Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can occur when excessive pressure is applied by tissues that surround the nerve. Pressure from bones, cartilage, tendons, or muscles can disrupt the function of the nerve, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. Pinched nerves can occur in a number of areas of the body.
What causes pinched spinal nerves?
Also known as radiculopathy in Los Angeles, a pinched spinal nerve occurs when structures of the spine impinge on a spinal nerve, pinching it and causing symptoms. Spinal structures that can impinge on and pinch a nerve include:
- Ligaments
- Joints
- Vertebrae
- Discs
Why choose Achieve Brain & Spine?
- At Achieve Brain & Spine, we provide high quality care and patient experience, evidence-based case management, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and optimal patient outcomes.
- Our practice is focused on treating patients with spinal or neurological conditions who may or may not require surgery. In addition to state-of-the-art surgical procedures, we offer progressive, regenerative treatments.
- You will have full access to our experienced surgeons, who offer patients an unrivaled level of technical skills and empathy.
What are the symptoms of a pinched spinal nerve?
Symptoms of a pinched spinal nerve can depend on which nerve is affected. For example, a pinched nerve in the cervical spine (neck) can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms and hands. A pinched nerve in the lumbar spine (lower back) can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the hips, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Conditions that can result in a pinched spinal nerve
Bulging disc: Dehydration and wear and tear that comes with aging can cause disc cartilage to stiffen and the outer layer of the disc to bulge out around its circumference.
Herniated disc: A disc is herniated when a crack in the outer layer or cartilage (annulus) allows softer inner cartilage (nucleus) to protrude out of the disc. Typically, herniated discs protrude farther than bulging discs and are more likely to cause a pinched nerve.
Degenerative disc disease: This condition describes changes to the spinal discs due to wear and tear over time. In a healthy spine, the discs cushion the vertebrae and allow for normal flexibility of the spine. As people age, the discs can dehydrate, thin, crack, and develop bone spurs. This can cause narrowing of the space that the spinal cord and nerves need to move freely in the spinal canal and pinch or compress the nerves.
What are the treatments for a pinched spinal nerve?
In some cases, pinched spinal nerves respond to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medications. Rest or immobilization of the affected area may be recommended. In other cases, spinal surgery is the best treatment option for relieving symptoms. After a consultation and thorough examination, and possibly diagnostic testing, our surgeons can recommend the best pinched nerve treatment option for you.
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