical therapy are unable to relieve the ongoing discomfort caused by a pinched nerve in the neck or back, you may want to consider surgery. At Deuk Spine Institute, 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.

If you need pinched nerve surgery, know that Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a proven surgical treatment with a 95% success rate, fast recovery time, and does not weaken or damage the spine.

Are you or a loved one experiencing pinched nerves in the neck or back? Deuk Spine Institute is always accepting new patient inquiries. To learn more about our pinched nerve treatments, Contact Us or give us a call at 1-800-FIX-MY-BACK.