Usually, when people begin experiencing numbness, tingling sensation, or burning in their feet and hands, they don’t know what the problem is. In most cases, they think they might have lifted heavy weights or twisted their feet or arms. However, this is not the case because the above symptoms are associated with pinched nerves, especially when the foot or hand falls asleep. You should seek help when experiencing the above symptoms for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, if you are experiencing the above symptoms and seek treatment, Roswell pinched nerve specialists are here to your rescue. They diagnose and treat pinched nerves to reduce discomfort while sleeping before serious complications arise. If you want to learn more about pinched nerve conditions, read on.
What is a pinched nerve?
Typically, a pinched nerve occurs when bones, ligaments, or cartilage surrounding a nerve irritates or compresses it. And due to the compression, the nervous function of the affected nerve is altered, causing symptoms such as pain, burning, numbness, or tingling sensation. And apart from physical symptoms, a pinched nerve can also affect your motor function leading to muscle weakness. Of importance to note is that a pinched nerve can develop anywhere in your body, including your spine, feet, or hands.
What are pinched nerve conditions?
Several conditions usually develop due to a pinched nerve, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the function and sensation of your hand. Spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and bone spurs cause spinal canal narrowing, thus irritating or compressing the spinal canal. And can also compress your nerve roots as they leave the spine leading to conditions such as cervical or lumbar radiculopathy.
· Cervical radiculopathy
The pinched nerve is found around your neck or cervical spine in cervical radiculopathy.
· Lumbar radiculopathy
In this condition, the pinched nerve is usually found on your lower back or lower spine.
Generally, you can develop radiculopathy at any part of your spine. But in most cases, the lower back is commonly affected and more likely to develop lumbar radiculopathy. And with radiculopathy, the pinched nerves cause symptoms that radiate to the upper and lower extremities.
What happens during a pinched nerve evaluation?
During your appointment, your care provider begins by conducting a thorough evaluation to help him develop the best treatment plan for you. He also reviews your specific symptoms, and you must state when they started and activities that worsen the discomfort. The specialists also run some diagnostic tests and physical examinations to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. Some tests include a nerve conduction study, blood work, electromyography, MRI, x-rays, or CT scan. And after gathering all the details during your evaluation, your care provider creates a customized treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
How is a pinched nerve treated?
The treatment option depends on the part of the body affected, the severity of your symptoms, or the underlying cause. The first line of treatment is conservative treatment which includes pain relievers, injections, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and bracing or splinting.
A pinched nerve can worsen, causing serious problems if left untreated. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and seek relief, you can start by calling or booking your appointment online at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery.
