What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, such as a disc, bone, or ligament, presses on a nerve and disrupts the signals it carries. In the spine, this pressure most often affects a nerve root as it exits the spinal canal, also known as radiculopathy. When it happens in the neck, it is called cervical radiculopathy, while lumbar radiculopathy occurs in the lower back.
Because spinal nerves travel out to your arms and legs, a pinched nerve in your spine can cause symptoms far from the source of the problem. Pressure on a nerve in your neck may lead to pain or tingling in your shoulder, arm, or hand, while a compressed nerve in your lower back may cause pain that radiates through your hip and down your leg.
If you have been living with this kind of pain, you know how much it can affect your work, your sleep, and your ability to enjoy the activities you love. At Spine Solutions in Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Coral Gables, Dr. Behnam Myers can help you overcome pinched nerve pain and resume the active, healthy life you want.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
Anything that narrows the space around a spinal nerve can lead to compression. The most common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging discs: When the soft inner material of a disc pushes outward, it can press directly on a nearby nerve root.
- Degenerative disc disease: As discs lose height and hydration with age, the openings where nerves exit the spine can narrow.
- Bone spurs: Arthritis in the spine can cause bony growths that crowd nearby nerves.
- Spinal stenosis: A gradual narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings can place pressure on multiple nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can pinch the nerve roots between them.
- Injury or repetitive strain: Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and repetitive motions or poor posture can contribute to nerve irritation.
Age, excess body weight, and jobs that involve heavy lifting or long hours at a desk can also raise your risk. Request an appointment with our team of spine specialists today for a full evaluation of your specific symptoms and pinched nerve condition.
Common Pinched Nerve Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which nerve is affected and how much pressure it is under. You may notice:
- Sharp, burning, or aching pain that radiates into your arm or leg
- Numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in your hand, fingers, foot, or toes
- Muscle weakness that makes it harder to grip objects, lift your arm, or walk normally
- Pain that worsens when you cough, sneeze, or move your neck or back in certain ways
- Radiating leg pain known as sciatica when a lower back nerve is involved
- Symptoms that feel worse at night or after sitting for long periods
Mild symptoms sometimes improve with rest, but pain that lingers, spreads, or comes with weakness deserves an evaluation. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or sudden weakness in your legs, seek emergency care right away.
Pinched Nerve Treatments in South Florida
The right treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Myers will review your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical and neurological exam, and may order imaging such as MRI, CT, or X-rays to pinpoint exactly where and why a nerve is being compressed. In some cases, nerve studies such as an EMG help confirm which nerve is involved.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Pinched Nerves
Most patients start with conservative treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may include a short period of activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture, anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medications, and targeted injections that reduce inflammation around the affected nerve. For many patients, these approaches allow the irritated nerve to calm down and symptoms to improve over time.
Surgical Treatment for Pinched Nerve Relief
When pain persists despite conservative care, or when weakness or numbness is getting worse, surgery may be the best way to relieve pressure on the nerve and protect its long-term function. Depending on the cause of your pinched nerve, Dr. Myers may recommend:
- Discectomy to remove the portion of a disc pressing on a nerve
- Laminectomy to create more room within the spinal canal
- Artificial disc replacement to relieve compression while preserving motion
- Spinal fusion to stabilize a segment that is causing ongoing nerve pressure.
Whenever appropriate, he uses minimally invasive spine surgery techniques designed to limit disruption to healthy tissue and support a smoother recovery.
Get Expert Pinched Nerve Relief in Miami, FL
You do not have to keep working around nerve pain. Led by Dr. Behnam Myers, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful spinal outcomes, Spine Solutions welcomes patients from across Miami and South Florida at our offices in Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Coral Gables. We accept all major PPO insurance plans.
Request an appointment online now to get relief from pinched nerves from the world-class spine specialists at Spine Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinched Nerve Pain
Can a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Sometimes. Mild cases caused by temporary inflammation may improve with rest and conservative care. However, symptoms that last more than a few weeks, keep coming back, or include weakness should be evaluated by a spine specialist.
How long does a pinched nerve last?
Recovery time varies widely based on the cause and severity of compression. Some people feel better within days or weeks, while others need ongoing treatment. A proper diagnosis helps set realistic expectations for your recovery.
Is a pinched nerve the same as sciatica?
Sciatica is one type of pinched nerve. It refers specifically to compression of the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, which causes pain radiating from the lower back down the leg.
When should I see a doctor for a pinched nerve?
Schedule a visit if your pain does not improve with rest, interferes with daily life, or comes with numbness or weakness. Early care can help prevent lasting nerve damage.
Does insurance cover pinched nerve treatment?
Wr accept all major PPO insurance plans. Our patient care team can help you understand your coverage before your appointment.
