Pinched Nerve

Your nerves travel throughout your body, so a pinched nerve in your spine can affect your back, neck, and even arms and legs. At Max Steuer, MD, the private medical practice of renowned board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Max Steuer, MD, and dedicated physician assistant Carter Cooper, PAC, you’ll find compassionate care for chronic back and neck pain. Pinched nerve treatments can resolve your pain and get you back to an active life with your loved ones. Call the Atlanta, Georgia, office or book your appointment through the online scheduling feature now.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is a nerve under abnormal pressure. This happens when a spinal tumor, 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. 

Spinal cord stimulator placement (SCS) could be a good option if you have ongoing pinched nerve pain. The tiny device sits in your spine, near the painful nerve, and disrupts pain signals. An SCS can reduce your pain by half or more, and it works best in combination with physical therapy and a healthy lifestyle.

If your pinched nerve occurs due to a spinal tumor, you may need surgery, particularly for malignant (cancerous) tumors. Dr. Steuer is an outstanding neurosurgeon known for his masterful use of minimally invasive surgical techniques like robotic spine surgery. 

Call Max Steuer, MD, or click on the online scheduler to arrange your appointment today.