Pinched Nerve in the Back Diagnosis and Therapy Option

Pressure on the nerves close to the spine’s vertebrae causes a pinched nerve to develop in your lower back. Numerous symptoms, such as severe pain and numbness, may be present.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms outlined in this article, it’s time to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with Deuk Spine Institute. We will help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!

When there is too much pressure on the nerves close to the final five vertebrae in your back, you can develop a pinched nerve in your lower back. Your whole quality of life could be gradually impacted by this ailment, which can be painful. It’s crucial to visit your doctor for a precise diagnosis if your lower back discomfort persists despite rest.

In this article, you will learn about the signs, causes, and potential treatments for a pinched nerve in your lower back. This includes both immediate and long-term relief.

What are the signs of a pinched back nerve?

Sharp pain and numbness are two of the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your lower back, among others. There may be intermittent pains that feel stabbing. Additionally, you might encounter:

• Weakness
• Spasms of the muscle
• Lack of reflex

Sciatica Symptoms

The term “sciatica” refers to symptoms that are related to problems with the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet. Sciatica can occur when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. Sharp pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness are symptoms of sciatica and can appear in the following places:

• Lumbar region
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Legs
• Feet
• Ankles

Sciatica symptoms frequently get worse when you make quick movements, including sneezing.

Additionally, the discomfort could be severe enough to make it difficult to perform simple tasks like walking. Additionally, you can suffer “pins and needles”-like feeling between your lower back and ankles. As a general rule, sciatica is unlikely to be present if you only experience lower back discomfort.

What could result in a pinched back nerve?

Your back’s pinched nerve could develop suddenly or could be the result of a traumatic accident, like a fall. Between the ages of 30 and 50, symptoms are more likely to appear.

This occurs as a result of the discs in your vertebrae deteriorating and your vertebral column compressing with advancing age.

A herniated disc is another common reason for a pinched nerve in the lower back. This issue could be brought on by aging, a vertebral deformity, or general wear and tear. A herniated disc is more likely to occur in men between the ages of 20 and 50. A pinched nerve in the lower back may also result from:

• Spinal stenosis
• Bulging disc
• Bone spur development
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Foraminal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Degeneration

Potential causes of a pinched nerve

Other risk factors, besides normal aging wear and tear, could contribute to a pinched nerve in the lower back, including:

• Bad posture, especially as a result of computer use
• Lack of regular activity
• Inappropriate lifting and repeated motions
• Obesity or being overweight smoking

How is a back pinched nerve diagnosed?

First, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms. You should be as specific as you can about your condition, including how long you’ve been in pain and discomfort, how it affects your quality of life, and whether you’ve recently sustained any injuries. The following physical indicators of trauma or other problems in your low back will be checked for by your doctor:

• A little range of motion
• Balance issues
• Your legs’ reflexes change
• Muscular deterioration and sensory alterations in the lower extremities

Your doctor might not be able to identify the pinched nerve just by looking at you physically.

They could also be interested in learning more about what caused the pinched nerve. To learn more, they could request the following tests:

• X-rays display the vertebral bones.
• The spinal cord, your soft tissues, including the discs between your vertebrae, and the nerves in your lower back are all visible on an MRI.
• Using a CT scan, you may examine the muscles and bony structures in your lower back and get a highly detailed picture of them.

Typically, long-term symptoms are the only ones that prompt the ordering of such imaging studies. For instance, unless sciatica symptoms persist for 12 weeks or more, doctors may choose not to undertake imaging testing.

What is the remedy for a pinched nerve in the back?

You can start thinking about treatment as soon as your doctor determines that a nerve in your lower back is pinched. Options could combine any of the following:

• OTC medications for pain relief
• Physiotherapy and other lifestyle modifications

Sometimes more intrusive treatments, such as spinal injections or surgery, will be required by your doctor to relieve the pinched nerve.

Baseline Procedures

Your physician will probably first suggest non-invasive, standard therapies for your pinched nerve. Most of the time, nonsurgical treatments will help you feel better. Remember that it may take a few weeks for the medication to start working before your doctor considers using more aggressive forms of treatment.

