- Always sit or sleep in good posture.
- Do regular exercise to gain flexibility on muscles and bones.
- Do not involve in repeated sports activities without any breaks.
Showing posts with label Pinched Nerve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pinched Nerve. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Pinched Nerve
Pinched Nerve is a condition in which the nerve is subjected to intense pressure applied by the surrounding bones or muscles or tendons affecting its normal function. Pinched nerve can cause intense pain, weakness and tingling sensation. A nerve can get pinched in any part of the body. The pain will be felt on the area where the nerve gets affected. In case if the nerve present in the lower spine is affected it could cause pain on your lower back. If the nerve of your wrist gets pinched it can cause numbness or intense pain on your fingers.Often this condition can be resolved by conservative treatments. In rare cases surgery is done. Due to pinched nerve, discomfort or pain or numbness can be caused in the affected part due to increased pressure and irritation. The peripheral nerve may get damaged due to the continuous pressure exerted by the surrounding organs leading to pinched nerve.Symptoms : Pinched nerve can cause sudden intense pain on the affected part, numbness or decrease in sensation (due to nerve damage), tingling sensation or “pins and needles” and muscle weakness on the area where the nerve gets affected.Causes :When the nerve is compressed by the surrounding organs like bones, muscles or tendons to such an extent that it cannot perform its normal function, it can cause pinched nerve. Variety of factors can cause nerve compression. For example, herniated disk can cause pressure on the nerve root. Sometimes, bones or tendons can exert pressure on the nerves. If the carpal tunnel’s nerve is affected it can cause intense pain on the wrists.Sudden injury, medical conditions like rheumatoid Arthritis, sitting in poor posture for long duration and Stress due to repeated activities, certain hobbies, and Obesity can cause pressure on the nerve. If the nerve is compressed only for short time the pain would disappear once the pressure is released. But in some cases chronic pressure can cause serious nerve injury and permanent damage on the nerve.Who are at risk?People who are in the habit of sitting in poor posture, people with chronic problems like Rheumatoid arthritis, bone spurs, and people with Thyroid disease are prone to develop pinched nerve. Women have increased chance to get carpal tunnel syndrome since they have small sized carpel tunnels on their hands. Having herniated disk can exert pressure on the nerve roots causing pinched nerve. Pregnancy can increase your weight causing nerve compression.Diagnosis :Your doctor will complete the physical exam and listen to your symptoms. He may order for tests like nerve conduction to measure the electrical nerve impulses or electromyography to get clear picture about pinched nerve. If required, MRI or CT scan would be done on the affected area.Treatment :Complete rest is enough to resolve pain due to mild form of pinched nerve. You need to restrain from any type of physical activities so that nerve compression will get resolved on its own. If there is serious injury to the nerve your doctor will recommend wearing splints or braces on the affected area so that it cannot be moved. For people with carpal tunnel syndrome this method is highly effective to immobilize the wrist.Physiotherapy like stretching of muscles can relieve the pressure on the nerve. You will be given instructions to modify certain daily activities to reduce the pain. NSAID medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can be taken to get immediate relief from nerve pain. For severe cases your doctor will prescribe corticosteroid oral pills or injections. Surgery is considered only for people who do not respond to the above methods of treatment. Unwanted pressure on the nerve will be removed during surgery.Tips for Prevention :
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Pinched Nerve in Neck
Pinched Nerve in Neck
Nerves are kind of cells in microscopic size, they work like electrical cords–taking signals from your brain and send it to other parts of your body. These cords extend from brain and distribute into legs, arms, muscles and skin. There are two basic types of nerves in the body–central nerves and peripheral nerves. Central nerve is a nerve cell that stays within the spinal cord or in the brain, whereas the peripheral nerves are outside of the brain.
These nerves can get pinched/compressed due to injuries or underlying medical conditions. A pinched nerve in neck can cause pain and numbness in the arms and other limbs. Keep reading to learn the basic symptoms and some treatment options.
What Causes PinchedNerve in Neck?
It is basically a condition involving a damaged nerve or set of nerves. The nerve becomes dysfunctional due to the damage and fails to carry signals required to control muscle movements. Pinched nerve can happen in the lower back, neck or even in your wrist.
You experience this situation due to many different conditions:
Symptoms and Complications ofPinchedNerve in Neck
Nerves in your neck extend down into your arms as well as your hands and fingers. Therefore, the most common symptom of compressed nerve in your neck is pain that radiates from your neck and moves to your arms or hands. You will experience numbness or prickling sensation in those limbs. You may even lose strength in your hands and even in shoulders due to compression.
Complications
Pinched or compressed nerve in cervical region is basically a nerve compression in the cervical region of the spine. There are seven vertebrates of the spine labeled as C1, C2, all the way up to C7. C8 is the root pair that is between the first thoracic vertebra and the last cervical vertebra (C7). When your spine becomes weak, it may put pressure on your nerves in different areas of your body. The pinched nerve at C5 will cause Shoulder Pain, but pinched nerve at C6 will lead to weakness of the wrist extensors and biceps. Any issue at C7 will cause numbness or pain that will travel down the arm to your middle finger, whereas pinched nerve C8 may lead to hand dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Pinched Nerve in Neck
Your doctor will begin with a physical examination and consider your medical history to determine what is causing trouble in your case. They will examine your shoulder, neck, hands, and arms to notice any muscle weakness, change in reflexes or loss of sensation. Your doctor may ask for certain tests to make a diagnosis. Some of the most common tests include the following:
Treatment for Compressed Cervical Nerve
Usually you do not need any treatment for compressed nerve in your neck as it resolves on its own. Severe cases may require surgery. Here are some treatment options to improve your symptoms.
