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Pinched Nerves

The Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Have you ever experienced numbness and or tingling into the arms or legs. This is usually the pain sign of a pinched nerve. It can also pain to travel down either the arms or legs. The symptoms can either be down onside or even bilateral. You can experience muscle weakness and if left untreated, loss of muscle function.

The Causes of a Pinched Nerve

Here are some of the most typical causes of a pinched nerve:

  • Aging: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerative disc disease (DDD) directly affect the spine with can place pressure on the nerves.
  • OA, a common disorder as we age, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage which is the soft tissue between joints. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion and can cause the muscle to spasm and place pressure on the nerve.
  • Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness, when these nerves are unable to function normally. This can also happen in the lower back or lumbar spine and cause symptoms down the legs.
  • Degenerative disc disease of D.D.D can cause a decreased height of discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.
  •  Poor posture, obesity or being overweight, and weak core muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate and cause the muscle to spasm in the shoulder. De-condtioned core muscles can cause the low back muscles to spasm and put pressure on the nerves as well. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and the arms.

Treatment for Pinched Nerves

Dr. Gibson at RTP Chiropractic in Morrisville NC is highly trained and skilled to diagnosis the underlying cause of your condition. He will develop treatment recommendations as well as home instructions to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about the treatment options for these types of conditions, don’t hesitate to call the office at anytime.