A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding tissue. This can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness. This most often occurs due to a herniated disk, which could result for a variety of reasons. A pinched nerve typically affects the neck, upper back, or lower back.
Pinched nerve: What are the main causes?
Several of the most common causes of a pinched nerve include a sports injury, repetitive motions, aging, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and diabetes. The following is an in-depth review of each cause of a pinched nerve, how you may be able to avoid it, and what to do if a pinched nerve occurs.
Sports injury
A sports injury is one of the most common root causes of a pinched nerve. This could be the result of lifting heavy weights suddenly, twisting in unusual ways, or in a variety of other ways. A pinched nerve is not a serious concern as long as prompt care is received (although the severity level may vary). Most athletes are able to return to their respective sport within a week or two following the pinched nerve injury.
Repetitive motions
Repetitive motions can cause a pinched nerve as well. This could be in the form of consistently lifting boxes while at work, or it could be as simple as typing for extended hours each day. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a more common type of nerve compression that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand.
Wear and tear (aging)
As the spine ages and is subject to additional wear and tear, the risk of a pinched nerve increases. This is particularly the result of the vertebrae moving closer together, which can cause a nerve to become compressed. Spinal discs also flatten over time, which can also increase the risk of a pinched nerve in the back or neck.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Individuals who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are often at a greater risk of enduring a pinched nerve. Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common condition that causes the joints to become inflamed, which can place excess pressure on the nerves and cause a pinched nerve.
Obesity
Obesity may also increase the risk of a pinched nerve and become a contributing factor. Excess weight can block the nerve pathway and cause pressure on the nerves, leading a nerve to become compressed and cause discomfort.
Diabetes
High glucose levels can increase the risk of a pinched nerve. In general, high glucose levels in the blood can damage nerves over time. This increases the risk of a pinched nerve as well as increasing the risk of other types of nerve damage.
Contact us if you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve
If you experience symptoms of a pinched nerve, contact our chiropractic team today. We offer pinched nerve treatment to help relieve any discomfort you experience as quickly as possible so you can return to normal. Reach out today to get scheduled.
Are you considering pinched nerve treatment in the Reno area? Get more information at https://www.renospinecare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Pinched Nerve in Reno, NV.
Recent Posts
Almost 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives and will seek spinal pain treatment. Chiropractic adjustment can help with spinal pain management. However, most of the time, chiropractors suggest other remedies as well. Read more to find out how you can find immediate relief for your spinal pain.Admittedly,…
Many have heard of a wellness center but may not have a clear understanding of what they actually are or how they treat patients. By learning more about the role a wellness center plays and the benefits of visiting one can offer you, you can decide whether you should visit one for a consultation to…
Cervical spine decompression is a surgical procedure that can help relieve pressure on neural elements and to reduce pain caused by neural impingement. Decompression surgery may be recommended as the primary treatment for herniated disc and cervical spinal stenosis. It can also help treat cervical injuries including fractures, spinal cord tumors and other expanding diseases.…
A chiropractic adjustment can improve pain and dysfunction. Many forms of chiropractic care have become very popular for treating a number of different disorders. More and more people are finding relief in this method of medicine, and with good reason.In this article, we outline what chiropractic care is and how adjustments work. Being aware of…