When the nerves that extend from your brain through your spinal cord to the rest of your body become pinched, your body will send out pain signals to tell you that something is wrong. A pinched nerve may become compressed as a result of pressure by the surrounding bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons or scar tissue.
Damage can be minor or severe, and depending on when you get this situation corrected, the pain can be temporary or long-lasting.
Underlying conditions and ailments can lead to a pinched nerve. Some of the most common causes of nerve compression include:
- Poor posture
- Overuse, including conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Traumatic injuries
- Obesity
- Playing sports
- Exercise
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Bone Spurs
The body’s nerves are most vulnerable to compression when they are passing through narrow spaces and have a minimal amount of soft tissue to protect them.
One of the most common causes of a pinched nerve is a herniated disc. When the nucleus pulposus, or gel-like center of a vertebral disc, breaks through the outer ligament, the disc is considered herniated. The protrusion can lead to pressure on the nearby nerve root.
Pinched nerves most often lead to numbness, muscle weakness, sharp pain and tingling sensations. If you feel that your foot or hand frequently falls asleep, this might also be a sign of a pinched nerve.
Most importantly, you should get a professional consultation to determine if you do have a pinched nerve to determine your options for treatment.
Pinched Nerve Surgery
If physical therapy or medications are not providing the relief you seek, it might be time to consider a surgical procedure. At The Bonati Spine Institute, there are multiple surgical options for the treatment of a pinched nerve.
The Bonati Spine Procedures utilize a small incision and there is minimal dissection of muscle fibers. This causes far less trauma to the tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones, joints and nerves of the spine, which minimizes scar tissue formation after the surgery. These procedures are performed using conscious IV sedation and local anesthesia, therefore, the patient is comfortable, responsive, and able to provide feedback to the doctors as the pain is alleviated.
The specialists at The Bonati Institute can help answer all your questions about the pinched nerve surgery options available.
Through an extensive analysis of your MRI or CT scans, a full physical examination and evaluation of your symptoms, the specialists can determine what is causing your pain and the best treatment option for you.
The Bonati Spine Institute offers a no obligation, free review of MRIs. To schedule your consultation, call 855-267-0482.