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A pinched nerve is a condition in which pressure on the nerves of your spine causes pain, tingling, numbness and other symptoms. A pinched nerve is sometimes caused by a herniated disc in your spine.
The Dallas pain management specialists at the DFW Laser Spine Institute offer minimally invasive treatments to help relieve the discomfort of a pinched nerve.
Your symptoms may feel worse when you are lying down or when you first wake up.3
A pinched nerve can happen when bones, muscles, or tendons start to press too hard on a nerve.1 In some cases, a herniated disc may put pressure on your nerve root and cause pain that travels down the back of your leg.1 Pinched nerves can also occur in your neck or wrist. A pinched nerve can put you at higher risk for other problems as well, such as sciatica and arm pain.3
Certain conditions such as an injury, arthritis, obesity or stress on your body from repetitive work can cause a nerve to become compressed.1
You should seek medical care if your symptoms of a pinched nerve last for several days and aren’t helped with at-home care such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.1 Early diagnosis of a pinched nerve is important to prevent further damage or complications.2
In addition to reviewing symptoms and performing a physical exam, DFW specialists may order imaging studies such as an x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, a neurological test called an electromyogram and nerve conduction study, or EMG/NCS, can help identify the affected nerve.4
Conservative treatments for a pinched nerve include rest, pain-relieving medications, corticosteroid injections and physical therapy.2,3 If your pinched nerve symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments, you may need surgery to take pressure off the nerve, such as removing a part of a herniated disc.1
If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by a pinched nerve, don’t wait. Research has shown that the longer symptoms go on, the harder they become to treat.4 With the right treatment, most people recover from pinched nerve.2
At DFW Laser Spine Institute, our specialists offer a number of treatment options for a pinched nerve and specialize in minimally invasive procedures. Contact us to learn how we can help relieve your pain and restore your quality of life.
1 Mayo Clinic. Pinched Nerve. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746. Accessed September 24, 2019.
2 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Pinched Nerve Information Page. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Pinched-Nerve-Information-Page. Accessed September 24, 2019.
3 Medical News Today. How to treat a pinched nerve. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320045.php. Accessed September 24, 2019.
4 North American Spine Society. Pinched Nerve. Available at: https://www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Conditions/Other/Pinched-Nerve. Accessed September 24, 2019.
The Doctors at DFW Laser Spine Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