Nonsurgical Treatment
These treatment options do not require any surgical intervention.
Surgical Treatment
If nonsurgical treatment options do not work, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are a number of surgical procedures such as anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), artificial disk replacement (ADR) and posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy for pinched nerve in neck. Your doctor will consider a number of factors, such as your symptoms, your medical history, etc. to determine the best surgical procedure.
Nerves are kind of cells in microscopic size, they work like electrical cords–taking signals from your brain and send it to other parts of your body. These cords extend from brain and distribute into legs, arms, muscles and skin. There are two basic types of nerves in the body–central nerves and peripheral nerves. Central nerve is a nerve cell that stays within the spinal cord or in the brain, whereas the peripheral nerves are outside of the brain.
These nerves can get pinched/compressed due to injuries or underlying medical conditions. A pinched nerve in neck can cause pain and numbness in the arms and other limbs. Keep reading to learn the basic symptoms and some treatment options.
What Causes PinchedNerve in Neck?
It is basically a condition involving a damaged nerve or set of nerves. The nerve becomes dysfunctional due to the damage and fails to carry signals required to control muscle movements. Pinched nerve can happen in the lower back, neck or even in your wrist.
You experience this situation due to many different conditions:
- Herniated disks: Sometimes, your cervical disks slip out of place and exert pressure on a nerve in your neck.
- Narrowing spinal space: You may have developed a pinched nerve in the neck due to a condition called Spinal Stenosis, which is the narrowing of the space within the vertebrae. With not enough space in the vertebrae, it may press on to a nerve in your neck and cause pain.
- Degeneration of disks: The disks in your spine will deteriorate with age. When this happens, your vertebrae may become narrow and pinch a nerve.
- Bony growths: Also known as bone spurs, these bony growths in your neck are the outcome of a degenerative disk disease such as Arthritis. These bony growths put pressure on a nerve in your neck then cause pain and tingling sensation.
Symptoms and Complications ofPinchedNerve in Neck
Nerves in your neck extend down into your arms as well as your hands and fingers. Therefore, the most common symptom of compressed nerve in your neck is pain that radiates from your neck and moves to your arms or hands. You will experience numbness or prickling sensation in those limbs. You may even lose strength in your hands and even in shoulders due to compression.
Complications
Pinched or compressed nerve in cervical region is basically a nerve compression in the cervical region of the spine. There are seven vertebrates of the spine labeled as C1, C2, all the way up to C7. C8 is the root pair that is between the first thoracic vertebra and the last cervical vertebra (C7). When your spine becomes weak, it may put pressure on your nerves in different areas of your body. The pinched nerve at C5 will cause Shoulder Pain, but pinched nerve at C6 will lead to weakness of the wrist extensors and biceps. Any issue at C7 will cause numbness or pain that will travel down the arm to your middle finger, whereas pinched nerve C8 may lead to hand dysfunction.
Diagnosis of Pinched Nerve in Neck
Your doctor will begin with a physical examination and consider your medical history to determine what is causing trouble in your case. They will examine your shoulder, neck, hands, and arms to notice any muscle weakness, change in reflexes or loss of sensation. Your doctor may ask for certain tests to make a diagnosis. Some of the most common tests include the following:
- X-rays: An x-ray will help your doctor check the alignment of bones in your neck and spine. They can also identify any narrowing of the foramen through x-rays.
- CT scans: A CT scan offers detailed information about your spine and dense structures in your neck. It is possible to find any bone spurs in your cervical spine through CT scans.
- MRI scans: These scans offer detailed images of soft tissues in your body. It helps confirm if any damage to your cervical spine is causing any trouble.
- EMG: The test measures the electrical impulses of the muscles during contractions and at rest. Nerve conduction studies help a lot in determining any damage to a nerve.
Treatment for Compressed Cervical Nerve
Usually you do not need any treatment for compressed nerve in your neck as it resolves on its own. Severe cases may require surgery. Here are some treatment options to improve your symptoms.
Nonsurgical Treatment
These treatment options do not require any surgical intervention.
- Soft cervical collar: You have to wear this padded ring around your neck to limit neck movement. This helps your neck muscles relax. Limited movement will reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Physical therapy: You may have to go for physical therapy to understand how to perform certain exercises to strengthen your neck muscles. This will help improve range of motion and relieve pain as well.
- Medications: Your doctor will prescribe NSAids like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, Oral corticosteroids, Steroid injection or Narcotics to help improve your symptoms, to relieve pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
If nonsurgical treatment options do not work, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are a number of surgical procedures such as anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), artificial disk replacement (ADR) and posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy for pinched nerve in neck. Your doctor will consider a number of factors, such as your symptoms, your medical history, etc. to determine the best surgical procedure.
Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade
Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade
A pinched nerve refers to a condition where too much pressure is applied to the tissue surrounding the nerve, including a bone, muscle or cartilage. A pinched nerve is sometimes very pain and uncomfortable, especially when it affects the shoulder blade. This article will introduce a pinched nerve shoulder blade, its causes, symptoms and treatment in details.
