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Have you ever wondered what causes a pinched nerve? Or perhaps, if you have a pinched nerve?
Pinched nerves are often misunderstood and often mistreated. They are also some of the most painful experiences when it comes to the human body. Read below to learn more!
What is a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when there is too much pressure applied to the nerve by surrounding tissues. If a bone, cartilage, muscle or tendons are out of place or have become inflamed, this can in turn cause pressure on your nerves. This hard pressure then disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness throughout the body.
What causes a Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerves can be caused by a lot of things:
- Herniated discs cause from a disc tearing or weakening
- Wear and tear associated with aging and inflammation
- Repetitive movements that wear down and irritate tissue
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Recovering from conditions or treatments that cause neuropathy including breast cancer and diabetes
- Staying in one position for long periods of time, such as sitting or bent over
- Bone spurs, which narrow the spaces where nerves travel
- Injuries, trauma, tears, and sprains
- Arthritis and degenerative joint diseases
Signs of a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve may not always be obvious and it may not always involve pain. Pinched nerves can occur throughout the body and can often cause pain in multiple places aside from just where the pinched nerve occurs.
Signs of a pinched nerve include:
- Numbness or decreased sensations
- Sharp, aching, or burning pains
- Tingling, feeling like pins and needles are poking you
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent numbness or feeling like your foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
Treatment for Pinched Nerves
We treat many Tulsa patients that experience pinched nerves. Pinched nerves can not only cause extreme pain but can also cause severe emotional, physical and psychological damage if left untreated.
