Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve is compression of the nerve that interrupts the electrochemical signal that travels along the nerve path.

What Causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is caused when a nerve is damaged or injured by direct pressure or compression and is unable to properly conduct its signal. A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs or spinal stenosis. A pinched nerve in the lower back or buttock can compress the sciatic nerve, which can cause sciatica.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve 


The most common symptoms of a pinched nerve are pain, numbness, tingling (as if your body part has "fallen asleep"), or muscle weakness in the affected area. A pinched nerve can cause symptoms at the site of damage, or any location further down the path from the affected nerve. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause neck pain or stiffness, along with symptoms down the arm. A pinched nerve in the lower back pain and stiffness with symptoms down the leg.



Treating a pinched nerve 


The most effective treatment for pinched nerves are the most commonly used ones: physical therapy, rest, medications such as oral pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.  Endoscopic foraminotomy is used to treat nerve pain that may be due to degenerative changes in the spine, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or failed back and neck surgery syndrome. Both are both minimally invasive procedures that have low risk and short recovery times.