What Is Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
A pinched nerve in the shoulder blade develops where tissue surrounding the shoulder blade suffers intense pressure. The pressure may result from a compressed or trapped nerve. A pinched nerve condition is not permanent.It interferes with the transmission of signals from the brain to the nerve. A pinched nerve shoulder blade is a common condition. It is not life-threatening, but affects the quality of life because of the resultant pain and discomfort.
What Causes Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
There are some factors that make you at risk of developing a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade, which include:
What Are the Symptoms of Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
The common symptoms of a pinched nerve shoulder blade include:
1. Pain
A pinched nerve may cause a burning sensation in your shoulder, which may radiate down your arm. The nerve compression causes painful muscle spasms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a pinched nerve is associated with occipital Headaches and neck pain. Pain is the brain's reaction to a malfunction in your body. Hence, pain in your shoulder is an indicator that your nerve is either inflamed or compressed. A simple exercise like moving the shoulder may realign your body and relieve the pain. A sustained nerve compression may lead to a permanent nerve damage, which causes Chronic Pain.
2. Weakness
Weakness in your shoulder and arm muscles is also a symptom of a pinched nerve. Muscle weakness sometimes leads to complete malfunction of the muscle. You cannot lift you arm above your head or use it to reach an item. Sometimes muscle weakness may cause you to drop items, especially when it extends to the lower part of your arm. You are advised to seek medical attention whenever you cannot perform simple tasks, such as picking items with your arms due to muscle weakness.
3. Numbness and Tingling
You may experience numbness and tingling when suffering from a pinched nerve shoulder blade. Numbness makes you feel like your shoulder or arm is "falling asleep" while tingling refers to the "pins and needles" sensation on the affected area. These symptoms may come in waves or continuously, depending on the extent of nerve damage. Seek medical attention in case numbness and tingling do not disappear after resting. The persistent symptoms may imply an underlying condition or complication that requires immediate treatment.
How to Treat Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade
Treatment methods for a pinched nerve may vary, depending on its cause and severity. The major treatment options of relieving a pinched nerve are listed below.
1. Resting
Complete rest relieves a pinched nerve and heals the affected area. Avoid moving your arm or shoulder when suffering from a pinched nerve. You can also try lying flat on your back to relieve pressure on your muscles and tissues. Your doctor may recommend different rest positions for different nerve compression conditions.
2. Hot and Cold Compresses on the Affected Area
Hot and cold compresses relieve a pinched nerve shoulder blade. Alternate between cold and hot compressed on the affected shoulder area or arm to relieve pain and nerve inflammation. Place a cold pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes and then place a hot pack for another 15 minutes. Continue alternating these compresses until you feel relieved.
3. Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Medications
Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol and naproxen are effective in relieving a pinched nerve. Medications, such as Lyrica or Neurontin specifically, relieve nerve pain effectively. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants for your condition. If the pain from a pinched nerve is mild, you can start with over the counter medications. Seek medical attention in case of severe or persistent pain.
4. Physical Exercises
Some of the physical exercises that can help relieve pain from a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade include stretching, strengthening and other motion exercises. Such simple exercises strengthen muscles and reduce the pressure on the pinched nerve.
5. Injection and Surgery
Cortisone injections relieve nerve pain. You may require a surgical procedure if injections do not heal your pinched nerve and pain. Surgery is the last option when no treatments relieve pain or the nerve damage cannot be reversed without a surgical procedure.
6. Other Treatment Options
Alternative treatment options for a pinched nerve include acupuncture, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Maintaining the correct body posture also prevents and relieves a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade.
A pinched nerve refers to a condition where too much pressure is applied to the tissue surrounding the nerve, including a bone, muscle or cartilage. A pinched nerve is sometimes very pain and uncomfortable, especially when it affects the shoulder blade. This article will introduce a pinched nerve shoulder blade, its causes, symptoms and treatment in details.
What Is Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
A pinched nerve in the shoulder blade develops where tissue surrounding the shoulder blade suffers intense pressure. The pressure may result from a compressed or trapped nerve. A pinched nerve condition is not permanent.It interferes with the transmission of signals from the brain to the nerve. A pinched nerve shoulder blade is a common condition. It is not life-threatening, but affects the quality of life because of the resultant pain and discomfort.
What Causes Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
There are some factors that make you at risk of developing a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade, which include:
- ŸLarge breasts. Women with large breasts are likely to develop a pinched nerve because of the poor posture associated with carrying large breasts.
- ŸA repeated movement of the shoulder can lead to a compressed nerve, which will eventually develop into a pinched nerve.
- ŸOverexertion of the arms also compresses nerves and causes a radicular pain that spreads to the shoulder blade.
- ŸIndividuals suffering from Obesity are prone to a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade. This is because the excess weight puts additional pressure on the nerves and muscles.
- ŸPregnancy may cause a pinched nerve because of the pressure that the growing fetus exerts on muscles and nerves.
- ŸMedical conditions such as rheumatoid Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can put pressure on nerves because of the injury or damage associated with them.
What Are the Symptoms of Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade?
The common symptoms of a pinched nerve shoulder blade include:
1. Pain
A pinched nerve may cause a burning sensation in your shoulder, which may radiate down your arm. The nerve compression causes painful muscle spasms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a pinched nerve is associated with occipital Headaches and neck pain. Pain is the brain's reaction to a malfunction in your body. Hence, pain in your shoulder is an indicator that your nerve is either inflamed or compressed. A simple exercise like moving the shoulder may realign your body and relieve the pain. A sustained nerve compression may lead to a permanent nerve damage, which causes Chronic Pain.
