Pinched Nerves, What Causes and How Are the Symptoms?
Nerves have an important role in the body. Through the nervous system, communication between the body and brain runs smoothly. It’s just that the nerves can be affected, including the pinched nerve. What exactly is this condition, what are the causes and symptoms?
What is a pinched nerve?
Pinched nerve, or in Indonesian known as a pinched nerve, is a condition in which the nerve is compressed by its surrounding parts. When you experience a pinched nerve, your body sends a signal in the form of pain. Of course you should not underestimate the signs of a pinched nerve, because nerve damage can be large. We don’t know for sure if it hasn’t been checked.
The pinched nerve can be triggered when there is pressure on the nerve. Pressure can be caused by repetitive movements for a long period of time, for example, when the elbows are bent while sleeping. Nerve pressure can occur when nerves are pressed between tissues and ligaments, tendons, or bones. The most fragile nerves in our body are when they are placed in the narrow tissue in our body, but the soft tissue to protect those nerves is few.
Generally, the first pain is felt in the back, but it does not rule out the pain can appear in several parts of the body. For example, when the herniated disc puts pressure on your nerve roots, pain will also be felt in the back of your leg.
Various possible causes of a pinched nerve
Some of the conditions that can cause tissue to press on nerves are:
- Injured.
- Poor posture can put pressure on the spine and nerves.
- Rheumatism or arthritis of the wrist.
- Stress from repetitive work.
- Sports activities that are prone to injury.
- Excess weight also puts pressure on nerves.
In some cases, one of them is carpal tunnel syndrome (a condition that occurs in the fingers causing a tingling feeling); some tissues contribute to putting pressure on the nerves such as enlargement of the bone or thickening that eventually pinches the nerve. Generally, cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are experienced by women.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
Sometimes the symptoms of a pinched nerve are only pain in some parts of the body. Of course, we don’t even think about the pinched nerve. There are several other symptoms that you can look for, such as:
- Numbness, numbness, or decreased sensation of ‘feeling’ in areas with many nerves, for example pain in the neck or lower back.
- There is a sensation of pain or burning pain that radiates outward.
- Tingling sensation.
- Weakness of the muscles in the part that is suspected of having a pinched nerve.
- Often feel feet and hands do not feel anything.
- Taste like prickling needles.
Sometimes symptoms worsen when you try to perform certain movements, such as turning your head or tensing your neck.
There are several effects that can occur when a pinched nerve is left, such as the soft or protective tissue around the nerve can rupture. This can form fluid, which can cause swelling, extra pressure, and scarring. If the pinched nerve occurs for a short time, there is certainly no permanent damage to the nerve. However, if the pressure occurs continuously, of course, the nerves can be permanently damaged.
How do you deal with a pinched nerve?
Treatment varies depending on how severe the pain is, as well as the length of treatment performed. You may be asked to rest the injured area and avoid activities that will make your symptoms worse.
You need to see a doctor when symptoms persist and the pain becomes severe. You will need one or more medications to shrink the swollen tissue around the nerve.
The drugs you can use are:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen to reduce swelling.
- Oral corticosteroids to reduce pain and swelling.
- Steroid injection to reduce swelling, but you will experience inflammation before it finally heals.
In severe cases, your nerves may require cutting of several materials, such as:
- Scar tissue.
- Disc material.
- Bone section.
Can I go to alternative medicine? Before going to alternative medicine, it’s a good idea to go to your doctor first, to find out exactly where the pinched nerve is. The damaged nerves cannot be repaired, so it would be good if we consider which treatment is appropriate.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
