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Search for neurologists near you and schedule your next appointment todayIf you've ever had pain and weren't quite sure what caused it, you may have had a pinched nerve. Although it is most common in the neck or back, a pinched nerve can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the wrist. Recognizing pinched nerve symptoms and signs is critical for receiving the proper treatment. What Causes a Pinched Nerve?According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, a pinched nerve occurs when the tissue that surrounds a nerve puts pressure on it. The pressure can change how the nerve functions and cause pain or a tingling sensation. This pain or tingling can be temporary or long-lasting, and can be minor or severe. A pinched nerve can be caused by a herniated disc, which is when one of the discs between the spinal bones (vertebrae) pushes out. Spinal stenosis, which is the abnormal narrowing of the body channel occupied by the spinal cord, can also cause a pinched nerve. Pinched Nerve Causes and SymptomsA pinched nerve can happen to anyone, but certain people have a higher risk than others. Someone whose job involves repetitive motions may be more likely to experience a pinched nerve. Or a pinched nerve may occur after a long period of sitting or sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Pregnant women can also experience pinched nerves due to the extra weight. If you do have a pinched nerve, symptoms may include:
Common Pinched Nerve MisdiagnosesIf you aren't familiar with the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve, it can be easy to confuse it with something else, like a pulled muscle. Trying to figure out what you have on your own can also be extremely difficult. A pinched nerve will generally feel like a sharp shooting pain that radiates to another part of the body. On the other hand, a pulled muscle will usually feel like a dull ache or pain that only occurs in one part of the body. A pulled muscle will also likely occur when the muscle is overextended or when there is strenuous exercise. Pinched Nerve DiagnosisIf you think you have pinched nerve symptoms, it's best to visit your primary care physician first. It may be helpful to write down the symptoms you've been having before your appointment. Because a pinched nerve can look like other conditions, try to be as specific as possible when describing the pain or other sensations. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a doctor may take an X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to find the cause of the pinched nerve. If your primary care doctor is unable to diagnose the pinched nerve, you may need to see a neurologist or orthopedist. Pinched Nerve TreatmentA pinched nerve isn't always debilitating and can often be treated at home if it doesn't go away on its own. Treatment can be as simple as exercise or stretching to relieve the pressure. You can also apply heat to relax the tight muscles around the pinched nerve. Ice can reduce the swelling and inflammation. If those methods don't work, you can try a painkiller like ibuprofen or aspirin. A pinched nerve can be uncomfortable or painful, but it can generally be relieved with over-the-counter drugs, home remedies, or simply time. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any pain or discomfort that doesn't go away with time or treatment. DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. If your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, you may undergo some tests. These tests may include:
TreatmentThe most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend wearing a splint during the day as well as at night because wrists flex and extend frequently during sleep. Physical therapyA physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve. The physical therapist may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve. MedicationsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve pain. Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and tricyclic medications such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) and amitriptyline are often used to treat nerve-related pain. Corticosteroids, given by mouth or by injection, may help minimize pain and inflammation. SurgeryIf the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs or a part of a herniated disk in the spine, for example, or severing the carpal ligament to allow more room for the nerve to pass through the wrist. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements,
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protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to first see your health care provider. Because there's often a lot to discuss and time may be limited, it's a good idea to prepare for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For a suspected pinched nerve, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. They may include:
Jan. 22, 2022 DO orthopedic doctors treat pinched nerves?Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in the spine and joints, which affect the whole body, so they are highly skilled in addressing pinched nerves and their effects on various parts of the body.
What doctor do I go to for a pinched nerve?Treating a Pinched Nerve
If you believe you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, you should always visit an orthopedic surgeon near you to ensure that is the problem and rule out any more serious spinal issues. These doctor visits can also help determine if a more chronic ailment, like spinal arthritis, is to blame.
Do you need a doctor for a pinched nerve?While many cases of pinched nerve will resolve on their own with or without treatment, you should see your doctor if symptoms last for several days. You should also see a doctor if your pain doesn't respond to self-care measures, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?A chiropractor can use adjustments to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of the issue. This can help someone recover without requiring invasive procedures or medications that could otherwise lead to side effects.
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Orthopedic doctor for pinched nerve near me
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