Pinched Nerve: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments in Philadelphia

Pinched nerves can be a source of intense pain and discomfort, and they affect millions of people in the US. Whether it’s shooting pain down your back or an electric shock sensation in your limbs, pinched nerves can significantly hinder daily activities and affect your quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for this condition can enable you to find relief and prevent further complications.

NJ Spine & Orthopedic is proud to be a leading spine and orthopedic care provider in Philadelphia. Our team of board-certified physicians and surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including pinched nerves. Read on to learn more about how we can help.

Causes of Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves can be attributed to various factors, each contributing to the compression and irritation of nerve fibers. One common cause is poor posture, which has become increasingly prevalent in our modern sedentary lifestyles. Prolonged periods of slouching or sitting in awkward positions put undue pressure on certain nerves, leading to inflammation and discomfort. 

Another significant cause of pinched nerves is herniated discs. These occur when the intervertebral discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae bulge due to age-related wear and tear or sudden injuries. The displaced discs can put pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, tingling, and numbness along the affected nerve pathway. 

Repetitive motion is also a contributing factor to pinched nerves. Activities that involve repetitive movements or overuse of specific muscle groups, such as frequent typing, heavy lifting, or certain sports, may lead to nerve compression. Pinched nerves can also be linked to spinal stenosis, which is characterized by the spinal canal narrowing. This causes pain and limited mobility, particularly in the neck and lower back.

Symptoms of Pinched Nerves

One of the most common and distinctive symptoms of pinched nerves is radiating pain. The pain originates from the compressed nerve and travels along its pathway, causing discomfort in other body areas. For example, pinched nerves in the neck area may culminate in pain that extends down the arm, while those in the lower back can cause pain shooting down the leg. The intensity of the pain can vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the nerve compression. 

Individuals with pinched nerves may also experience numbness and tingling sensations. Numbness and tingling can be intermittent or persistent and may affect one or both sides of the body. Moreover, muscle weakness may accompany pinched nerves, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities.

The affected muscles may feel fatigued and not respond as effectively as usual. In severe cases, muscle weakness can lead to mobility issues and hinder normal functioning. In some individuals, there may be sensory changes, leading to alterations in how the affected area perceives touch and other sensations. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider seeking medical attention promptly.

Pinched Nerve Diagnosis

Our experienced medical team follows a comprehensive approach to ensure an accurate diagnosis of pinched nerves. We begin by gathering a detailed medical history from the patient. Our specialists ask about symptoms, any previous injuries or medical conditions, and the duration and progression of the symptoms. The medical background helps us identify potential risk factors and narrow down the possible causes of the pinched nerve.

Following the medical history, we conduct a thorough physical examination. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the affected area to check for any signs of nerve compression. We rely on a precise physical examination to better understand the nature and severity of the pinched nerve.

To gain a clearer view of the spine and any potential abnormalities causing nerve compression, we may also employ advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. They give detailed views of the spine, allowing our medical team to visualize any herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis that may be causing nerve compression. The results we get at this stage are critical to developing an appropriate treatment plan for patients.

Treatments for Pinched Nerves

We offer various treatments to manage pinched nerves for patients in Philadelphia effectively. The treatment choice is subject to the severity of your condition and other factors. We may recommend non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate cases of pinched nerves. These could include: 

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve posture 
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling 
• Rest to allow the affected area to heal
• Activity modification to prevent further nerve compression

If conservative treatments are ineffective, we may consider minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laminoforaminotomy. This is particularly common when a herniated disc causes the pinched nerve condition.

During laminoforaminotomy, our surgeon removes a portion of the bulged disc using modern, minimally invasive techniques. In more severe cases, we may have to fully remove the herniated disc causing a pinched nerve and replace it with an artificial one. 

Get Reliable Pinched Nerve Treatment in Philadelphia at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

Do not let a pinched nerve go untreated, as it can lead to more severe complications. If you notice any symptoms discussed in this article, seek prompt medical intervention. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we understand the impact pinched nerves can have on your daily life and are here to help you find relief. Our Concierge Team is also here to help streamline your treatment appointments to reduce stress. 

Our board-certified specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art facilities. With a patient-centric approach, we strive to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Contact us online today or call us at (866) 553-0612 to receive the highest level of care for your pinched nerve condition in Philadelphia.