2. Weakness
Weakness in your shoulder and arm muscles is also a symptom of a pinched nerve. Muscle weakness sometimes leads to complete malfunction of the muscle. You cannot lift you arm above your head or use it to reach an item. Sometimes muscle weakness may cause you to drop items, especially when it extends to the lower part of your arm. You are advised to seek medical attention whenever you cannot perform simple tasks, such as picking items with your arms due to muscle weakness.
3. Numbness and Tingling
You may experience numbness and tingling when suffering from a pinched nerve shoulder blade. Numbness makes you feel like your shoulder or arm is "falling asleep" while tingling refers to the "pins and needles" sensation on the affected area. These symptoms may come in waves or continuously, depending on the extent of nerve damage. Seek medical attention in case numbness and tingling do not disappear after resting. The persistent symptoms may imply an underlying condition or complication that requires immediate treatment.
How to Treat Pinched Nerve in Shoulder Blade
Treatment methods for a pinched nerve may vary, depending on its cause and severity. The major treatment options of relieving a pinched nerve are listed below.
1. Resting
Complete rest relieves a pinched nerve and heals the affected area. Avoid moving your arm or shoulder when suffering from a pinched nerve. You can also try lying flat on your back to relieve pressure on your muscles and tissues. Your doctor may recommend different rest positions for different nerve compression conditions.
2. Hot and Cold Compresses on the Affected Area
Hot and cold compresses relieve a pinched nerve shoulder blade. Alternate between cold and hot compressed on the affected shoulder area or arm to relieve pain and nerve inflammation. Place a cold pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes and then place a hot pack for another 15 minutes. Continue alternating these compresses until you feel relieved.
3. Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Medications
Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol and naproxen are effective in relieving a pinched nerve. Medications, such as Lyrica or Neurontin specifically, relieve nerve pain effectively. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants for your condition. If the pain from a pinched nerve is mild, you can start with over the counter medications. Seek medical attention in case of severe or persistent pain.
4. Physical Exercises
Some of the physical exercises that can help relieve pain from a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade include stretching, strengthening and other motion exercises. Such simple exercises strengthen muscles and reduce the pressure on the pinched nerve.
5. Injection and Surgery
Cortisone injections relieve nerve pain. You may require a surgical procedure if injections do not heal your pinched nerve and pain. Surgery is the last option when no treatments relieve pain or the nerve damage cannot be reversed without a surgical procedure.
6. Other Treatment Options
Alternative treatment options for a pinched nerve include acupuncture, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Maintaining the correct body posture also prevents and relieves a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade.
What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
There are nerves within the brain and spinal cord that extend out to the periphery of the body, sending signals to various parts of the body. Then what does a pinched nerve feel like? If you are suffering from pinched nerves or nerve compression, you may experience some pain. This is a symptom you shouldn't ignore. There can be minor or severe damage from a pinched nerve in your body and it can result in temporary or lasting medical problems. The sooner you get diagnosed and treated for a pinched nerve, the faster you will get relief.
What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
The symptoms you experience from a pinched nerve depend on the affected nerve. There are numerous nerves that have different responsibilities in sending information from the body or sending information to the body.
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
How to Diagnose a Pinched Nerve
After knowing "What does a pinched nerve feel like?" you may suspect that you are suffering from it. Use the following diagnosing methods to figure things out.
1. Physical Examination
The doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your back, including your neck, mid-back and lower back. The doctor will also examine your muscles and sensation of your extremities to look for any weakness, numbness and tingling. The doctor may also have you perform some movement about the neck and back to see if your symptoms can be recreated or resolved.
2. X-Ray
An x-ray can show whether or not the bones are in proper alignment or if they are narrowed in any place which could indicate pinched nerve. X-rays cannot tell everything about the back but may give the doctor an idea of arthritic changes or other findings indicating a pinched nerve.
3. CT Scan
A CT scan of the back is a better test than x-rays. It can take a look at your back for bone spurs that may be blocking the nerve foramen anywhere along the back. It uses a computer and x-rays to identify bony structures in 3 dimensions.
4. MRI Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans are good for detecting abnormalities of the soft tissue of the back. For example, it can help you if you have a pinched nerve in the back because of a disc being ruptured in the back. Ruptured intervertebral discs can cause pinching of the nerve anywhere along the back.
5. EMG
EMG, also called electromyography, measures the amount of electrical impulses going to the muscles during the muscle's resting state and when it is contracting. This is often done along with nerve conduction studies to see if a nerve is being pinched and isn't sending normal signals to the affected nerve. These two tests together can help identify whether the symptoms are due to a pinched spinal nerve or due to damage to the nerve, such as in cases of diabetic neuropathy.
How to Treat a Pinched Nerve
Now that you know "what does a pinched nerve feel like?" and how to diagnose it, you may want to know how this sort of problem is treated. Pinched nerve happens when there is compression or direct pressure on the nerve which disenables it to send the normal signal to the body. Simply resting the back or other injured area can relieve swelling and feel better. If this doesn't work, the doctor may need to intervene with other forms of treatment, including the following:
1. Common Treatments
Besides rest to the affected area, the doctor may ask you to refrain from doing anything that makes the symptoms worse. You may need to have a brace or splint on the affected area, such as those needed in carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Physical Therapy
You may need to be referred to a physical therapist in order to learn exercises that help the muscles stretch out and become stronger. This can relieve the pressure on the affected nerves. The physical therapist may also recommend behavioral modifications so you don't make the pinched nerve worse.
