A pinched nerve is damage or compression to a nerve or nerve root from bone, tendons or muscles. A pinched nerve can happen anyplace in the body--from a herniated disk in your back to compressed nerves in your wrist--with varying degrees of severity, and different treatments offered.
Causes
A herniated spinal disk is bone or cartilage putting pressure on a spinal nerve. Compression from swollen tendons or enlarged bone will pinch nerves in the wrist. Sports, injury, poor posture, repetitive movements from your job or hobby, osteoarthritis and obesity are some causes of pinched nerves.
Symptoms
Pinched nerve symptoms include numbness, muscle weakness, tingling and a pins-and-needles feeling in the affected area. These symptoms may become worse at night. A pinched nerve in the neck will have symptoms of neck pain and stiffness, with these sensations running down your arm. A pinched nerve in the back may include symptoms of back pain or numbness running down one leg. A pinched nerve in the wrist will exhibit signs of weakness in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Diagnosis
When a pinched nerve is suspected, your doctor will perform a nerve conduction study. This procedure involves electrodes placed on your skin to stimulate the nerve with a small electrical impulse. The test will tell your doctor if the nerve is damaged. Electromyography measures electrical discharges produced from your muscles. A thin needle is inserted into your muscle in order to record electrical activity as you contract and rest your muscle. An MRI may be performed to check for nerve root compression in your spine.
Treatment
Rest is normally recommended for the affected area. A splint or brace may help support a pinched nerve in the elbow or wrist. Physical therapy can help you strengthen and stretch muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve and Advil can relieve pain and inflammation. When the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a prescription anti-inflammatory. Corticosteroid injections may be given to alleviate inflammation surrounding the pinched nerve.
Surgery
When other treatments fail, surgery may be an option. The surgery will vary depending on the affected nerve. Surgery for a herniated disk may involve removal of part of the disk or bone spurs affecting the nerve. Surgery on the wrist or elbow might entail cutting a ligament to allow more room for the nerve.
Prevention/Solution
Maintain a healthy weight and good posture to keep unnecessary pressure off nerves. Try to limit repetitive movements by taking breaks, and add stretching exercises to your daily routine.
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