Pinched nerves can cause burning pain, numbness, and tingling, and about 80 out of every 100,000 adults in the United States experience one at some point in life. Symptoms typically improve with at-home treatments, such as activity changes and gentle stretching, but for some people, they persist for weeks or months, affecting mobility and quality of life.
At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, our team regularly treats pinched nerves, which are a common form of compressive neuropathy. In this blog, discover how the two terms vary, the common symptoms they present, and potential treatments that can help you feel better.
A pinched nerve is a layman’s term for a compressed peripheral nerve, which is any nerve outside of the brain and spinal cord that experiences undue pressure.
Peripheral nerves are surrounded by tissues, such as bones, muscles, and joints. If any of these components squeeze a nerve, it can lead to burning pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates into your arms, legs, or other extremities.
Pinched nerves affect people of all ages and commonly occur after an injury, such as a fall or car accident. You can often manage minor cases at home, but if symptoms persist, don’t wait to seek professional care.
Compressive neuropathy is the medical term for nerve damage or dysfunction caused by compression. Also known as nerve compression syndromes, these conditions can affect nerves throughout your body. Common examples of compressive neuropathy include:
Compressive neuropathies typically develop gradually over time, due to repetitive motions or underlying medical conditions. They place ongoing pressure on specific peripheral nerves and increase the risk of nerve damage over time.
Pinched nerves and compressive neuropathies present similar symptoms, including:
Because it can be challenging to determine what’s causing these symptoms on your own, we recommend scheduling an evaluation if you experience any of these issues and they last for more than a few days. This is especially true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from daily activities like work or exercise.
Your diagnosis depends on your symptoms, their location, and their severity. Although every person’s situation is different, diagnosis typically involves a multi-step process, starting with a review of your health records and your symptoms.
We complete a physical exam, assessing your muscle strength, reflexes, posture, and overall mobility. We may also order diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, if we suspect a structural issue like a herniated disc as well as a nerve conduction study, sometimes combined with electromyography (EMG), to check for nerve damage or dysfunction.
After determining whether you have a pinched nerve or compressive neuropathy, we make personalized treatment recommendations.
Treating a pinched nerve or compressive neuropathy can involve several different approaches. We may suggest:
Many people benefit from a combination of several treatments. We monitor your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed to ensure lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Pinched nerves and compressive neuropathies can make even simple tasks, such as brushing your teeth or bathing, uncomfortable. But early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the issue from worsening and restore your mobility.
If you’re concerned about either of these issues, contact Woodlands Center for Special Surgery today by calling the office near you. Many cases respond well to nonsurgical treatment, and you can count on us to help you get back to your routine.
