What Are Pinched Nerves?
- A pinched nerve or nerve compression occurs when the surrounding tissue of a nerve, such as bones, muscles, tendons, etc. apply too much pressure on that nerve. Common cases of pinched nerves are herniated disks and carpal tunnel syndrome
What Are Some Symptoms?
Symptoms vary but generally, the following are experienced:
- Sharp, aching or burning pain
- Paresthesia
- Muscle weakness (feeling like the area “fell asleep”)
- Numbness
- Decreased sensation
In most cases, as long as treatment is sought and completed, nerve compression is alleviated with no side effects. If not addressed, permanent nerve damage is a possibility.
What Causes Pinched Nerves?
- Injury, arthritis, repetitive motion, specific activities (aka typing), obesity, some sports may lead to pinched nerves in the exercises muscles
What Are The Risk Factors?
- Sex
Women are at a higher risk of some nerve compression types, such as carpal tunnel due to having smaller carpal tunnels among other possible factors.
- Bone Spurs
Bone spurs lead to bone thickening, causing any opening where nerves to travel to become narrow, increasing the possibility of a nerve being compressed
- Health conditions
Some health conditions that are associated with inflammation such as arthritis and diabetes
- Excess weight gain (obesity and pregnancy)
- Prolonged bed rest
- Overuse
Treatment… Can Active Therapy Help?
In some cases, the pain is so extreme individuals may prefer surgery. Before anyone chooses that route, few things are recommended:
- When diagnosed, the first option is to stop intense exercises or any activities that may aggravate the area further. Your family doctor may also recommend anti- inflammatory over the counter pain relievers to aid with the pain.
- Heating and icing the area in small intervals over the course of that day will aid in relieving some of the symptoms and underlying inflammation. Steroidal injections are another option for the ongoing inflammation.
- Physical therapy should be started shortly after as long as the exercises prescribed do not lead to a spike in pain intensity. Physical therapy will be started off as stretches and simple range of motion exercises, followed with strengthening exercises few weeks into your recovery.
The sooner individuals seek medical attention and start their suitable aid program, pinched nerves symptoms will start resolving within 6-12 weeks. This is an estimated timeline as each body and injury differs. If the symptoms have not improved by then, individuals may have to discuss surgical options with their family doctors.
Future Tips for Prevention:
- Exercise: focus on strengthening and flexibility into daily life activities
- Lessen and control the frequency of cyclical activities
- Take breaks if activity nature is repetitive
- Good posture and positioning
- Maintain a healthy weight
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/treating-a-pinched-nerve
https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-long-does-pinched-nerve-last
By: Shahd Nabhan