4. Medications
Typical medications for a pinched nerve include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. This can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with having a pinched nerve. Steroid injections can be done around the nerve or oral prednisone can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Surgery
If several weeks go by and your symptoms are not resolved, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve. The surgery you need depends on where the pinched nerve is located. It may involve removing bone spurs or removing a portion of a herniated disc. If the pinched nerve is in the carpal tunnel, a carpal tunnel release is in order.
6. Prevention
You can do things to prevent a pinched nerve beforehand, such as keeping a good posture, limiting repetitive motion activities, losing weight, and doing flexibility and strengthening exercises as part of a regular program of exercises.
There are nerves within the brain and spinal cord that extend out to the periphery of the body, sending signals to various parts of the body. Then what does a pinched nerve feel like? If you are suffering from pinched nerves or nerve compression, you may experience some pain. This is a symptom you shouldn't ignore. There can be minor or severe damage from a pinched nerve in your body and it can result in temporary or lasting medical problems. The sooner you get diagnosed and treated for a pinched nerve, the faster you will get relief.
What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
The symptoms you experience from a pinched nerve depend on the affected nerve. There are numerous nerves that have different responsibilities in sending information from the body or sending information to the body.
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- Pain in the area the nerve travels to.
- Numbness in the affected area.
- Tingling or a sense of having pins and needles in the area the nerve is affected.
- A musculoskeletal weakness in the muscles innervated by the nerve.
- A sense that the body part has fallen asleep.
- Neck pain or stiffness if the pinched nerve is in the neck. There can be pain traveling down the affected arm.
- A pinched nerve in the area of the lower back can result in back pain and symptoms extending down your leg. The part of the leg affected determines which nerve is being pinched.
- Pinching of the nerve in the wrist is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It affects the index finger and the fingers up to the fourth finger as well as the thumb and the palm of the hand.
- A pinched nerve near the elbow can be caused by Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. In this condition, the pain extends down the forearm, part of the fourth finger and the pinkie finger of the hand.
- A pinched nerve in the upper back can give symptoms of pain along the trunk where the nerve travels around the thorax and waist. Pain can be felt in the upper back as well as along the path of the affected nerve, such as the arms and around the chest wall.
How to Diagnose a Pinched Nerve
After knowing "What does a pinched nerve feel like?" you may suspect that you are suffering from it. Use the following diagnosing methods to figure things out.
1. Physical Examination
The doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your back, including your neck, mid-back and lower back. The doctor will also examine your muscles and sensation of your extremities to look for any weakness, numbness and tingling. The doctor may also have you perform some movement about the neck and back to see if your symptoms can be recreated or resolved.
2. X-Ray
An x-ray can show whether or not the bones are in proper alignment or if they are narrowed in any place which could indicate pinched nerve. X-rays cannot tell everything about the back but may give the doctor an idea of arthritic changes or other findings indicating a pinched nerve.
3. CT Scan
A CT scan of the back is a better test than x-rays. It can take a look at your back for bone spurs that may be blocking the nerve foramen anywhere along the back. It uses a computer and x-rays to identify bony structures in 3 dimensions.
4. MRI Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans are good for detecting abnormalities of the soft tissue of the back. For example, it can help you if you have a pinched nerve in the back because of a disc being ruptured in the back. Ruptured intervertebral discs can cause pinching of the nerve anywhere along the back.
5. EMG
EMG, also called electromyography, measures the amount of electrical impulses going to the muscles during the muscle's resting state and when it is contracting. This is often done along with nerve conduction studies to see if a nerve is being pinched and isn't sending normal signals to the affected nerve. These two tests together can help identify whether the symptoms are due to a pinched spinal nerve or due to damage to the nerve, such as in cases of diabetic neuropathy.
How to Treat a Pinched Nerve
Now that you know "what does a pinched nerve feel like?" and how to diagnose it, you may want to know how this sort of problem is treated. Pinched nerve happens when there is compression or direct pressure on the nerve which disenables it to send the normal signal to the body. Simply resting the back or other injured area can relieve swelling and feel better. If this doesn't work, the doctor may need to intervene with other forms of treatment, including the following:
1. Common Treatments
Besides rest to the affected area, the doctor may ask you to refrain from doing anything that makes the symptoms worse. You may need to have a brace or splint on the affected area, such as those needed in carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Physical Therapy
You may need to be referred to a physical therapist in order to learn exercises that help the muscles stretch out and become stronger. This can relieve the pressure on the affected nerves. The physical therapist may also recommend behavioral modifications so you don't make the pinched nerve worse.
4. Medications
Typical medications for a pinched nerve include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. This can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with having a pinched nerve. Steroid injections can be done around the nerve or oral prednisone can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Surgery
If several weeks go by and your symptoms are not resolved, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve. The surgery you need depends on where the pinched nerve is located. It may involve removing bone spurs or removing a portion of a herniated disc. If the pinched nerve is in the carpal tunnel, a carpal tunnel release is in order.
6. Prevention
You can do things to prevent a pinched nerve beforehand, such as keeping a good posture, limiting repetitive motion activities, losing weight, and doing flexibility and strengthening exercises as part of a regular program of exercises.
