“Pinched nerves”

occur when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues.  This can occur throughout the body but is commonly seen in the low back or neck.  Neural compression in the neck is known as cervical radiculopathy may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as muscle weakness and numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.  “Sciatica” describes symptoms of buttock, leg or foot pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that results from an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve in the low back. 

A pinched nerve

can result in many different symptoms that are uncomfortable. These may include tingling and weakness in the area where the nerve is pinched, as well as in other areas which are also associated with that nerve. Pinched nerves can result in pain, either minor or severe, temporary or constant, and in some cases, pinched nerves may cause muscle wasting when there is a permanent injury to the nerve that has become compressed.

Options

Many options are available to individuals who are suffering from this problem. Some of the more common treatment options that may be given include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or oral corticosteroid medications and physical therapy.  Epidural steroid injection is also known to benefit radiculopathy.  It is common for cervical radiculopathy or sciatica that has improved to return at some point in the future.

If nonsurgical treatment does not relieve symptoms

after several months; surgery may be indicated. Our Spine specialists are available to evaluate patients with radiculopathy and discuss the procedures recommended dependent on individualized symptoms and the location of the involved nerve root.