INFORMATION ON PINCHED NERVE

A pinched nerve is a common term that describes an injury to a nerve or it can be group of nerves. Nerves that are near or pass through bones or other hard tissues are most susceptible to pinching. Damage may include compression of nerve, constriction or stretching of nerves.

CAUSES OF PINCHED NERVE

Pinched nerve usually results when a nerve is squeezed or compressed by a ligament or tendon, or between a bone and a ligament or tendon.
Various spinal conditions, such as a herniated disc or arthritis, can create rough spots in the bone through which a nerve root passes. Overuse, as in carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause a pinched nerve.

SYMPTOMS OF PINCHED NERVE

1. Numbness
2. Paresthesia
3. Pain
4. Blindness.

DIAGNOSIS OF PINCHED NERVE

Clinically pinched nerve can be identified by following tests:-

1. CT scan.
2. X-ray.
3. MRI.

TREATMENT OF PINCHED NERVE

Treatment will depend upon the specific causes and location of the pinched nerve.

Treatment include:-

1. Pain-relieving drugs
2. Surgery
3. Cortisone injections
4. Physical therapy


The main goal of treatment is to give the nerve root space it needs. This practice is usually done by shrinking the swollen tissue around the nerve and removing scar tissue that developed around the nerve from chronic swelling and tenderness or by removing the disc or bone spurs that are pressing on the nerve.