Pinched Nerve in Foot
Pinched Nerve in Foot
A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is put on a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as tendons, muscles, bones, or cartilage. This pressure interrupts the nerve's function, causing Paresthesia (weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, and pain). Damage from a pinched nerve might be minor to severe, and it could cause temporary to long-lasting problems. However, with rest and other conventional treatments, many people recover from a pinched nerve within a couple of days or weeks.
Causes of Pinched Nerve in Foot
A Tumor, vascular lesion, or nerve compression syndromes, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, could damage surrounding nerves, and cause paresthesia along with pain. A pinched nerve can happen in various regions of the foot, and is frequently caused by trauma or a tight shoe. Unfortunately, people who have flat feet or high arches are more prone to developing a pinched nerve in their foot. A diagnosis is based on determining the underlying conditions that are causing the paresthetic sensations.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the nerves which provides sensation to the bottom of the foot in the tarsal tunnel is the tibial nerve. When this it is compressed, the resulting condition is called tarsal tunnel syndrome, one of the possible reasons for your pinched nerve in foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome produces symptoms along the nerve that runs from inside the ankle to the bottom of the foot. Symptoms may include:
For some people, the symptom may be isolated and affect just one spot. For others, it could extend to the calf, heel, arch, and even the toes. Sometimes the symptoms can appear suddenly, and they are often brought on or aggravated by overextending the foot, such as prolonged walking, standing, a new exercise program, or over exercising.
Neuroma
A neuroma is a mass or benign tumor growing from a nerve, and a very painful condition called Morton's neuroma affects the padded part of the sole of the foot. It's located behind the third and fourth toes and before the arch. Morton's neuroma includes a thickening of the nerve tissue leading to your toes, and symptoms and causes can include:
Treating Pinched Nerve in Foot
The best approach to treating pinched nerves in foot is to help reduce the compression to the affected nerve and allow the area to heal itself.
For Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A variation of options and treatments, sometimes used together, can be used to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. They include:
For Neuromas
There are a number of things you could do at home to help treat neuroma symptoms and relieve the pinched nerve in foot. However, you should first see your podiatrist for an evaluation, because without the proper diagnosis, symptoms may often get worse. If you have a confirmed case of neuroma, you could be offered a mix of in-office and at-home therapies. As with many foot maladies, treatment for neuromas typically begins with traditional management and care, such as:
A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is put on a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as tendons, muscles, bones, or cartilage. This pressure interrupts the nerve's function, causing Paresthesia (weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, and pain). Damage from a pinched nerve might be minor to severe, and it could cause temporary to long-lasting problems. However, with rest and other conventional treatments, many people recover from a pinched nerve within a couple of days or weeks.
Causes of Pinched Nerve in Foot
A Tumor, vascular lesion, or nerve compression syndromes, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, could damage surrounding nerves, and cause paresthesia along with pain. A pinched nerve can happen in various regions of the foot, and is frequently caused by trauma or a tight shoe. Unfortunately, people who have flat feet or high arches are more prone to developing a pinched nerve in their foot. A diagnosis is based on determining the underlying conditions that are causing the paresthetic sensations.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the nerves which provides sensation to the bottom of the foot in the tarsal tunnel is the tibial nerve. When this it is compressed, the resulting condition is called tarsal tunnel syndrome, one of the possible reasons for your pinched nerve in foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome produces symptoms along the nerve that runs from inside the ankle to the bottom of the foot. Symptoms may include:
- A sensation similar to an electrical shock, tingling, and burning
- Radial pain or shooting pain
- Numbness
For some people, the symptom may be isolated and affect just one spot. For others, it could extend to the calf, heel, arch, and even the toes. Sometimes the symptoms can appear suddenly, and they are often brought on or aggravated by overextending the foot, such as prolonged walking, standing, a new exercise program, or over exercising.
Neuroma
A neuroma is a mass or benign tumor growing from a nerve, and a very painful condition called Morton's neuroma affects the padded part of the sole of the foot. It's located behind the third and fourth toes and before the arch. Morton's neuroma includes a thickening of the nerve tissue leading to your toes, and symptoms and causes can include:
- Pain that radiates from the ball of the foot to the ankle or the ball of the foot to the toes
- Numbness, cramping, or tingling sensation
- Tight shoes that usually aggravate the symptoms
- Awkward bending of the toes, or stepping the wrong way
- Feeling as if you are standing on a fold in your sock or a pebble in your shoe
- Feeling a lump in the ball of your foot or a clicking sensation when you walk
Treating Pinched Nerve in Foot
The best approach to treating pinched nerves in foot is to help reduce the compression to the affected nerve and allow the area to heal itself.
For Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A variation of options and treatments, sometimes used together, can be used to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. They include:
- Rest the foot to prevent any further injury during the healing process.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area by placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Apply ice for 20 minutes, and then wait at least 40 minutes before re-applying.
- Medications: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, will help reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Injection: Injections of a local anesthetic for pain relief, and an injected corticosteroid for treating the inflammation.
- Immobilization: Wearing a cast to restrict movement of the foot. The cast is sometimes necessary to help the nerve and surrounding tissue to heal.
- Orthotic devices: To help maintain the arch, and limit the motion that can cause compression of the nerve, custom shoe inserts or supportive shoes may be prescribed by your podiatrist.
- Bracing: Fitted with a brace to reduce the amount of pressure on the foot for patients with flat foot, or those with severe symptoms and nerve damage.
