Understanding and Treating Pinched Nerves
Updated: 3 days ago
A “pinched nerve” usually describes a nerve irritated or compressed by surrounding structures. Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness can occur, but these symptoms have other possible causes and need an appropriate assessment.
The location and pattern matter
Symptoms may travel from the neck into an arm or from the lower back into a leg. A nerve can also be compressed away from the spine. Burning in both feet is not automatically a spinal problem.
What an evaluation should clarify
A clinician reviews the history and checks strength, sensation and other relevant findings. Depending on the pattern, medical testing or referral may be needed. Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes or another systemic cause should not be treated as if every case were a joint out of alignment.
Useful details to bring to an appointment
- Mark where the symptoms begin and travel, whether one or both sides are affected and how long they last.
- Describe activities that trigger symptoms and any change in grip, walking, balance or ability to lift the foot.
- Bring a medication list, relevant medical diagnoses and any existing imaging or test results.
- Ask what treatment targets the suspected cause, what benefit is realistic and when progress will be reviewed. Do not stop prescribed medicines without the prescriber.
Weakness and bladder symptoms change the urgency
New or progressive weakness requires prompt medical review. Back or leg symptoms with new bladder or bowel dysfunction, numbness around the groin, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs require emergency evaluation. Sudden one-sided weakness or speech difficulty means call 911.
Discuss symptoms in Waynesville
Haywood Spine and Nerve Center is at 136 Waynesville Plaza, Suite 1, Waynesville, NC 28786. Call (828) 456-5700 to ask about an evaluation and appropriate referral. Emergency symptoms need emergency care.
An assessment can help determine whether musculoskeletal care, medical coordination or a specialist referral is appropriate. Adjustment is not a guaranteed nerve cure.
Comments