Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve can cause pain and dysfunction throughout your body. If you suffer from symptoms like tingling or burning pain, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for pinched nerves.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).

What causes a pinched nerve?

Common causes include:

Herniated disc: When the soft interior of a disc bulges out, it can press on nearby nerves.
Bone spurs: Overgrowth of bone due to arthritis can narrow the space where nerves travel, leading to compression.
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves within the spine.
Injury: Trauma to the spine from accidents or sports injuries can result in nerve compression.
Repetitive motion: Movements that involve repeated bending, lifting, or twisting can irritate the nerves over time.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve is compressed:
- Localized pain: Sharp or aching pain near the site of the pinched nerve, often in the neck or lower back.
- Radiating pain: Pain that travels down the arm or leg, often described as sharp or burning.
- Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation in the area served by the affected nerve, such as the hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- Muscle weakness: Severe compression can result in weakness in the muscles controlled by the nerve.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves:

Physical exam: Dr. Woods will assess your pain and check for muscle weakness or signs of nerve damage.
Imaging tests:
- MRI or CT scan: These provide a detailed view of the soft tissues in the spine, allowing Dr. Woods to detect nerve compression.
- X-rays: Used to rule out other causes of nerve pain, such as fractures or spinal misalignment.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test measures electrical activity in your muscles to evaluate nerve function and detect nerve damage. EMG can help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve compression by identifying how well nerves communicate with muscles.

What treatments are available for a pinched nerve?

Treatment options include:

Non-surgical treatments:
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Exercises can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.
Surgical treatments:
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove the portion of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve.
- Laminectomy: Removal of a small portion of bone or ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Foraminotomy: During this procedure, Dr. Woods expands the hole in your vertebrae where the nerve roots exit, called the foramen.