A pinched nerve develops when excess force is put on a nerve or the area around it by the nearby bones, muscles, and tendons. Usually, the pressure affects the nerve making it send a warning signal to the brain. As a result, affected individuals experience tingling sensations, pain, and numbness. The feeling can disappear independently, but it can cause chronic discomfort at times. If the symptoms are affecting your functioning, book an appointment with a Roswell pinched nerve specialist for advanced treatment. Here is everything you need to know about a pinched nerve.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Pinched Nerves?
· Sports: A lot of sports involving contact or lifting heavy weights can be susceptible to nerve impingement.
· Intercourse: Women are at a higher risk of experiencing a pinched nerve compared to men. The most common one is carpal tunnel syndrome because females have a smaller carpal tunnel.
· Thyroid Disease: Thyroid disease also increases the risks of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
· Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in joints. The inflammation can compress nerves and cause a pinched nerve.
· Bone Spurs: Conditions that affect the bones, like osteoarthritis, could also increase the likelihood of developing pinched nerves. Osteoarthritis stiffens the bone and the spine, which narrows the space available for nerves to travel.
· Overuse: People whose occupations require constant use of hands and shoulders could very easily experience a pinched nerve. Such occupations could include assembly related jobs.
· Overweight: Excess weight gained during pregnancy or obesity exerts excess pressure on the nerves, which could cause swelling. In turn, such people could experience a pinched nerve.
· Other Factors: Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes increases the likelihood of nerve compression. Additionally, too much bed rest could also cause nerve compression.
Diagnosis Of A Pinched Nerve
When you visit the doctor and suspect a pinched nerve, they will have to carry out additional tests before treatment. The tests include:
· Electromyography: The specialist inserts a needle into the muscles to test their electrical activity when relaxing and contracting. They can then tell whether there is nerve damage affecting the muscle.
· Nerve Conduction Study: The doctor places electrodes on your skin to study muscle functioning and measure electrical impulses. A small current passes through the nerves during the study to help the doctor determine whether you have nerve damage.
· Magnetic Resonance Imaging: MRI uses a magnetic field to create a view of your body. The test checks whether you have nerve root compression.
· High-Resolution Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of your body. The doctor can use the test to confirm a nerve compression syndrome like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment Of A Pinched Nerve
You should seek medical attention if the pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling symptoms have gone on for several days without getting better, even after self-care measures. The doctor may use physical therapy, medications, or surgery for advanced symptoms.
Specialists at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery use the modern minimally invasive technology to ensure you recover as soon as possible with minimal discomfort. You may need to restrict your diet before treatment and bring a friend along. Book an appointment today for a consultation if you suspect you may be suffering from a pinched nerve.
