What Are The Symptoms Of A Pinched Nerve?

Numbness In Affected Area

Patients with a pinched nerve anywhere in the body may develop numbness in the affected area. If the upper limbs are affected, this may reduce the patient's ability to grasp objects, type, or lift objects. If the numbness affects the lower body, patients could have trouble walking, standing, or bearing weight on the affected limb, and this could increase their risk for falls or fractures. Periods of numbness may come and go, and the numbness often lasts for increasingly long periods in patients who have had a pinched nerve for a while. Sometimes, surgery to reduce nerve compression can be used to alleviate numbness. The type of surgery performed will depend on the location of the pinched nerve. Removal of bone spurs or parts of herniated discs may be beneficial for those who have compressed nerves in the spine, and surgery to widen the carpal tunnel can alleviate numbness for patients with this condition.

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Sharp or Aching Pain

Pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with a pinched nerve, and patients normally describe the pain as either a sharp or aching pain. The nature and severity of the pain can help the doctor determine the most appropriate treatment method. Normally, doctors recommend patients rest the affected area as much as possible to relieve pain, and this is especially important if the pinched nerve is caused by overuse. Over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain, and doctors may prescribe extra-strength versions of these if needed. Due to the risk of liver damage, patients should take these medicines in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time, and they should discuss alternative methods of pain relief with their healthcare team. The use of ice packs or heating pads may also help soothe pain, and these can be applied to the affected area for up to twenty minutes at a time as often as needed. Massage, active scar release, and physical therapy may all be useful in reducing the pain of a pinched nerve.

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