Medications

You can start by using over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to treat the pinched nerve if your doctor gives the okay. These medicines have the ability to alleviate pain and inflammation. If NSAIDs and other medications don’t work to treat the disease, your doctor may potentially recommend oral steroids.

Physical exercise

Physical therapy may be utilized to treat the symptoms brought on by your pinched nerve.

You’ll receive instructions from your physical therapist on how to perform stretches and exercises that will help to stabilize your spine.

Cures found at home

If you have a pinched nerve in your lower back, your doctor might advise you to change your way of living. Some of these therapies might support your management strategy.

• Altering activity — If you twist or lift your body while sitting, you can discover that it aggravates your pinched nerve. In order to reduce symptoms, your doctor could advise you to refrain from certain activities for a while.
• Heat and ice — Pain and muscle spasms may be diminished by applying cold or heat for 20 minutes several times each day. However, refrain from using heat for 48 hours if you just had a low back injury.
• Constant motion — Regular exercise may help delay the onset of nerve discomfort or alleviate symptoms. Try gentle yoga or tai chi as some low-intensity exercises that nonetheless promote flexibility and strength.
• Alterations to sleeping positions — Your sleeping position could make your nerve pain sensations worse. Together, you and your doctor can decide on the pain-free sleeping position and how to adopt healthy sleeping practices. Changing your sleeping posture or putting a pillow between your legs are two examples of how to do this.

More advanced types of therapy

When the standard therapies for a pinched nerve are ineffective, your doctor might suggest a more forceful course of action.

Anesthetic steroids

If your symptoms don’t go away, your doctor might suggest an injectable steroid. By obtaining an epidural injection of steroids in your doctor’s office or under fluoroscopy in an X-ray department, you can cure severe pain. This can reduce the area’s swelling and other symptoms.

Surgery with Deuk Spine Institute

Surgery is the last but best option for treating a pinched nerve in your lower back that needs to be operated on. There are numerous surgical techniques, and your doctor will suggest one that goes after the condition’s root cause. For instance, a microdiscectomy may be used to treat a herniated disc in your lower back. You must make a small incision in your back for this treatment.

Remember that procedures include dangers and occasionally lengthy recovery times, so you should explore less intrusive options first.

Back exercises and stretches to relieve a pinched nerve

Before beginning any stretches or exercises, be sure to talk to your doctor about them. Make sure nothing you do worsens your symptoms or makes you feel greater discomfort. When performing these stretches, lie on a yoga mat, towel, or carpet. Each time you perform one of these stretches, you should do two to three repetitions. Also, remember to breathe deeply as you stretch.

Bring your knees to the chest

• Lay on the ground.
• Both knees should be bent and aimed upwards, your feet ought to be flat on the ground.
• For 10 to 20 seconds, bring your knees to your chest and hold them there.
• Your feet should now be on the ground with your knees bent. Release your legs.

Activating stretch

• Maintain your still position from the knee to the chest stretch.
• Extend your leg so your foot points upward rather than bringing it to your chest; do not point your toe.
• For 20 to 30 seconds, hold it in the air, then let go of the grip.
• Use the opposite leg to repeat this.

Gluteal extension

The same starting position is used for this exercise, with the legs bent and the head supported.

• Your foot should rest on the opposite bent leg when you lift one of your legs. Your lifted leg’s knee should be parallel to your body.
• Take hold of the thigh holding up your foot and draw it close to your head and chest.
• Release after maintaining the position for 20 to 30 seconds.
• On the opposite side of your body, repeat this.

Conclusion

There are many possible treatments for a pinched nerve in your lower back. You’ll want to try baseline approaches at home before pursuing more invasive methods of treatment. Using NSAIDs, stretching and staying active, and resting your back may be the first line of treatment for your condition. Make an appointment with a doctor if your pain is persistent or severe.

The Deuk Spine Institute encourages and welcomes you to contact us today regarding any questions or concerns you may have regarding your current situation. 

​​If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the preceding symptoms outlined, it is imperative to get a FREE Consultation and MRI Review with the Deuk Spine Institute. We can help relieve your pain and get you back to living your life without limitations!