For Neuromas
There are a number of things you could do at home to help treat neuroma symptoms and relieve the pinched nerve in foot. However, you should first see your podiatrist for an evaluation, because without the proper diagnosis, symptoms may often get worse. If you have a confirmed case of neuroma, you could be offered a mix of in-office and at-home therapies. As with many foot maladies, treatment for neuromas typically begins with traditional management and care, such as:
- Shoes: Wearing shoes that offer more room around the toes or with shock-absorbing properties, and switching to a lower heel or extra padding, may help relieve symptoms. It might also help if you adjust the way you lace your shoes.
- Taping and padding: Taping could be used to alter the functioning of your foot as you walk and to help relieve the pressure on the neuroma, or you might be instructed to use small cushions or pads on the ball of the foot to alleviate the pressure that causes the pain.
- Orthotics:Shoe inserts and orthotics may be used to treat a pinched nerve in foot related complaints, and may also be used to reduce the pain and other neuroma symptoms.
- Medication: Your podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, or both, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Make sure any medications are used as directed, and let your podiatrist know if you have any allergies to the medication. You'll also need to let your podiatrist know what other medications that you are taking, such as vitamins, or supplements to avoid any adverse interactions.
- Surgery: If traditional interventions fail to alleviate your neuroma symptoms, or your symptoms have worsened, surgery may become necessary. Surgery for neuromas often involves removing enlarged or inflamed nerves that are causing symptoms and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder
Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder
Shoulder Pain is one of the frequently encountered musculoskeletal problems in adults belonging to all age groups and according to a 1993 study published in peer reviewed "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Care", the author suggested that almost 15% of all the males and 25% of the adult females experience frequent episodes of neck pain (at least one episode per month). There are many potential causes for shoulder pain. A pinched nerve can be one of the causes. Understanding how pinched nerve happens as well the corresponding treatments can help you relieve shoulder better.
What Should We Know about Pinched Nerve in Shoulder
Causes
Pinched nerve is the most common cause of neck pain in shoulder that originates in individuals who are exposed to strenuous physical activity (especially in poorly trained athletes) that causes inflammation or over-stretching of peripheral nerve fibers at certain places (when nerve is exiting through the tiny foramina in the cervical vertebrae) or when the nerve is entering or leaving the joints. Other common causes of pinched nerve include:
Symptoms
If left untreated, pinched nerves can interfere with normal daily activities to a great deal. Since all the muscular and functional activities of upper limb is controlled by nerves, in poorly managed cases symptoms like frozen shoulder, poorly coordinated muscular activities, tingling sensation in the limbs, pin and needle sensation in arms and poorly regulated muscle activities are reported.
Diagnosis and Tests
In most cases, relevant medical history and physical examination is needed by the healthcare provider to establish a preliminary diagnosis of pinched nerve in the shoulder. Healthcare providers also seek relevant medical, surgical and physical history and conduct motor assessment tests to ascertain the degree of nerve involvement. The preliminary diagnosis is confirmed by specialized tests like CT scan and MRI of spine to know the exact cause and site of lesion in order to plan appropriate treatment plan.
Treatments for Pinched Nerve in Shoulder
Spending upon the primary cause and severity of symptoms, a lot of treatments can be planned, most commonly employed ones are listed below:
1. Ice and Rest
In order to manage acute pain, ice therapy is employed by most individuals to decrease the inflammation and swelling across the nerve. Moreover, it also numbs and temporarily anesthetizes the site of primary nerve involvement until other interventions exert their action. , It is recommended to wrap your ice pack or a bag of peas in a towel before putting it on your neck.
Meanwhile it is also recommended to give optimal rest to the involved limb in order to decrease the spread of inflammation.
2. Exercise
Certain exercises are extremely helpful in decreasing the degree of inflammation by correcting the posture and stabilizing the connective tissue matrix. It is extremely important to avoid strenuous exercise and activity that involves upper limb without assistance and help of your primary healthcare provider. For best results, it is always better to seek professional help in the form of registered physical therapist who helps in restoration of normal posture by suggesting appropriate exercises.
3. Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs are very helpful in improving the normal motility and flexibility of movements across the shoulder joint. For best results, perform the activity in standing posture. Ideally, shrug your shoulders by elevating your elbows at the level of shoulder and rotate then both shoulders simultaneously in the clockwise direction. Repeat this exercise at least 15 to 30 times every day.
4. Chin Extension
Chin extension is a simple exercise that you can perform in the sitting position. It involves supporting the back of your head by interlacing your fingers and rotating your neck to the right side by touching your chin with the right shoulder tip. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise fore left side.
5. Bench Press
You can use a broom to support your elbows while you are lying on a flat surface (ground or bench). Now elevate your elbows and press upon broom for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not use barbell for this activity.
6. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps by increasing the range of motion at the level of shoulder point. Moreover, by facilitating pain free smooth movement, physical therapy helps tremendously in increasing the flow of blood across the shoulder joint to ensure speedy recovery of the damaged nerve. Physical therapists may provide a wide range of treatment modalities such as traction or home-exercise program.
7. Medication and Management Options
8. Injection
In cases of severe pain, discomfort and limitation of movement as a result of severe inflammation of pinched nerve, injection at the level of nerve can help in reduction of pain and inflammation. It is indicated in cases where pain does not respond to any other methods of intervention.
9. Surgery
Surgery is needed in the cases that are refractory to holistic or alternative methods of care. Pinched nerve, caused by herniated cervical disc responds fairly well to the surgical management.
