Neuropathy and Pinched Nerves: How Are They Treated?

You know your nerves make it possible for you to feel textures and test surface temperatures, but it may surprise you to learn that nerves also control other bodily functions, such as digestion. 

When something compresses or damages a nerve, you may experience a wide range of symptoms from tingling and numbness, to sharp pain and loss of coordination. 

Fortunately, you can find relief from nerve problems at SamWell Institute for Pain Management in Colonia and Livingston, New Jersey. Led by renowned pain management expert Dr. Jay M. Shah, our team accurately diagnoses the underlying cause of your nerve condition and develops an effective treatment plan incorporating the most advanced, evidence-based technology. Here’s what you need to know about neuropathy and pinched nerves and how we treat them.

Pinched nerves

Compressed nerves, often called pinched nerves, occur when other body parts crowd or push on your nerves or nerve roots. This is a common occurrence in the spine, where the space is tight and any slight anomaly can press against a nerve and cause symptoms.

Spinal arthritis is one of the most common culprits behind pinched nerves. As the cartilage in your spinal joints erodes, the bones rub against one another and cause friction that leads to osteophytes, or bone spurs, which impede your nerves as they travel in and out of your spinal column.

Spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spine caused by dehydrated discs that shrink and decrease the space in your spine — also causes pinched nerves.

Cervical radiculopathy

A pinched nerve in the cervical (neck) region of your spine is called cervical radiculopathy. It can stem from inflammation that irritates your nerves in the area, or damage caused by a bone spur, degenerated disc disease, or a herniated disc.

Thoracic radiculopathy

Chest pain that’s not related to digestive or heart problems may point to thoracic radiculopathy — a pinched nerve in the middle of your spine.

Lumbar radiculopathy

When nerve compression occurs in your lumbar spine (lower back), it’s called lumbar radiculopathy. If the compression involves your sciatic nerve, you may feel symptoms anywhere along the length of it, from your lower back all the way down to your foot. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Although most pinched nerves occur in the spine, any nerve in your body can become compressed by inflammation or injury. One of the most common repetitive stress injuries — carpal tunnel syndrome — happens when the tissues in your forearm become inflamed due to overuse, and they press on the median nerve that runs through your wrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy refers to any problem or damage that interrupts the communication network in your nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy can affect your motor, sensory, or autonomic nerves, and your symptoms vary depending on which nerves are involved.

In addition to compression, neuropathy stems from other conditions, such as:

• Trauma that stretches or severs a nerve
• Diabetes
• Vascular issues
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chemotherapy
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Infections
• Failed back surgery
• Failed neck surgery

These are just a few of the known causes of peripheral neuropathy, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before moving forward with treatment. 

Diagnosing neuropathy and pinched nerves

Dr. Shah uses the latest technology to get an accurate diagnosis and find out exactly which nerves are causing your symptoms. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans reveal visual information that allows Dr. Shah to see the nerve path in relation to the rest of your anatomy.

He also employs electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests to measure the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles. This helps him determine whether the problem is in your muscles and nerves.

Treating neuropathy and pinched nerves

The right treatment for your neuropathy or pinched nerve depends entirely on what’s causing it. 

Some nerve pain benefits from temporary disruption that offers relief while you participate in physical therapy to help heal the condition. For this, you might undergo:

• Epidural steroid injections to numb your pain immediately and reduce inflammation for longer-lasting relief
• Radiofrequency nerve ablation to heat the affected nerve and stop it from sending pain signals to your brain
• Nerve block to anesthetize the affected nerve and “reset” it

Some nerve problems require more advanced procedures to stop the pain and address the issue long-term. These treatments may include:

Spinal cord stimulation

To supply ongoing pain relief, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) — an implanted device that sends low-voltage electrical currents to the affected nerve — stops the pain signals between your nerve and your brain.

MILD

If you have spinal stenosis, Dr. Shah may perform minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) to create more space in your spine by carefully removing small portions of your cartilage and bone. It’s a quick and easy procedure that requires only a tiny incision and has you up and walking in about an hour.

Don’t live with the symptoms of neuropathy or pinched nerves. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah for an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment available. Call or click today.