Pinched Nerve Q&A

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is a nerve under abnormal pressure. This happens when a disc, spinal bone, or another type of tissue grows abnormally or moves out of its normal position, pushing on the nearby nerve.

Pinched nerves are most common in the lower back and neck but can also occur in areas like the hand, wrist, and elbow.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Pinched nerves can cause symptoms such as:

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Leg pain 

  • Arm pain

  • Wrist pain

  • Elbow pain

  • Pain that radiates from your back to your leg (sciatica)

  • Pain that radiates from your neck to your arm (cervical radiculopathy) 

  • Pins-and-needles sensations

  • Numbness

  • Muscle weakness

Many people with pinched nerves also experience sleep disturbances because lying flat can exert extra pressure on the trapped nerve. 

What causes a pinched nerve?

Numerous issues can cause a pinched nerve, including: 

  • Herniated disc

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Spinal tumors

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Bone spurs

  • Cubital tunnel syndrome

  • Sudden injury

  • Extra weight

  • Pregnancy

Any condition that causes changes in the bone or tissue surrounding nerves can lead to a pinched nerve.

How do you treat a pinched nerve?

Dr. Steuer offers empathetic care for pinched nerves. He carefully considers how pinched nerve symptoms are holding you back from enjoying your life and works with you to create a treatment plan that gets you back to doing what you love. 

Dr. Steuer starts with conservative options, such as physical therapy, a personalized home exercise program, and a healthy lifestyle to help free pinched nerves.

For ongoing pinched nerve pain or other disruptive symptoms, Dr. Steuer may recommend corticosteroid injections to diminish inflammation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. 

Call Max Steuer, MD, to arrange your appointment today.