A “pinched nerve” – or radiculopathy – is a compressed nerve that occurs when too much pressure is applied by surrounding tissues. These surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons that press on nerve roots can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in different areas of the body. The pressure disrupts the nerve’s function and can lead to irritation or damage to a peripheral nerve – any nerve outside the brain and spinal cord – and result in pain, tingling, and numbness or weakness. This usually occurs in the lower back but can also affect the neck or other parts of the spine. Nerves can also become pinched by tendons and ligaments of the arms or legs – this is known as mononeuropathy. 

The spine is made of many bones called vertebrae and the spinal cord runs down through the center of these bones. Nerve roots branch off the cord extended themselves between each vertebra. It’s these roots that can become compressed and cause problems with daily living and, worst-case scenario, permanent nerve damage. 

There are two main causes of pinched nerves. The first is degenerative disc disease whereby the discs shrink, becoming more rigid. This reduction in spinal flexibility and narrowing of the nerve root space puts pressure on the nerves. The second cause is a slipped, herniated, or ruptured disc – which is more common in younger patients.

Pinched nerves are common and every year, almost 85 out of 100,000 adults in the US suffer a pinched nerve. Though it can affect people of any age, the condition is most common in those aged 50 and older due to arthritis and degeneration in the spine. 

Pinched nerves can affect several areas of the body:

A pinched nerve in the lumbar spine (the lower back) will cause pain in the back, hips, buttocks and, even, legs.

A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can result in a stiff neck though the pain and numbness can also affect the shoulder and arm. There are 8 nerve roots in the neck which control muscles so pain can radiate to various areas of the upper body and arms.

Thoracic radiculopathy will cause pain in the chest area.

Patients may also experience pinched nerves in their hands, elbow, and wrist (commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome).

Risk factors include those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroid disease, Bone spurs, Diabetes, Pregnancy-related weight gain, prolonged periods of bed rest, or occupations requiring repetitive motion or heavy lifting. 

Symptoms include sharp pain in the back that may travel all the way down, numbness, weakness, sharp pain in the arm or shoulder, a feeling of pins and needles, and worsening pain when moving or turning the head.

Though a pinched nerve is often painful, it’s usually treatable with rest, over-the-counter medication, and physical therapy. Most people recover fully and quickly from a pinched nerve, however, for those that don’t, seeing a specialist such as Leon Anijar, MD, at his new South Beach location, is the next best option. 

A pinched nerve is usually diagnosed via physical exam. Dr. Anijar and his team will test a patient’s reflexes, their ability to feel and to move muscles. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MR may also provide information into the structures of the neck or back. 

In many cases, treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotic medicines for more severe pain, and muscle relaxants are prescribed. A physical therapy regimen may also be implemented. However, some patients need more advanced albeit minimally invasive treatments like steroidal injections, nerve blocks, Discogram, and regenerative medicine. 

Dr. Anijar, “Miami’s Best Pinched Nerve Doctor” and Spine and Wellness Centers of America (SWCA) are experts at providing patients the most current diagnostic methods as well as highly individualized treatment options. Backed by the most advanced technology and cutting-edge programs, the outlook for full recovery is excellent for most patients.