Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves are common but can become extremely painful and debilitating when left untreated. At North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates in Ridgewood, New Jersey, highly trained neurosurgeons Amanda Carpenter, MD, and Duncan Carpenter, MD, provide treatments for a pinched nerve that eliminate numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an evaluation online today.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve happens when there is excessive pressure placed on a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as tendons, muscles, bones, or cartilage. This can lead to pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, or other uncomfortable symptoms. The experts at North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates offer treatments that reduce pressure on painful nerves. 

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve can lead to:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning discomfort
• Sharp pain
• Aching
• Radiating pain
• Pins and needles
• Weakness

The pain caused by a pinched nerve may worsen when you’re sleeping or moving around. Its severity ranges from mild to severe.

What can cause a pinched nerve?

Factors that cause a pinched nerve affecting the neck or back include:

• Herniated disc
• Motor vehicle accident injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Age-related wear
• Heaving lifting
• Sports injuries
• Arthritis
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Obesity
• Bone spurs
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Prolonged bed rest

Many people develop sciatica, characterized by pressure placed on the sciatic nerve.

Ways to diminish the risk of a pinched nerve in the neck or back include maintaining good posture, doing flexibility and strength exercises regularly, limiting repetitive strain, and maintaining a healthy body weight. 

How are pinched nerves diagnosed?

Diagnosing a pinched nerve requires a review of your symptoms and medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Your specialist may order lab testing, a lumbar puncture, X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, or nerve testing to confirm a diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan. 

How are pinched nerves treated?

The North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates experts may suggest one or more of the following treatments for a pinched nerve:

• Rest 
• Ice or heat packs
• Physical therapy
• Splint, brace, or collar
• Spinal adjustments
• Medications
• Injections
• Minimally invasive surgery

If you require surgery, your specialist can remove part or all of a herniated disc in your spine (discectomy), eliminate bone spurs, or complete other procedures that lessen pressure placed on a pinched nerve to provide relief. 

It’s important to follow up with the North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates experts to ensure exceptional results. They also offer treatments for other pain-causing conditions affecting your nerves or spine.

To reduce the risk of future problems, maintain healthy habits and contact North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates at the first sign of discomfort.

If you suspect you have a pinched nerve, schedule an evaluation at North Jersey Neurosurgical Associates by phone or online today.