Surgery is also recommended if the patient has additional weakness in the muscles, or if the pinched nerve in shoulder causes loss of control over the bowel or bladder (cauda equina syndrome), which are signs of more serious nerve damages.
Shoulder Pain is one of the frequently encountered musculoskeletal problems in adults belonging to all age groups and according to a 1993 study published in peer reviewed "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Care", the author suggested that almost 15% of all the males and 25% of the adult females experience frequent episodes of neck pain (at least one episode per month). There are many potential causes for shoulder pain. A pinched nerve can be one of the causes. Understanding how pinched nerve happens as well the corresponding treatments can help you relieve shoulder better.
What Should We Know about Pinched Nerve in Shoulder
Causes
Pinched nerve is the most common cause of neck pain in shoulder that originates in individuals who are exposed to strenuous physical activity (especially in poorly trained athletes) that causes inflammation or over-stretching of peripheral nerve fibers at certain places (when nerve is exiting through the tiny foramina in the cervical vertebrae) or when the nerve is entering or leaving the joints. Other common causes of pinched nerve include:
- Poor posture or poorly regulated physical activities
- Obese individuals
- Long standing and poorly regulated herniated spinal discs and widespread Osteoporosis.
Symptoms
If left untreated, pinched nerves can interfere with normal daily activities to a great deal. Since all the muscular and functional activities of upper limb is controlled by nerves, in poorly managed cases symptoms like frozen shoulder, poorly coordinated muscular activities, tingling sensation in the limbs, pin and needle sensation in arms and poorly regulated muscle activities are reported.
Diagnosis and Tests
In most cases, relevant medical history and physical examination is needed by the healthcare provider to establish a preliminary diagnosis of pinched nerve in the shoulder. Healthcare providers also seek relevant medical, surgical and physical history and conduct motor assessment tests to ascertain the degree of nerve involvement. The preliminary diagnosis is confirmed by specialized tests like CT scan and MRI of spine to know the exact cause and site of lesion in order to plan appropriate treatment plan.
Treatments for Pinched Nerve in Shoulder
Spending upon the primary cause and severity of symptoms, a lot of treatments can be planned, most commonly employed ones are listed below:
1. Ice and Rest
In order to manage acute pain, ice therapy is employed by most individuals to decrease the inflammation and swelling across the nerve. Moreover, it also numbs and temporarily anesthetizes the site of primary nerve involvement until other interventions exert their action. , It is recommended to wrap your ice pack or a bag of peas in a towel before putting it on your neck.
Meanwhile it is also recommended to give optimal rest to the involved limb in order to decrease the spread of inflammation.
2. Exercise
Certain exercises are extremely helpful in decreasing the degree of inflammation by correcting the posture and stabilizing the connective tissue matrix. It is extremely important to avoid strenuous exercise and activity that involves upper limb without assistance and help of your primary healthcare provider. For best results, it is always better to seek professional help in the form of registered physical therapist who helps in restoration of normal posture by suggesting appropriate exercises.
3. Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs are very helpful in improving the normal motility and flexibility of movements across the shoulder joint. For best results, perform the activity in standing posture. Ideally, shrug your shoulders by elevating your elbows at the level of shoulder and rotate then both shoulders simultaneously in the clockwise direction. Repeat this exercise at least 15 to 30 times every day.
4. Chin Extension
Chin extension is a simple exercise that you can perform in the sitting position. It involves supporting the back of your head by interlacing your fingers and rotating your neck to the right side by touching your chin with the right shoulder tip. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise fore left side.
5. Bench Press
You can use a broom to support your elbows while you are lying on a flat surface (ground or bench). Now elevate your elbows and press upon broom for 20 to 30 seconds. Do not use barbell for this activity.
6. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps by increasing the range of motion at the level of shoulder point. Moreover, by facilitating pain free smooth movement, physical therapy helps tremendously in increasing the flow of blood across the shoulder joint to ensure speedy recovery of the damaged nerve. Physical therapists may provide a wide range of treatment modalities such as traction or home-exercise program.
7. Medication and Management Options
- NSAids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include over the counter pain killers like aspirin or ibuprofen that are helpful in reducing pain and swelling as a result of inflammation.
- Oral corticosteroid helpful in reducing swelling and pain as a result of an ongoing inflammatory process.
- Narcotics are powerful analgesics that are needed to decrease pain and discomfort that is refractory to over the counter pain killers, It is recommended to follow the prescription of healthcare provider religiously in order to prevent the risk of addiction, dependence and tolerance
- Steroid injections are extremely helpful in decreasing swelling and inflammation and allowing inflamed nerves to heal optimally.
- Splint or collar helps in limitation of neck movement that gives muscles, tissues, tendons and ligaments ample time to recover from the inflammatory process.
8. Injection
In cases of severe pain, discomfort and limitation of movement as a result of severe inflammation of pinched nerve, injection at the level of nerve can help in reduction of pain and inflammation. It is indicated in cases where pain does not respond to any other methods of intervention.
9. Surgery
Surgery is needed in the cases that are refractory to holistic or alternative methods of care. Pinched nerve, caused by herniated cervical disc responds fairly well to the surgical management.
Surgery is also recommended if the patient has additional weakness in the muscles, or if the pinched nerve in shoulder causes loss of control over the bowel or bladder (cauda equina syndrome), which are signs of more serious nerve damages.
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