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Pinched Nerve Causes
Before you can understand pinched nerve causes, it’s important to know the structure and function of nerves that branch out of the spinal cord. These nerves begin at the spinal cord and extend out to specific parts of the body. To get there, they must pass through small spaces in the vertebrae called foraminal openings, and it is here that many compressed nerves occur.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, is a condition in which a nerve or nerve root has pressure put on it by other tissues. Depending on the amount of pressure, the nerve may be hindered from properly transmitting the electrical impulses it uses to convey messages to other parts of the body. Because the compressed nerve cannot transmit these signals, the afflicted person can experience symptoms such as pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the area of the body which that nerve controls. For example, compression of the lower back’s sciatic nerve can cause these symptoms to manifest in the lower back, behind the thigh and knee, and down into the sole of the foot because the sciatic nerve runs through those areas.
Although the resulting symptoms are similar, pinched nerve causes can vary and include:
- Bulging Disc
- Herniated Disc
- Degenerative Arthritis
- Bone Spurs
- Swollen Ligaments
- Trauma to the Body
Pinched Nerve Treatment
Thankfully, many pinched nerves resolve themselves over time or can be treated with conservative techniques like stretching, massage, and physical therapy. However, some pinched nerves may require more treatment. A minimally invasive procedure from Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be able to help by surgically removing the tissue impinging upon the nerve. To learn more about pinched nerve causes, or to get a free MRI or CT scan review, contact LSI today.